Question

Supply of oxygen to the biogas plant will have:

• A. Positive effect
• B. Negative effect
• C. No effect
• D. None of the above

Hint:

Biogas plants operate under: \[ \boxed{\text{Anaerobic conditions}} \] Key microorganism: \[ \textit{Methanobacterium} \] \[ \text{Oxygen present} \Rightarrow \text{Biogas production decreases} \] \[ \text{No oxygen} \Rightarrow \text{Maximum methane production} \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Recall how biogas is produced. Biogas is produced by anaerobic microorganisms called methanogens. Examples include: \[ \textit{Methanobacterium} \] These microbes decompose organic matter in the absence of oxygen.

Step 2: Understand the requirement of methanogens. Methanogens are: \[ \boxed{\text{Obligate anaerobes}} \] which means they cannot survive and function properly in the presence of oxygen.

Step 3: Determine the effect of oxygen supply. If oxygen enters a biogas plant:
• Activity of methanogens decreases
• Biogas production reduces
• Anaerobic digestion is disturbed Thus, oxygen adversely affects the functioning of the biogas plant. Therefore, \[ \boxed{\text{Supply of oxygen has a negative effect}} \] Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(B)}} \]