Microbes in Biogas Production

Microbes used in the treatment of sewage, particularly the anaerobic bacteria, helps in the production of methane, which is biogas. The production of biogas is important since it can be used as a potential energy source as it is a sustainable and renewable energy resource. Hence, microbes in biogas production play a pivotal role in facilitating the production of environmentally beneficial residue or products.

Also, since the treatment of sewage is happen is a two-fold procedure, the residual solid waste from the sewage treatment produces ample amounts of nutritious solid matter, which can be used as natural manure and fertilisers in agriculture. 

This process of waste sewage substances treatment is performed in a controlled environment and treatment facility known as – an incinerator or landfill site.

Anaerobic bacteria

Anaerobic bacteria is a type of organism which does not require molecular oxygen for growth and development. The anaerobic bacteria like bacteroids, bifidobacterium and prevotella decompose the wastes and produce biogas. If bred in an ideal environment, the anaerobic bacteria and microbes in biogas production use oxygen from the liquid waste to channel energy sources for breeding.

As they start receiving their ideal food source, they breed rapidly, and this leads to the decomposition of the waste substances. This process results in the release of methane (biogas) which can be further used to power potential energy sources. 

Hence, biogas plants are ideal sources for converting waste and environmentally harmful substances into energy sources for the future. This practice ensures that the waste is being treated properly before being discharged into water bodies and agricultural fields.

Which bacteria produce biogas?

As discussed earlier, bacteria like bacteroids, bifidobacterium and prevotella produce methane gas through the process of decomposition under anaerobic conditions. The bacteria that produce methane as a residue for the decomposition of waste are known as methanogens.

These bacteria are present in cow udder and the slurry, which is used in the process of decomposition; the bacteria digest the cellulose consumed by the cattle and further along in the process of production of biogas, they release methane which is one of the primary components of biogas.

Certain types of bacteria prefer to breed in anaerobic conditions, and these bacteria usually do not require the ideal conditions, such as the aerobic bacteria. In the case of aerobic bacteria, a proper supply of oxygen from the waste is necessary for their breeding.

The anaerobic bacteria consumes and digests the cellulose consumed by the cattle. The cow udder or the excreta of the cattle is commonly known as a Gober. Hence, the production of biogas with the usage of slurry from the cattle excreta is known as Gober gas.

What is the Structure of a biogas mechanism?

• The basic mechanism of a biogas plant consists of a concrete structure that is filled with slurry and cattle excreta.
• The slurry is then covered with a floating cover which rises as the biogas is produced gradually by the bacteria.
• The chamber of the biogas mechanism is the breeding ground in anaerobic bacteria, which produces methane from the waste and slurry.
• The biogas chamber is connected to a network of pipes that carries out the methane gas, which is the by-product of this whole process.
• The remaining solid waste matter is then utilised as natural fertilisers and manure for agriculture.
• Biogas is one of the cleaner alternatives for fuels and can be used for domestic purposes such as cooking and lighting. 

Process of biogas production from anaerobic bacteria in the biogas plant:

• The biogas plant consists of a chamber for pouring in the waste materials, which is to be further decomposed by the anaerobic bacteria
• Now, as the waste slurry enters the chamber or the breeding ground of anaerobic bacteria, the process of decomposition starts.
• The waste slurry is then covered with a floating cover, which gets lifted as the biogas starts forming.
• By the end of the process, the biogas is let out through different chambers and pipelines, which is later on used as fuel and energy sources.
• The leftover waste, which is semi-solid, is used in agricultural fields, fertilisers, and natural manure. 

Biogas plant 

The tank where the biogas is produced or fermented is called the biogas plant. It is simply an artificial system that provides the situation for the oxygen-free occurrence of aerobic bacteria. The major components of a biogas plant are a reception area, a digester and a gasholder. In the reception area, the raw materials arrive and help in the creation of aerobic bacteria. The path for the entrance of the biomass is an empty, air-tight and waterproof container called the digester. Another air-tight steel container is needed for collecting the gas generated during fermentation. This container is called a gas holder.  

Uses of biogas. 

Biogas is used as a renewable, sustainable and environmentally friendly resource fuel. It is used for generating electricity, space and water heating mechanisms and can also be used as cooking gas. Biogas has the capability to replace compressed fuel energy in vehicles. 

Conclusion

Biogas can be defined as the result of decomposition by the anaerobic bacteria, specifically known as methanogens, which results in methane production. Methane is the primary content of biogas. Anaerobic bacteria like bacteroids, bifidobacterium and prevotella decompose the wastes and produce biogas. If bred in an ideal environment, the anaerobic bacteria and microbes in biogas production use oxygen from the liquid waste to channel energy sources for breeding.

The biogas plant is an artificial system where the biogas is produced or fermented.

Microbes in biogas production play a pivotal role in converting the waste substances from the sewage or the slurry from cattle wastes and discharge into environmentally functional by-products such as natural manure and fertilisers, and biogas which is a cleaner fuel alternative.

The biogas plant is a structure that converts the wastes from cattle excreta into environmentally sustainable by-products such as methane and natural manure and fertiliser. The bacteria that facilitate biogas production are known as methanogens.

Microbes in biogas production facilitate the production of conventional energy fuels and natural fertilisers, which do not harm or affect the environment in any shape or form. Usage of biogas plants is ideal for working towards a sustainable environment.