Anaerobic digestion
Anaerobic Digestion
Anaerobic digestion (pronunciation: /ˌænəˈroʊbɪk daɪˈdʒɛstʃən/) is a series of biological processes in which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen.
Etymology
The term "anaerobic digestion" is derived from the Greek words "an" meaning "without", "aer" meaning "air", and "bios" meaning "life". The word "digestion" comes from the Latin "digestio", meaning "distribution".
Process
The process of anaerobic digestion involves four key stages: hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis.
- Hydrolysis is the first step in which complex organic molecules are broken down into simpler sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids.
- Acidogenesis is the second stage where the products from hydrolysis are further broken down into volatile fatty acids and alcohols.
- Acetogenesis is the third stage where the products from acidogenesis are converted into hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and acetic acid.
- Methanogenesis is the final stage where methanogens convert the products from acetogenesis into methane and carbon dioxide.
Applications
Anaerobic digestion is used in various sectors such as waste management, energy production, and agriculture. It is a key process in the production of biogas, a renewable energy source. It also helps in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the production of nutrient-rich biofertilizer.
Related Terms
- Biogas - A type of biofuel that is naturally produced from the decomposition of organic waste.
- Biofertilizer - A substance which contains living microorganisms which, when applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant.
- Methanogens - A group of microorganisms that produce methane as a metabolic byproduct in anoxic conditions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anaerobic digestion
- Wikipedia's article - Anaerobic digestion
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