Methanogenic, Acidogenic and Hydrolytic activity tests of an anaerobic sludge of municipal wastewater plant

Abstract

The determination of methanogenic and non-methanogenic activity requires careful analysis because don’t exist a standardized method to find this bioindicator. Therefore, we wanted to evaluate and optimize this analytical method for the characterization of anaerobic sludge. We did five experiments, where we changed variables such as agitation, nutrients supply, measurement time and substrate concentration. We have used 150 ml vials in which they were filled inoculum from anaerobic digester sludge. These vials were introduced in an incubator at 37 ° C, twice in a day we measure the pressure of biogas and the methane production. At the beginning and the end of the experiment, we measure OCD, volatile suspended solids (VSS), pH, and (VFA/AT) ratio. Finally, it was observed that experiment 5 without agitation, with nutrient supply and with seven days of measurement, was the best to obtain a better behavior in all specific activities. The calculation of these activities and the chemical analysis corroborate the previous result that we find in literature.