Microbes in biogas production:

Biogas typically refers to a mixture of different inflammable gases produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen and used as a natural fuel.

• Methanogens or Methanobacterium being anaerobic bacteria produce biogas by breaking down cellulosic materials into Co₂ and H_2. They are found in, anaerobic sludge in sewage treatment plants. Also in rumen (guts) of cattle, for converting cellulose into energy.

Mechanism of gobar gas(biogas) production:

• The biogas plant consists of a concrete tank (10-15 feet deep) in which bio-wastes are collected and filled with slurry (any flowable suspension of small particles like dung in liquid).
• Methanobacteria in the dung act on bio-waste to produce biogas.
•  A floating cover is placed over the tank, which keeps on rising as the gas produces in the tank.
• This plant has two outlets, one through which biogas is supplied to nearby houses and another through which spend slurry is removed to be used as fertilizer.
• Biogas plants are more often built in rural areas. The biogas is used for cooking and lighting. The biogas production technology is developed by Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).