Selective inhibition by 2-bromoethanesulfonate of methanogenesis from acetate in a thermophilic anaerobic digestor.

The effects of 2-bromoethanesulfonate, an inhibitor of methanogenesis, on metabolism in sludge from a thermophilic (58 degrees C) anaerobic digestor were studied. It was found from short-term experiments that 1 mumol of 2-bromoethanesulfonate per ml completely inhibited methanogenesis from CH(3)COO, whereas 50 mumol/ml was required for complete inhibition of CO(2) reduction. When 1 mumol of 2-bromoethanesulfonate per ml was added to actively metabolizing sludge which was then incubated for 24 h. it caused a 60% reduction in methanogenesis and a corresponding increase in acetate accumulation; at 50 mumol/ml it caused complete inhibition of methanogenesis and accumulation of acetate. H(2), and ethanol.