Effects of self-produced lactic fermentation (SPLF) on GHG and VSC emissions during swine slurry storage

Abstract

Self-produced lactic fermentation (SPLF) is a new valued utilization technology, but its impact on gas emission remains unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of replacing the H2SO4 additive with SPLF on greenhouse gas (GHG), and volatile sulfur compound (VSC) emissions from swine slurry storage in a laboratory-scale study. In this study, SPLF is directed toward producing lactic acid (LA) through the anaerobic fermentation of slurry and apple waste under the most suitable conditions, with the LA concentration kept at 10,000–52000 mg COD/L and the pH remaining within 4.5 during the following 90 days of slurry storage. Compared with that in the slurry storage treatment (CK), the GHG emissions decreased by 86% and 87% in the SPLF and H2SO4 groups, respectively. The low pH (i.e., less than 4.5) inhibited the growth of Methanocorpusculum and Methanosarcina and resulted in very low mcrA gene copies in the SPLF group, leading to a reduction in CH4 emissions. The methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and H2S emissions in the SPLF group were reduced by 57%, 42%, 22%, and 87% and increased by 2206%, 61%, 173%, and 1856% in the H2SO4 group, respectively. Therefore, SPLF can be an innovative bioacidification technology for effectively reducing GHG and VSC emissions from animal slurry storage.