Anaerobic degradation of cellulose and formation of methane

The existing knowledge of anaerobic digestion of cellulose-containing wastes and methane formation is reviewed. Mutual relationships between the individual phases of this complex process and the mechanism of methane biosynthesis are discussed in three sections: (1) Non-methanogenic phase and digestion of cellulose; (2) methanogenic phase and methanogenesis; (3) mixed cultures and their advantages.