What does an increase in carbon dioxide during anaerobic digestion signify?

An increase in carbon dioxide during anaerobic digestion can indicate a potential issue with the digestion process. Under normal conditions, anaerobic digestion should increase methane production while controlling carbon dioxide levels within a specific range. If carbon dioxide levels rise significantly, it may suggest that the microorganisms responsible for producing methane are not operating efficiently. This imbalance could occur due to several factors, such as an inappropriate feedstock, unbalanced nutrient levels, or the presence of inhibitory substances that hinder microbial activity.

Maintaining optimal conditions for anaerobic digestion is crucial for effective waste treatment and energy recovery. Therefore, a notable increase in carbon dioxide levels serves as a signal for operators to investigate the digestion conditions, assess the health of the microbial community, and ensure that all parameters are conducive to optimal performance.