Abstract

Biogas, containing energy-rich methane, is produced by microbial decomposition of organic material under anaerobic conditions. Under controlled conditions, this process can be used for the production of energy and a nutrient-rich residue suitable for use as a fertilising agent. The biogas can be used for production of heat, electricity or vehicle fuel. Different substrates can be used in the process and, depending on substrate character, various reactor technologies are available. The microbiological process leading to methane production is complex and involves many different types of microorganisms, often operating in close relationships because of the limited amount of energy available for growth. The microbial community structure is shaped by the incoming material, but also by operating parameters such as process temperature. Factors leading to an imbalance in the microbial community can result in process instability or even complete process failure. To ensure stable operation, different key parameters, such as levels of degradation intermediates and gas quality, are often monitored. Despite the fact that the anaerobic digestion process has long been used for industrial production of biogas, many questions need still to be resolved to achieve optimal management and gas yields and to exploit the great energy and nutrient potential available in waste material. This chapter discusses the different aspects that need to be taken into consideration to achieve optimal degradation and gas production, with particular focus on operation management and microbiology.

Keywords

Biogas; Feedstocks; Microbiology; Process operation; Reactor concepts

Published in

Advances in Biochemical Engineering Biotechnology
2016, Volume: 156, number: 156, pages: 195-234
Title: Anaerobes in Biotechnology
ISBN: 978-3-319-45649-2, eISBN: 978-3-319-45651-5
Publisher: Springer

SLU Authors

• Schnürer, Anna

  • Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG7 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all


UKÄ Subject classification

Microbiology
Other Environmental Biotechnology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/10_2016_5

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/81243