SUMMARY: To increase the biogas production, four different enzymes (cellulase, amylase,
protease and lipase) were used to hydrolyze the complex compounds contained in the organic
fraction of Mexico City’s municipal solid waste (OFMSW) previously to anaerobic digestion.
Every enzyme treatment was performed on a mixture of OFMSW with water at pH and
temperature conditions recommended by the supplier. After the treatment, the liquid (leachate)
and solid (bagasse) phases were separated for further analysis. A blank was used as control for
every enzyme where the OFMSW was subjected to the same conditions but without the enzyme.
The leachates were characterized and used as substrate for the biochemical methane potential test
(BMP) for 5 days at 35°C. According to the CH4 production curves, the anaerobic degradability
of the waste increases with the enzyme treatment. The highest methane production was obtained
with protease, followed by amylase, lipase and cellulase finally.