Knowra Anaerobic digestion Anaerobic digestion Anaerobic digestion is the microbial breakdown of organic matter without oxygen. It produces biogas, mainly methane and carbon dioxide, and nutrient-rich digestate.
Hydrolysis : The enzymatic breakdown of complex molecules into smaller, soluble compounds by adding water. It begins digestion by making polymers in feedstock accessible to microorganisms.
Anaerobic microbiome : A community of microorganisms that grows and interacts in environments lacking oxygen. Digestion depends on coordinated microbial groups rather than one organism acting alone.
Biogas upgrading : The removal of carbon dioxide, water, hydrogen sulfide, and other impurities from biogas to increase methane concentration. Upgrading can make digester gas suitable for natural-gas networks or vehicle fuel.
Aerobic digestion : The microbial decomposition of organic matter in the presence of oxygen. It uses oxygen and typically releases carbon dioxide and heat rather than methane-rich biogas.
Acidogenesis : The microbial conversion of soluble organic compounds into volatile fatty acids, alcohols, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. Fermenting microbes turn hydrolysis products into intermediates used in later stages.
Volatile fatty acids : Short-chain organic acids produced when microorganisms ferment organic matter. Their accumulation can signal that acid production is outpacing methane formation.
Combined heat and power : The simultaneous production of electricity and useful heat from a single fuel source. Engines can use digester biogas to supply power and recoverable heat.
Composting : The managed biological decomposition of organic materials, usually with oxygen, into a stable soil amendment. It produces compost through mainly aerobic processes rather than collecting methane in a sealed reactor.
Acetogenesis : The microbial conversion of fermentation products into acetate, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. It supplies methanogens with key substrates, while depending on partners that consume hydrogen.
Alkalinity : The capacity of a solution to neutralize acids, commonly measured through bicarbonate and related bases. It buffers acids produced during digestion and helps stabilize reactor pH.
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