The Microbiology of Anaerobic Digesters

Anaerobic digestion is a biochemical degradation process that converts complex organic material, such as animal manure, into methane and other byproducts. Part of the author's Wastewater Microbiology series, Microbiology of Anareboic Digesters eschews technical jargon to deliver a practical, how-to guide for wastewater plant operators. Preface.

PART I: OVERVIEW.

1. Introduction.

2. Bacteria.

3. Methane-forming Bacteria.

4. Respiration.

5. Anaerobic Food Chain.

6. Fermentation.

7. Anaerobic Digestion Steps.

PART II: SUBSTRATES, PRODUCTS, AND BIOGAS.

8. Substrates and Products.

9. Biogas.

PART III: OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS.

10. Introduction to Operational Conditions.

11. Start-up.

12. Sludge Feed.

13. Retention Times.

14. Temperature.

15. Nutrients.

16. Alkalinity and pH.

17. Toxicity.

18. Mixing.

PART IV: PROCESS CONTROL AND TROUBLESHOOTING.

19. Upsets and Unstable Digesters.

20. Foam and Scum Production and Accumulation.

21. Supernatant.

22. Monitoring.

PART V: DIGESTERS.

23. Types of Anaerobic Digesters.

24. Anaerobic Digesters verses Aerobic Digesters.

References.

Abbreviations and Acronyms.

Chemical Compounds and Elements.

Glossary.

Index. “An in-depth review...” (Environmental Science & Technology, March 15, 2004)

“...easy-to-follow and descriptive of the anaerobic system/process.” (Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 106, 2004)

"This book provides an in-depth review of the bacteria, their activity, and the operational conditions that affect anaerobic digester performance.” (Journal of the American Water Resources Association, December 2003)

MICHAEL H. GERARDI holds an MS in biology from James Madison University and chaired the Water Environment Federation task force responsible for the development of its specialty publication, Wastewater Biology. He has authored more than ninety technical publications and has provided wastewater microscopy and consulting services for numerous municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants. He is currently responsible for the development and presentation of the wastewater biology courses at Penn State. A comprehensive guide to understanding the biology and biological conditions of the treatment process

Due to the importance of anaerobic digesters in wastewater treatment processes, a review of the microbiology of the bacteria and the operational conditions that affect their activity are of value in addressing successful and cost-effective operation.

The Microbiology of Anaerobic Digesters - the third book in the Wastewater Microbiology Series - provides an in-depth review of the bacteria, their activity, and the operational conditions that affect anaerobic digester performance. Avoiding the technical jargon, chemical equations, and kinetics that typically accompany such texts, this comprehensive resource also discusses troubleshooting and process control measures that will allow you to maintain treatment efficiency, prevent system upsets, and reduce operational costs.

Prepared for an audience of operators and technicians who are responsible for the daily operation of anaerobic digesters, The Microbiology of Anaerobic Digesters covers important issues in this field, including:
* Substrates, products, and biogas
* Operational conditions, including nutrients, temperature, and alkalinity
* Process controls and troubleshooting
* Types of digesters

Fixed film anaerobic digesters are becoming more and more common in the treatment of soluble organic compounds in wastewater. The Microbiology of Anaerobic Digesters will introduce readers to this important topic and provide them with the necessary information for understanding biological conditions of this treatment process.