Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What happens to inert material entering an anaerobic digester?

1. It completely breaks down into nutrients

2. It passes through the digester unchanged

3. It transforms into biogas

4. It accelerates the digestion process

The correct answer is: It passes through the digester unchanged

In an anaerobic digester, inert materials, which are materials that do not decompose or participate in the biological processes occurring in the digester, generally pass through the system unchanged. This means they do not contribute to the breakdown of organic matter or the production of biogas. Inert materials might include certain plastics, metals, or other non-biodegradable substances that can't be utilized by the microorganisms within the digester. Understanding this process is crucial for proper waste management and ensuring the efficiency of anaerobic digestion. When these materials are introduced into the digester, they can consume space and potentially interfere with the digestion process by hampering the flow of digestion, but they do not enhance the breakdown of organic solids or produce biogas themselves. As a result, it's important to minimize the introduction of inert materials into the digester to maintain optimal performance.