Title: Anaerobic biological processes

Hydrolysis

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Hydrolysis is the breakdown of large, soluble, and insoluble molecules into smaller molecules that can be transported within cells and metabolized. Methane is not produced in this process, and in most cases, it is a stage that develops slowly.

Acid formation (acidogenesis) and acetate (acetogenesis)

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The final hydrolysis products are transformed into short-chain organic acids, other low molecular weight compounds, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. These bacteria are highly resistant to variations in environmental conditions. For example, although the optimum pH for the development of its metabolic activity is 5-6, anaerobic processes are generally conducted at pH 7, and even under these conditions, its metabolic activity does not decline.

Methanogenesis

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The formation of methane, this being the last product of anaerobic digestion, occurs by two main routes: The first of them is the formation of methane and carbon dioxide from the main product of fermentation, acetic acid. Bacteria that consume acetic acid are called acetoclastic bacteria. The reaction, stated in a general way, is the following: