Effects of Water Potential on Anaerobic Methane Production and a Microbial Consortium

This study probed the effect of water potential (Ψ) on anaerobic methane production and a microbial consortium. The Ψ level investigated digester (n = 20) was in range from −0.10 to −2.09 MPa with mean value −1.23 MPa, significantly correlated SCOD, TKN, NH4+-N, alkalinity, salinity (SPS), NH4+, Na+, K+, Cl−, NO3−, PO43− (p < 0.001). maximum rate (Rm) Control (−0.40 MPa) 8.11 mL day−1 decreased 1.70 at −3.91 (K5), lag growth phase time (λ) delayed 35.96 25.34 days −2.85 (K4) respectively. ultimate (Bu) 0.264 Nm3 kg−1-VSadded for Control, when adjusted, Bu increased 0.278 −1.49 (K3) but 0.203 0.172 Therefore, yield inhibited due decrease Ψ, is predicted be about −1.65 MPa. In genus-level taxonomic classification community, relative abundance Methanosarcina 36.76% (K5) compared 58.15% Control; however, Methanoculleus 35.16% 14.85% Control.