Gestión sostenible de residuos sólidos orgánicos en la Mancomunidad del Pueblo Cañari: Potencial aprovechamiento mediante Digestión Anaerobia

Abstract

Organic solid waste (OSW) has become a global issue due to high generation rates. This study evaluated the potential for OSW valorization through anaerobic digestion in the Mancomunidad del Pueblo Cañari. The analyzed OSW presented a volatile solids content of 51.61 % and a biochemical methane potential (BMP) of 326.41 NmL CH₄/gVS, confirming a considerable capacity for energy generation. Through a material flow analysis, the composting process was found to have an efficiency of 37,8 %. However, the implementation of an anaerobic digestion system could generate 577.77 m³/day of biogas, equivalent to 1,843.73 kWh/day of electricity and 13,222.56 MJ/day of thermal energy, providing environmental benefits such as greenhouse gas reduction and, from a social perspective, promoting the use of biogas as a clean energy source for homes. Finally, the economic analysis estimated an investment of USD 580,979.59, with a positive Net Present Value (NPV) of USD 571,768.33, an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 31,4 %, and a payback period of 2.5 years, confirming the technical, social, and financial feasibility of the proposed model.