Write note on a typical biogas plant. How microbes help in production of biogas.
- Biogas is a mixture of gases (predominantly methane) produced by the microbial activity which may be used as fuel.
- Certain bacteria which grow anaerobically on cellulosic material produces a large amount of methane along with carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
- These bacteria are collectively called methanogens, and one such common bacterium is Methanobacterium.
- These bacteria are commonly found in the anaerobic sludge during sewage treatment.
- The biogas plant consists of a concrete tank (10-15 feet deep) in which bio-wastes are collected and a slurry of dung is fed.
- A floating cover is placed over the slurry, which keeps on rising as the gas is produced in the tank due to the microbial activity.
- The biogas plant has an outlet, which is connected to a pipe to supply biogas to nearby houses.