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Basic Principles of Bioconversions in Anaerobic Digestion and Methanogenesis

  • Chapter
Biomass Conversion Processes for Energy and Fuels

Abstract

In methane fermentation, organic matter is anaerobically degraded to CO2 and CH4 with only a relatively small yield of microbial cells.(1,2) Thus, a large amount of organic matter is destroyed, but about 90% of the energy available in the substrate is retained in the easily purified gaseous product, CH4. Methane fermentation is very important in the recycling of carbon and other elements in nature and has long been used for the stabilization of sewage wastes. Its potential for converting biomass resources such as animal manures and other agricultural residues and municipal refuse into the energy-rich fuel, CH4, has only recently been fully appreciated.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Dairy Science and Microbiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, USA

    Michael J. McInerney & Marvin P. Bryant

Authors
  1. Michael J. McInerney
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  2. Marvin P. Bryant
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA

    Samir S. Sofer

  2. National Science Foundation, Washington, DC, USA

    Oskar R. Zaborsky

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© 1981 Plenum Press, New York

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McInerney, M.J., Bryant, M.P. (1981). Basic Principles of Bioconversions in Anaerobic Digestion and Methanogenesis. In: Sofer, S.S., Zaborsky, O.R. (eds) Biomass Conversion Processes for Energy and Fuels. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-0301-6_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-0301-6_15

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4757-0303-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-0301-6

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