Anaerobic refers to an oxygen-free state. Anaerobic bacteria do not need oxygen for their metabolism. Oxygen means for these organisms an inhibition or damage.
The sludge produced in biological wastewater treatment is usually stabilized under anaerobic conditions, i.e. oxygen-free conditions (digestion). Anaerobic bacteria grow much more slowly than aerobic bacteria. While aerobics produce CO2 and water as metabolites, anaerobes produce methane (biogas).


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