Effect of Fluctuating Temperature Regime on Psychrophilic Anaerobic Digestion of Nightsoil

  • Lokendra Singh Defence Research & Development Establishment, Gwalior
  • S. I. Alam Defence research & Development Establishment, Gwalior
  • K. V. Ramana Defence research & Development Establishment, Gwalior
Keywords: Hydrogenotrophic methanogens, Volatile fatty acids, Anaerobic digestion

Abstract

The effect of temperature fluctuation on anaerobic digestion of nightsoil using 10 °C adapted inoculum was studied. The digester was subjected to repeated temperature cycling of 10 °C and 30 °C. The total biogas, CH/sub 4/ and H/sub 2/S content, volatile fatty acids and microbial counts were compared with control digesters. No significant deleterious effect was noticed during initial temperature shock of one week. However, repeated exposures reduced the counts of hydrogenotrophic methanogens. There was no effect on the content of CH/sub 4/ and H/sub 2/S in the biogas.

Author Biographies

Lokendra Singh, Defence Research & Development Establishment, Gwalior
Dr Lokendra Singh obtained his PhD (Microbiology) and joined DRDO in 1984. For the last tenyears, he has been working on the biodegradation of organic waste at low temperatures.
S. I. Alam, Defence research & Development Establishment, Gwalior
Mr SI Alam obtained his BSc(Hons) in 1991. He joined DRDO at DRDE, Gwalior, in 1991 asTechnical Assistant. His area of work includes low temperature biodegradation of organic waste.
K. V. Ramana, Defence research & Development Establishment, Gwalior
Dr KV Ramana obtained his MTech (Biotechnology) in 1987. He joined DRDO at DRDE, Gwalior,in 1988. For the last ten years, he has been working on the biodegradation of organic waste at low temperatures.

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Published
2013-01-01
How to Cite
Singh, L., Alam, S., & Ramana, K. (2013). Effect of Fluctuating Temperature Regime on Psychrophilic Anaerobic Digestion of Nightsoil. Defence Science Journal, 49(2), 135-140. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.49.3798
Section
Biomedical Sciences