Analyses of Methanogenic Population as Key Indicator for Anaerobic Digestion: A Case-Study in the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste Treatment

Abstract Purpose The anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is a treatment biologically optimizable. analysis microbial balance within digester allows not only to describe and improve efficiency system but also foresee potential variations after biochemical interventions. This work aims highlight methanogenic population in two similar parallel digesters identify bio-indicators for performance inclusion an additive. Methods analysed industrial case study involved parallel, pilot-scale, bio-digesters ACEA Pinerolese Industriale. They had analogous design fed by same OFMSW except additive inclusion. analyses qRT-PCR, on both bio-digesters, have been performed determine impact growth metabolic activity total methanogens, Methanosarcina spp., Methanocorpuscolum Methanospirillus spp. Results Collected data showed that addition biopolymers extracted from compost produced methanogens decrease (7.67 vs. 7.48 6.05 5.69 Log gene copies /mL sludge respectively, T-test p < 0.01) affecting slightly methane yield (-8%). was highest expressed methanogen; however, results suggested involvement highly complex heterogeneous methanogen community. Conclusions Total active modulations are able major bio-methane production even if their shift slight. Globally 3–4% present 12–13% were described. However, biological approach can supply proxy concerning feeding peculiarities. Graphical abstract