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Assessment of methanogenie activity in anaerobic digestion: Apparatus and method
Author(s) -
Van Den Berg L.,
Lentz C. P.,
Athey R. J.,
Rooke E. A.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260161104
Subject(s) - effluent , anaerobic digestion , anaerobic exercise , formic acid , chemistry , fermentation , industrial fermentation , pulp and paper industry , chromatography , methanogenesis , acetic acid , methane , environmental science , environmental engineering , biochemistry , engineering , physiology , organic chemistry , biology
An apparatus is described for the rapid measurement and recording of methanogenic activity in anaerobic fermentations, and its application is demonstrated in the evaluation of the anaerobic contact process, using pear waste. The method is based on recording the rate of manometer liquid displacement in a Warburgtype vessel by means of optical sensors, appropriate electronic circuitry, and an event marking recorder or time‐interval printer. Optimum conditions for measuring methanogenic activity included a pH of 6.7–6.9, a final phosphate buffer concentration of 0.07–015 M , and formic and acetic acid contents of over 500 and 200 mg/liter, respectively. In comparisons of fermenter liquid and settled effluent, methanogenic activity can be assumed to be proportional to the number of methane formers present. The apparatus should be generally useful in recording rates of gas production or consumption.