At what minimum temperature should an anaerobic digester be maintained?

Maintaining an anaerobic digester at a minimum temperature of 95°F is important for optimizing the activity of the microorganisms responsible for breaking down organic matter. Anaerobic digestion involves a complex community of bacteria that thrive at specific temperature ranges.

In the mesophilic range, which typically spans from about 85°F to 105°F, the metabolic processes become efficient, leading to effective digestion and biogas production. Keeping the temperature at or above 95°F promotes the growth and activity of thermophilic bacteria, which can further enhance digestion efficiency and biogas yield.

If the temperature is lower than this threshold, the metabolic activities of the microorganisms may slow down significantly, leading to reduced performance in waste breakdown and biogas generation. Hence, maintaining the anaerobic digester at the correct temperature is crucial for ensuring effective operation and achieving desired results in wastewater treatment processes.