Anaerobic Digestion Process
Anaerobic decomposition occurs in special tanks known as anaerobic digesters, which are primarily powered by small bacteria known as methanogens and acetogens. These bacteria don’t require oxygen to function. Instead, they obtain energy by absorbing electrons from compounds such as acetate and methane. Anaerobic decomposition consists of four major steps:
Hydrolysis
- It is the process of breaking down large amounts of food into smaller pieces. Enzymes convert complex organic compounds into simpler substances.
- Anaerobic digestion is also known as liquefaction of complex molecules since it requires breaking down large, intricate compounds into simpler components.
- Hydrolysis is the process by which particular enzymes work to break down these chains, converting them into smaller sugars and other compounds.
- These simpler molecules are easier for bacteria to grip and consume as food. During this process, acetate, hydrogen, and some volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are generated.
- However, because bacteria cannot consume VFAs directly, they must be broken down into increasingly smaller bits for consumption.
Acidolysis
- In this stage, the simpler compounds created by hydrolysis are further broken down into even smaller molecules, yielding acids such as acetic acid.
- Acidogenesis refers to the acidic breakdown of complex compounds into simpler ones. Acidogenic bacteria carry out this procedure.
- While working, they emit ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, and other byproducts.
Acetogenesis
- Acetogens convert the acids generated in earlier processes into acetate.
- They derive their energy from this mechanism.
- Acetogenesis is when acetogens help make acetic acid.
- In this process acetogens mix components to generate acetic acid while carbon dioxide and hydrogen are made as leftovers.
Methanogenesis
- Methanogens convert the acetate and other chemicals created previously into methane gas, the primary component of biogas.
- This step is similar to the last stage in which methane is generated.
- This stage is the final stage of anaerobic decomposition.
- It occurs in a certain pH range, typically between pH 6.5 and 8. In this process, the leftovers from previous stages are used to produce methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen.
Anaerobic Digestion
Anaerobic Digestion takes place in the absence of oxygen by the microorganisms. It is a natural recycling process. These microbes feed on biodegradable materials such as food waste or manure, breaking them into simpler molecules. This breakdown produces gases such as methane, which can be used as a fuel source. In this article, we will learn about anaerobic digestion, its process, wastewater treatment, digesters, etc.
Table of Content
- What is Anaerobic Digestion?
- Anaerobic Digestion Process
- Breakdown of Food Groups
- Difference between Aerobic and Anaerobic Digestion
- Anaerobic Digestion Wastewater Treatment
- Anaerobic Digestion of Biomass
- Advantages of Anaerobic Decomposition
- Anaerobic Digesters
- What Microorganisms are Used in Anaerobic Digestion?
- Applications of Anaerobic Digestion
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