Basics Of Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic Digestion is a series of chemical reactions in which organic material is decomposed through the metabolic pathways of microorganisms in an oxygen-depleted environment. This process typically occurs in warm, wet, and dark environments, such as in digestive tracts. Microorganisms are utilized in biotechnological processes to reduce pollution caused by organic wastes and produce methane, which can be used as fuel. The microorganisms' types and numbers depend on the digester type, operating conditions, and waste composition. Anaerobic digesters can be applied to various carbon-containing industrial wastewaters, including food processing, pulp and paper, sugar and distillery, slaughterhouse, cheese whey and dairy units, brewing industries, and municipal sludge. They also convert waste residues into biogas (used for heat or electricity), fiber (used as a soil conditioner), and liquor (used as liquid fertilizer).