3 High-rate anaerobic processes for agro-food wastewater treatment: recent trends and advancements

High-rate anaerobic processes (HRAnPs) appear to be a promising technology for agro-food wastewaters (AFWWs) treatment in terms of chemical oxygen demand and pollutant removal with a potential of energy savings or even energy-positive scenarios. Various configurations of HRAnPs for AFWWs treatment have been used in laboratory-, pilot-, and commercial-scale applications. This chapter discusses the performance of prevalent HRAnPs in the treatment of AFWWs. Recent trends and advancements in HRAnPs for the treatment of AFWWs were also discussed. Agro-food wastewater characteristics were highlighted. The performance among reviewed HRAnPs can be comparable, better, or even poorer in some cases. The results of the literature reveal that HRAnPs are effective and viable technologies for the treatment of AFWWs.