If adding sodium bicarbonate to an anaerobic digester for pH control, care should be taken not to overdose because _____________

Adding sodium bicarbonate to an anaerobic digester is a common practice used to help maintain optimal pH levels for digestion processes. However, it is important to monitor the dosage carefully because overdosing can lead to sodium toxicity. When excessive sodium bicarbonate is introduced, it increases the concentration of sodium in the digester, which can negatively affect microorganism activity. These microorganisms are crucial for breaking down organic matter in the digester, and high sodium levels can inhibit their growth and overall performance.

Therefore, maintaining a balanced approach when adding sodium bicarbonate is key to preventing toxicity that could impede digestion and disrupt the operational efficiency of the anaerobic treatment process.