Role of formate in methanogenesis from xylan by Cellulomonas sp. associated with methanogens and Desulfovibrio vulgaris: Inhibition of the aceticlastic reaction

Abstract Different methanogenic defined mixed cultures, including Cellulomonas sp. strain ATCC21399 as a hydrolytic and fermentative bacterium, were used to show that methane production could proceed from larchwood xylan as well as from cellulose. Via the different mixtures of bacteria used, the role of formate is described. It is shown that formate inhibits methanogenesis from acetate by pure cultures of aceticlastic methanogens.