Microbial parameters and their control in anaerobic digestion
Mergaert, K.; Verstraete, W.
Microbiological Sciences 4(11): 348-351
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0265-1351 PMID: 3153601 Document Number: 301819
Some of the parameters which control this process are reviewed with regard to recent research and include pH values, loading rates, substrate limiting conditions, starvaticn, space and (dis)aggregative bacteria. It is concluded that the opt. pH for start-up is c. 6.0-7.0 and stability during this time is of paramount importance. The maintenance requirements of the methanogenic biomass can be quite high and even account for a major amount of COD-conversion and CH4 production. The available space in the reactor should be reserved as far as possible for the methanogens so that inert and slowly biodegradable solids should be separated from the incoming feed. Further work on the formation and erosion of biofilms is required.