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. 1981 Sep;42(3):502–505. doi: 10.1128/aem.42.3.502-505.1981

Effects of Nickel, Cobalt, and Molybdenum on Performance of Methanogenic Fixed-Film Reactors †

William D Murray 1, L van den Berg 1
PMCID: PMC244044  PMID: 16345846

Abstract

The conversion of acetic acid to methane and carbon dioxide by a mixed methanogenic population from an anaerobic fixed-film digestor was stimulated by the addition of nickel (100 nM) and cobalt (50 nM) and especially by the addition of these elements in combination. Molybdenum addition (50 nM) was only slightly stimulatory when added in combination with both nickel and cobalt. The addition of these trace metals to anaerobic fixed-film digestors, which treat food processing waste, greatly enhanced reactor performance. Total gas and methane productions were increased 42%, greater volumes of waste could be effectively treated, and reactor residence time was shortened. However, the lag period for reactor start-up was not reduced. Tests showed that reactor performance was increased because trace nutrient addition allowed accumulation of a thicker methanogenic fixed film.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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