Question

Write the scientific name of methanogen bacteria. Where are these bacteria generally found? Explain their role in biogas production.

Answer 1

The scientific name of a methanogen bacterium is Methanobacterium.

Methanobacterium is present in the rumen of cattle and in anaerobic sludge, where it helps in cellulose digestion. A large amount of the cellulosic material present in cattle feed reaches the rumen. These bacteria play an important role in the nutrition of cattle because they help in breaking down cellulose in the rumen.

Cattle dung (gobar) is therefore rich in these bacteria. The dung can be used to produce gobar gas, which is a form of biogas.