What consequence could excessive methane buildup in anaerobic digesters have?

Excessive methane buildup in anaerobic digesters poses a significant risk of explosion due to the highly flammable nature of methane gas. When the concentration of methane reaches certain levels within an enclosed space, it can create a hazardous environment. In the presence of an ignition source, such as a spark or flame, this built-up methane can ignite, leading to potentially catastrophic explosions.

Maintaining safe operating conditions in anaerobic digesters is critical to prevent such incidents. Effective management strategies, including regular monitoring and gas venting, are essential to control methane levels and mitigate explosion risks, ensuring both the safety of personnel and the integrity of the facility.

The other options, while relevant to the digestion process, do not directly relate to the consequences of excessive methane buildup. Improved digestion rates and enhanced nutrient recovery are positive outcomes of effective operation and management, while lower effluent quality pertains to issues like incomplete digestion or failure in treating wastewater, which are not directly linked to methane accumulation.