Anaerobic Digestion

Definition

Anaerobic digestion is a process that breaks down organic materials in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas and a nutrient-rich digestate.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Anaerobic digestion is a series of biological processes in which microorganisms decompose biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen, typically leading to the production of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and traces of other gases derived from organic material like food waste or agricultural residues.

Benefits

• Produces biogas, a renewable energy source.
• Reduces waste and emissions in landfills.
• Produces a nutrient-rich digestate that can be used as fertilizer.
• Contributes to sustainable energy and waste management.

Examples

• Biogas production from food waste
• Composting facilities using anaerobic processes
• Farm systems digesting manure

Additional Information

• Effects: Anaerobic digestion helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the by-product can be applied to improve soil health.

Related Terms

• Composting

References

• Anaerobic Digestion: A Brief Introduction
• The Contribution of Anaerobic Digestion and Composting to Climate Change Mitigation