Summary
The continuous and simultaneous monitoring of dissolved CH4 and H2 in samples from a laboratory scale thermophilic anaerobic digester contents by use of a silicone rubber-covered probe has enabled control of methanogenesis: regulation of the hydrogen signal in a closed feedback loop was by controlled addition of the carbon source. Dissolved hydrogen became apparent in this system at a lower loading rate than was obtained for a mesophilic anaerobic digestion system (Whitmoreet al., 1986). Controlling the supply of glucose (25 mM) at a dilution rate of 0.02 h−1 and at progressively lower preset hydrogen levels allowed methanogenesis to be significantly prolonged before inhibition of the process occurred.
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Whitmore, T.N., Lloyd, D. Mass spectrometric control of the thermophilic anaerobic digestion process based on levels of dissolved hydrogen. Biotechnol Lett 8, 203–208 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01029381
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01029381