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Anaerobic Biodegradation: The Anaerobic Digestion Process

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Handbook of Biodegradable Materials

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Abstract

Our planet suffers from different types of pollution and the destruction of ecosystems due to the rapid proliferation of industrial units and demography, leading to significant organic waste production. On the other hand, fossil fuels progress toward depletion spreading an energy deficit over several nations. Thus, we need biotechnology that combines management, treatment, and energy generation but respects the environment. Anaerobic biodegradation is among the current biotechnologies that are gaining momentum to meet the previous requirements. It is a microbial process in an oxygen-free environment. We can currently distinguish several types of procedures in anaerobic biodegradation. First, we have anaerobic digestion, which makes anaerobic biodegradation unique because it combines organic conversion matter into green energy in an anaerobic context. This chapter will discuss the different roles of anaerobic biodegradation as a new treatment, management, and generation of green energy. On the other hand, we present the various concepts of anaerobic digestion as models, metabolic pathways, evaluation techniques, and the microbial applications of this solution. We also discussed the significant parameters that disturb this process to make it more efficient. Finally, we will highlight the energetic and economic importance of this biotechnology.

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Abbreviations

C1:

One carbon

C3:

Three carbon

CH4:

Methane

CO2:

Carbon dioxide

GDP:

Gross domestic product

NO2:

Nitrogen dioxide

TS:

Total solid

VS:

Volatile solid

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Microbial Biotechnology and Plant Protection Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco

    Ouahid El Asri

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  1. Ouahid El Asri
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Correspondence to Ouahid El Asri .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Department, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt

    Gomaa A. M. Ali

  2. Vice President of Advanced Material Research, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc, Connecticut, USA

    Abdel Salam H. Makhlouf

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El Asri, O. (2022). Anaerobic Biodegradation: The Anaerobic Digestion Process. In: Ali, G.A.M., Makhlouf, A.S.H. (eds) Handbook of Biodegradable Materials. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83783-9_4-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83783-9_4-1

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