Achieving valorization of fermented activated sludge using pretreated waste wood feedstock for volatile fatty acids accumulation

Abstract

Production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) via anaerobic fermentation is a potential alternative responding to the current demand for sustainable development to replace conventional fossil routes. In this study, the dynamics of VFAs production and microbial community succession from activated sludge using pretreated waste wood feedstock as carbon sources was reported. VFAs production achieved to the highest value of about 3000 mg COD/L at 10 g COD/L. The maximum acidification rate was determined as 45%. Meanwhile, VFAs composition proportion can be regulated by adjusting pH. Microbial community analysis indicated that Corynebacterium, Actinomyces and Bacteroides were the dominant bacteria genus. In terms of waste wood feedstock conversion, 0.32 g of VFAs was obtained per 1 g of wood powder. The results demonstrated that pretreated wood followed by the acidogenic sludge co-fermentation could contribute to provide an effective green method for developing biomass into value-added chemicals.