Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Anaerobic Microbiota Research Using a Novel Respirometry Protocol
Published on: April 26, 2024
Extraction of soluble substances from organic solid municipal waste to increase methane production
Rosalinda Campuzano1, Simón González-Martínez1
1Environmental Engineering Department, Institute of Engineering, National University of Mexico (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México), 04510 Mexico DF, Mexico.
Abstract:
This work deals with the analysis of the methane production from Mexico City's urban organic wastes after separating soluble from suspended substances. Water was used to extract soluble substances under three different water to waste ratios and after three extraction procedures. Methane production was measured at 35 °C during 21 days using a commercial methane potential testing device. Results indicate that volatile solids extraction increases with dilution rate to a maximum of 40% at 20 °C and to 43% at 93 °C. The extracts methane production increases with the dilution rate as a result of enhanced dissolved solids extraction. The combined (extract and bagasse) methane production reached, in 6 days, 66% of the total methane produced in 21 days. The highest methane production rates were measured during the first six days.
Related Concept Videos
Microbes and Methanogenesis
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Microbial Leaching
Production of Organic Acids
Bioremediation
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons

