Focus on CSIR research in pollution waste: Cellulose degradation, volatile fatty acid formation and biological sulphate removal operating and anaerobic hybrid reactor

Abstract

The biological sulphate removal technology requires carbon and energy sources to reduce sulphate to sulphide. Plant biomass, e.g. cut grass, is a sustainable source of energy when cellulose is utilised in the anaerobic degradation to produce Volatile Fatty Acids. This process involves cellulose utilizing micro-organisms, present in the guts of ruminants. The Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) can also assist in the degradation of complex polymers and can utilize H2, and VFA as energy sources. A close syntrophy exists between the VFA and H2 producing and utilising micro-organisms, which is beneficial for sulphate removal, using a single stage anaerobic hybrid reactor.