Inhibition by chromium and cadmium of anaerobic acidogenesis.

The effects of chromium (III) and cadmium on the anaerobic acidogenesis of a simulated dairy waste were examined using serum vials. At Cd dosages less than 20 mg/l, the acidogenesis process was enhanced by the dosage, resulting in a higher degree of acidification, protein conversion, and hydrogen production than the control. At dosages over 20-mg/l, Cd inhibited the acidogenesis. The Cr (III) dosage of 5 mg/l reduced overall volatile fatty acid and alcohol generation, degree of acidification, conversions of lactose, lipid and protein, and total biogas production, with the exception of accumulation of hydrogen and propionate. At dosages exceeding 5 mg/l, Cr (III) had a severe inhibition on the acidogenesis. The Cd concentrations which caused a 50% reduction in total volatile fatty acid and alcohol production, degree of acidification and cumulative gas production were higher than the corresponding values caused by Cr (III), suggesting that Cr (III) was more toxic to acidogenic bacteria than Cd.