Abstract
In parallel with novel process developments and experimental research in anaerobic digestion, considerable effort has been put into kinetic modelling. The use of mathematical models results in a better understanding of the system performance and process dynamics, including microbial growth and substrate degradation. Typically, various kinetic models, such as the Monod model, are employed to describe microbial growth dynamics. Substrate degradation within anaerobic digestion systems relies on the cooperation among multiple steps, with hydrolysis or methanogenesis often serving as the rate-limiting step. Additionally, the effluent substrate concentration (or the biogas production) can be estimated through models without detailed steps, such as the Chen and Hashimoto model. Ultimately, the accuracy and reliability of kinetic models depend on the goodness of fit to experimental data, ensuring robust evaluation of system performance based on the established kinetic models.