Florida Wastewater Practice Test

What is the first stage of the two-part process of anaerobic digestion?

1. Acid formation

2. Methane production

3. Digestion

4. Fermentation

The correct answer is: Acid formation

The first stage of the two-part process of anaerobic digestion is indeed acid formation. During this stage, organic materials are broken down by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the production of volatile fatty acids, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. This process is crucial, as the byproducts created during acid formation prepare the substrate for the subsequent stage of anaerobic digestion, which is methane production. The breakdown of complex organic materials into simpler compounds sets the foundation for the further transformation of these acids into biogas rich in methane. This two-step process effectively converts organic waste into usable energy and helps in managing waste efficiently in wastewater treatment systems.