Global Trends & Challenges in Water Science, Research and Management

Anaerobic digestion is one of the most active IWA Specialist Groups, with over 1000 members, active sponsorship of three task groups or working groups, and organisation of on average, one Specialist Group conference per year. This is highlighted by our recent World Conference -AD14 in Via del Mar, where over 750 delegates attended, and 200 papers and 441 posters were presented. The themes at the Anaerobic digestion conferences provide a very good review of major themes of interest in anaerobic digestion. Over the years, we have always observed a large number of papers focusing on specific aspects related to the themes of (1) solid waste and energy crop management; (2) biosolids and sludge management; (3) industrial wastewater. These application areas have been strongly supported by investigation into microbial ecology, mathematical modelling, chemical analysis, process innovations and novel technologies. Over the past 5 years though, we have seen several major new themes emerge. These have been driven by both market opportunities and scientific advances. The goal of this review is to further outline challenges and opportunities for wastewater treatment researchers and practitioners in these areas, as well as the specific role of anaerobic digestion technologies within these application areas.