Interactive effects of temperature and cf4 o‐ cf3 cresol co‐disposal on the methanogenic fermentation of refuse

The influence of temperature on both o‐cresol biodegradation and methanogenic refuse decomposition was investigated. Maximum o‐cresol attenuation was recorded from 25 to 37°C. Mesophilic and thermophilic sulphate‐reducing bacterial (SRB) activity was observed, but thermophilic methanogenesis was not recorded. Maximum methane release and SRB activity was recorded at 25–37°C, and ≥30°C, respectively. Optimum conditions for acetate utilization were similar to those for methanogenesis, but propionate degradation apparently depended on SRB activity. Propionate degradation was recorded under thermophilic conditions, even in the absence of methanogenesis, although the optimum temperature was 37°C. When SRB were inhibited, at temperatures ≤25°C, no significant propionate catabolism was observed.