What is the purpose of anaerobic digestion in sewage treatment?

The purpose of anaerobic digestion in sewage treatment primarily focuses on breaking down sewage sludge without the presence of oxygen. In this process, microorganisms decompose organic matter in an oxygen-free environment, converting it into simpler substances. This not only helps to reduce the volume of the sludge but also stabilizes it, making it easier to handle and process further.

Anaerobic digestion results in the production of biogas, which mainly consists of methane and carbon dioxide. While this biogas can indeed be harnessed to generate electricity, the primary role of anaerobic digestion itself is the breakdown of waste materials, which is crucial in managing sewage effectively and mitigating its environmental impact.