Question

In anaerobic wastewater treatment the microorganisms present are?

• A. methane formers and acid formers
• B. actobacillus
• C. Nocardia
• D. Ecoli

Hint:

• Anaerobic digestion is a multi-stage process driven by a diverse microbial community.
• Key stages include hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis.
• Acid formers (acidogens) are crucial for producing volatile fatty acids.
• Methane formers (methanogens) are crucial for producing methane, the final product.
• These two groups represent essential functional roles in the process.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To answer the question, let's examine the types of microorganisms present in anaerobic wastewater treatment and how they function in the process.

1. Understanding the Concepts:

- Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment: This process involves microorganisms that break down organic material without the presence of oxygen. The microorganisms involved in anaerobic treatment are essential for converting organic pollutants into simpler compounds like methane (biogas) and carbon dioxide.

- Key Microorganisms in Anaerobic Treatment: These include methane formers, acid formers, and other specialized bacteria that help in the breakdown of organic waste.

2. Breakdown of the Given Options:

• Methane Formers and Acid Formers: These are the primary groups of microorganisms involved in anaerobic digestion. Methane formers (methanogens) are responsible for producing methane from organic matter, while acid formers (acidogenic bacteria) break down complex organic compounds into simpler acids.
• Lactobacillus: This bacterium is typically found in anaerobic environments, but it is more commonly associated with fermentation processes (such as in yogurt production) rather than directly involved in anaerobic wastewater treatment.
• Nocardia: Nocardia species are usually aerobic or facultative anaerobes. They are not typically a major part of anaerobic wastewater treatment but can be found in some wastewater systems, especially in the presence of low oxygen conditions.
• Escherichia coli (E. coli): E. coli is a facultative anaerobe that can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. While it is not a major player in anaerobic wastewater treatment, it can occasionally be found in the process, especially in untreated or partially treated wastewater. It is more associated with pathogenic contamination.

3. Conclusion:

The primary microorganisms involved in anaerobic wastewater treatment are methane formers (methanogens) and acid formers (acidogenic bacteria). Other microorganisms such as Lactobacillus, Nocardia, and E. coli may be present, but they are not central to the anaerobic treatment process.

Final Answer:

The microorganisms present in anaerobic wastewater treatment are methane formers and acid formers.