Methanogenic interactions in model landfill co-cultures with paper as the carbon source

Abstract

In a simple laboratory model system containing co‐cultures of cellulolytic bacteria from landfills and Methanobrevibacter smithii, methanogenesis was optimal at 37°C. Although paper solubilization was greatest in cultures containing Eubacterium strain LF 9, methanogenesis was greatest in cultures containing Eubacterium strain LF 11. Coating filter paper with printer's ink reduced methanogenesis. Cultures grown on newspaper produced less methane than those grown on filter paper. However, the rates of methane production from these substrates were similar when calculated in relation to microbial biomass present.