Effect of temperature on methane fermentation kinetics of beef-cattle manure

To evaluate the overall potential of anaerobic fermentation, the methane fermentation kinetics must be understood; and the fermentation temperature, loading rate, and retention time to optimize the anaerobic system must also be determined. Since methane fermentations are a biological process, temperature should affect the rate of reactions taking place. Specific temperatues would be optimum for respective groups of bacteria. Previously, we have proposed that there are optimum kinetic rates at 42 and 60/sup 0/C based mainly on Pfeffer's data on municipal refuse (2,3). The purpose of this study is to delineate the effect of temperature on the methane production rate of anaerobic fermentation of livestock manures, particularly on the kinetic parameters which affect the methane fermentation rate. The data from this study will be used to predict the methane production rates reported on pilot- and full-scale anaerobic fermentation systems of livestock manures.