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Project Code [2003-FS-CD-LS-11]
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Project title
A biological system for production of value-added products, bio-ethanol and methane from non-animal food wastes with emphasis on hygiene aspects.
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)
Lead Applicant
Emer Colleran
Project Abstract
The aim of this project was to identify fermentative species in anaerobic granular sludge and to define its role in digestion of influent feed with the objective of generating i'engineeredi granules which will be adaptable to a range of influent feed and optimise production of value-added products such as methane from non-animal food wastes. The key organism involved in granule formation within the granular sludge is the archaic species Methanosaeta concilii (Hulshoff et al. 2004). Although a number of theories exist as to how the granule formation occurs it is generally believed that Methanogens predominate in the centre of the granule and various other bacteria such as acetogens and hydrogenotrophs which grow syntrophically with the methanogens are located surrounding the central core of the granule (Hulshoff et al. 2004). The exterior layer may consist of fermentative bacteria which are in contact with substrates. The role of the fermentative bacteria is believed to be the breakdown of the influent feed and the resulting by-products are then utilised by the underlying bacteria.When organic matter is degraded under anaerobic conditions fermentation is common. In the absence of oxygen glucose and sucrose are broken down via the glycolytic pathway leading to the production of pyruvic acid . Pyruvic acid can then be routed by one of three pathways lactic acid fermentation alcohol fermentation or anaerobic respiration (Prescott et al. 1993). Our initial objective was to identify the fermentative species present in granules which were fed on a glucose and sucrose sugar base.
Grant Approved
�152,094.00
Research Hub
Green and Circular Economy
Research Theme
Waste and Resources Management
Initial Projected Completion Date
n/a