Bacterial methane generation and methods of its optimization

: Presented are the results of studying bacterial methane generation and oxidation in the body of solid domestic wastes dump and intensity of gas release into atmosphere. The investigation revealed active microbial degradation of organic wastes with a distinct biogeochemical zoning. Quantitative and qualitative composition of micro-organisms depends on the depth of horizon. Disintegration of organic components of warehoused foods by various microorganisms occurs with production of volatile and gaseous compounds (carbonic acid, methane and others). Anaerobic conditions set the scene for active production of biogas, major components of which are methane and CO2. The final process in the sequence of organics transformations within the body of solid domestic wastes dump is predominant production of CH4 and CO2 in the ratio of approximately 60 and 40%, respectively, and trace quantities of other volatile compounds. Active bacterial methane oxidation is evidenced by the 13C isotope increase in methane and decrease in carbonic acid. The developed model of animal and plant wastes management demonstrated efficiency of the system using frozen-dried preparations of microbial associations and its practicability in municipal economy.