Microbes used in energy production

• Biogas is one of the solution of energy in rural area. 

• The gas which is produced from Bacteria by the anaerobic  action on organic matter called Biogas.

• Biogas comprises a mixture of methane as major constituent and along with carbon dioxide,  hydrogen sulphide and hydrogen.

• Special bacteria of group Archaebacteria  named methanogen are commonly used in production of Biogas. 

• These bacteria break down  anaerobically cellulosic material available in dung of cattle and release biogas. 

• Gobar gas or Biogas plant are frequently set up in rural area because large amount of dung are available. 

• These bacteria also involved in sewage  treatment.  Methylococcus and methanobacterium are most common methanogen used in biogas production.

Remember 👌👌 Methanogen bacteria are present also in gut or rumen in cattle and rice field.

• A biogas plant has a concrete tank which is set up at least 10 to 50 feet deep. Slurry of dung and other cellulosic material is filled in this tank. 

• Approx 22kg dung is required to produce one kg of Biogas. After introduction of methanogen bacteria, these act on dung anaerobically and release biogas. 

• The floating cover is lift up due anaerobically break down of material which is indications of release of biogas.

• Biogas plant also has an outlet by which gas is supplies to near by houses.

• Fixed dome type biogas plant and Floating gas holder type biogas plant in which a  floating gas holder is placed, are two type of Biogas plant.

• Biogas can be used in gas stove to provide heat. It can be used for cooking street light. 

• This gas burnt without smoke and not cause any air pollution. The remain of slurry is used as good manure because it is rich in nitrogen.

• Some algae are used in production of hydrogen as source of fuel in presence of sunlight. This is called Biophotolysis.