Anaerobic Respiration

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-001368",
  "term": "Anaerobic Respiration",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. \"The process whereby microorganisms use a chemical other than oxygen as an electron acceptor. Common 'substitutes' for oxygen are nitrate, sulfate, and iron.\" - National Research Council, 1993\n\n2. \"In anaerobic respiration, nitrate (NO3-), sulfate (SO42-), metals such as iron (Fe3+) and manganese (Mn4+), or even CO2 can play the role of oxygen, accepting electrons from the degraded contaminant. Thus, anaerobic respiration uses inorganic chemicals as electron acceptors. In addition to new cell matter, the byproducts of anaerobic respiration may include nitrogen gas (N2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), reduced forms of metals, and methane (CH4), depending on the electron acceptor.\" - National Research Council, 1993\n\n3. Anaerobic respiration takes place without the use of oxygen and produces small amounts of energy. Alcohol or lactic acid or other compounds are produced as waste products depending on the kind of cells that are active.",
  "references": [
    "USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program Definitions",
    "Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/anaerobic-respiration/"
}