Biomethanation of a cellulose-based substrate in the presence and absence of a cellulolytic bacterium

The effect of co-culturing a methanogen isolated from a paper mill waste (PMW) with cellulolytic bacteria isolated from the intestinal fluids of the silver cricket (Lepisma saccharina) on the biomethanation of filter paper strips was examined. The autoclaved filter paper strips were subjected to biomethanation in AC 21 medium inoculated with methanogen PMW in the presence and in absence of a co-culture of cellulolytic bacteria. In spite of poor initial response, methane production in the presence of the cellulolytic co-culture were found to increase gradually upto 25 days, after which a reduction in methane production was observed. Analysis of the results in terms of increased cellulose degradation in the presence of cellulolytic bacteria has been made. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.