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STUDIES OF METHANOGENIC BACTERIA IN SLUDGE
Citation:
Smith, P. STUDIES OF METHANOGENIC BACTERIA IN SLUDGE. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-80/093.
Description:
Methanogenic bacteria were isolated from mesophilic anaerobic digesters. The isolates were able to utilize H2 and CO2 acetate, formate and methanol, but were not able to metabolize propionate and butyrate. It was shown the propionate and butyrate are not substrates for methanogenic bacteria but are converted to hydrogen, carbon dioxide and acetate by a hydrogenic microflora. The reactions leading to methane were quantitatively analyzed. It was shown that acetate, propionate and butyrate metabolism were inhibited by hydrogen. The formation of acetate and propionate were shown to be rate limiting in the digestion process, and that sludge digestion was not inhibited by hydrogen under conditions of excess substrate.