Microbial and enzymatic improvement of anaerobic digestion of waste biomass

Metabolic activities of different microorganisms (Bacillus subtilis, B. lic heniformis and Aspergillus niger) and hydrolytic enzymes (concentrations: 1 to 200 mg enzyme solids g(-1) feed) were studied individually and in combi nations with respect to H-2 and methane production from damaged wheat grain s. Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis and pre-existing hydrogen producers (control) produced 45 to 64 l H-2 kg(-1) total solids and subsequently, wit h the help of added methanogens, 155 to 220 1 methane kg(-1) total solids c ould be produced. H-2 production from damaged wheat grains could be decreas ed to 28% or enhanced up to 152% with respect to control, by employing vari ous microbial and enzymatic treatments. Similarly, it has been made possibl e to vary methane production capacities from as low as 17% to as high as 11 0% with respect to control.