Investigation into the effect of high concentrations of volatile fatty acids in anaerobic digestion on methanogenic communities

Journal Article · Sat Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 2014 · Waste Management

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.WASMAN.2014.07.020· OSTI ID:22436815

Walter, Andreas ^[1]; Ebner, Christian ^[2]; Insam, Heribert ^[1]

---

1. Institut für Mikrobiologie, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020 Innsbruck (Austria)
2. Abwasserverband Zirl und Umgebung, Meilbrunnen 5, 6170 Zirl (Austria)

Highlights: • Different methanogenic communities in mesophilic and thermophilic reactors. • High VFA levels do not cause major changes in archaeal communities. • Real-time PCR indicated greater diversity than ANAEROCHIP microarray. - Abstract: A study was conducted to determine whether differences in the levels of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in anaerobic digester plants could result in variations in the indigenous methanogenic communities. Two digesters (one operated under mesophilic conditions, the other under thermophilic conditions) were monitored, and sampled at points where VFA levels were high, as well as when VFA levels were low. Physical and chemical parameters were measured, and the methanogenic diversity was screened using the phylogenetic microarray ANAEROCHIP. In addition, real-time PCR was used to quantify the presence of the different methanogenic genera in the sludge samples. Array results indicated that the archaeal communities in the different reactors were stable, and that changes in the VFA levels of the anaerobic digesters did not greatly alter the dominating methanogenic organisms. In contrast, the two digesters were found to harbour different dominating methanogenic communities, which appeared to remain stable over time. Real-time PCR results were inline with those of microarray analysis indicating only minimal changes in methanogen numbers during periods of high VFAs, however, revealed a greater diversity in methanogens than found with the array.

• OSTI ID: 22436815
• Journal Information: Waste Management, Journal Name: Waste Management Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 34; ISSN WAMAE2; ISSN 0956-053X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CONCENTRATION RATIO
MESOPHILIC CONDITIONS
METHANE
POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION
SLUDGES
THERMOPHILIC CONDITIONS
VOLATILITY