Acceleration of the Decomposition Rate of Anaerobic Biological Treatment

Abstract

Anaerobic biological waste treatment offers advantages over aerobic systems in terms of lower energy requirements, less biological sludge production, and the potential for energy recovery in the form of biogas. The biogas produced can be used in a multiplicity of ways. The major drawback of this process is the slow growth rate of anaerobic microorganisms. Experimental studies have been performed to investigate the effect of yeast population on the rate of anaerobic decomposition. The experiments were conducted in three laboratory scale anaerobic reactors. The result of this study showed that the yeast population enhanced the bacterial growth rate in the anaerobic batch reactors, consequently the COD removal efficiency and biogas generation inside the reactors were enhanced.

Keywords:

• Anaerobic decomposition
• Biogas
• Yeast

Acknowledgment

The authors extend their gratitude to the Bogazici University Research Fund for supporting this research project financially (Project Code: 96YO 013).