Comparison of Bacterial and Archaeal Microbiome in Two Bioreactors Fed with Cattle Sewage and Corn Biomass

The bacterial and archaeal communities of two full-scale biogas producing plants (P1 P2), associated with a 999 kW cogeneration unit, both located in North Italy, were analyzed at start up fully operating phases, by means various molecular approaches: (i) Automated Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis; (ii) cloning sequencing PCR amplicons genes 16Srrna mcrA; (iii) 16S rDNA high throughput next generation sequencing. P1 P2 use the same technology fed cattle manure corn silage. During study also post digester (fed pig manure) was analyzed. aim this research to characterize very similar profile core microbiota. results analysis highlighted that (producing comparable quantities volatile fatty acids, biogas, energy) differed anerobic microbiota (Bacteria Archaea). Notably methanogenic community dominated strict acetoclastic Methanosaeta (Methanothrix) (up 23.05%) unculturable Candidatus Methanofastidiosum 32.70%), while acetoclastic, but more substrate-versatile, Methanosarcina genus (49.19%). data demonstrated performances identical design, conditions, yielding amount (average 7237 m3 day−1 7916 respectively for VFA (1643 mg L−1 1634 L−1) energy recovery (23.90–24 MWh day−1), depend on stabilization effective functionally optimized communities, these are taxonomically different biodigesters.