Treatment of Swine Biogas Digester Effluent Using Volcanic Ash–Chitosan Composite Ceramic Membranes

Authors

  • Rhonalyn V. Maulion Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Batangas State University – The National Engineering University, Alangilan Campus, Batangas City, Philippines
  • Rejie C. Magnaye Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Batangas State University – The National Engineering University, Alangilan Campus, Batangas City, Philippines
  • Sicly B. Tiu Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Batangas State University – The National Engineering University, Alangilan Campus, Batangas City, Philippines
  • Elisa D. Gutierrez College of Engineering and Technology, Batangas State University – The National Engineering University, Alangilan Campus, Batangas City, Philippines
  • Reggie A. Duenas Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Batangas State University – The National Engineering University, Alangilan Campus, Batangas City, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22146/ajche.25013

Keywords:

Chitosan, Composite, Membranes, Swine Biogas, Volcanic Ash

Abstract

Water scarcity is a growing global concern, driven by rapid population growth, industrialization, and agricultural demands. The swine industry, a major contributor to agricultural water consumption, generates large volumes of wastewater that require proper treatment to prevent environmental damage. This study developed a volcanic ash–chitosan composite ceramic membrane (VACCCM) for treating swine biogas digester effluent. The developed VACCCM demonstrated significant reductions in total suspended solids (TSS) from 321.3 mg/L to 16 mg/L, phosphates from 63.9 mg/L to 6.8 mg/L, chemical oxygen demand (COD) from 770 mg/L to 220 mg/L, and coliforms from 35,000,000 MPN/100 mL to 920 MPN/100 mL. While the treatment showed highly significant improvements across all parameters, certain measures, such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), which dropped from 430.0 mg/L to 108.0 mg/L, and color, which reduced from 750 TCU to 200 TCU, still exceed DAO Class C standards. The developed VACCCM exhibited good hydrophilicity, porosity, and mechanical stability, making it a promising, cost-effective solution for wastewater treatment in agricultural industries.

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Published

2026-08-28

How to Cite

Maulion, R. ., Magnaye, R., Tiu, S., Gutierrez, E., & Duenas, R. (2026). Treatment of Swine Biogas Digester Effluent Using Volcanic Ash–Chitosan Composite Ceramic Membranes. ASEAN Journal of Chemical Engineering, 26(2), 276–299. https://doi.org/10.22146/ajche.25013

Issue

Vol 26 No 2 (2026)

Section

Articles

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