Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are the ideal substitute for petroleum-derived non-biodegradable plastics. However, the cost of polymer production restricts the large-scale implementation. Waste feedstocks are a perfect carbon source to balance the cost and waste disposal and minimization. The suitability of activated sludge as inoculum for PHA production from potential waste feedstocks was analyzed for an affordable production strategy through waste management in a three-step methodology. The methodology involves a combined acidogenic fermentation and aerobic dynamic feeding strategy to improve PHA accumulation. Firstly, the specificity of waste feedstock for storage response was increased through volatile fatty acid (VFAs) production by tuning the process elements during acidogenic fermentation depending on the type of substrate. Secondly, activated sludge enriched through aerobic dynamic feeding strategy for improved storage response weeds out non-accumulators through various approaches. Finally, PHA accumulation bulks the enriched mix culture with PHA through different routes to enable economic downstream processing. The acidogenic fermentation critically impacts PHA composition and property along with operating conditions during the process. These studies point towards the feasibility of integrating PHA production by three-step methodology to the existing waste treatment facility and its future scope. Further investigations to improve the efficiency of the process and polymer properties can lead to cheaper polymer production more comprehensive market application.
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