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Title Current perspectives on acidogenic fermentation to produce volatile fatty acids from waste
ID_Doc 12527
Authors Ramos-Suarez, M; Zhang, Y; Outram, V
Title Current perspectives on acidogenic fermentation to produce volatile fatty acids from waste
Year 2021
Published Reviews In Environmental Science And Bio-Technology, 20.0, 2
DOI 10.1007/s11157-021-09566-0
Abstract Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are key platform chemicals used in a multitude of industries including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture. The current route for VFA production is petrochemical based. VFAs can be biologically produced using organic wastes as substrate, therefore directly contributing to a sustainable economy. This process is commonly known as acidogenic fermentation (AF). This review explores the current research on the development of AF processes optimized for VFA production. Three process steps are considered: feedstock pretreatment, fermentation, and primary product recovery with a focus on in situ recovery. Pretreatment is required for recalcitrant feedstocks, especially lignocellulosic substrates. Different pretreatment techniques for AF application have not been studied in depth. The operational parameters of AF (temperature, pH, hydraulic retention time, substrate concentration, etc.) highly influence microbial activity, VFA yields and product distribution. Optimum conditions are ultimately dependent on substrate composition, however, there is indication that certain operational ranges are beneficial for most feedstocks. VFA recovery and purification are necessary for chemical applications. When recovery is performed in situ, it can help relieve product-induced inhibition and keep alkalinity levels stable enabling further waste degradation. Many techniques have been tested, but none are directly compatible with the fermentation conditions tested. Bio-VFAs have the potential to aid in developing a circular economy, but further development is required. Processes need to be developed with the product market in mind, considering both process integration and systematic process optimization.
Author Keywords Acidogenic fermentation; Volatile fatty acids; Carboxylic acids; Product recovery; Waste feedstocks; Short chain fatty acids
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000617825300001
WoS Category Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology; Environmental Sciences
Research Area Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology; Environmental Sciences & Ecology
PDF https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11157-021-09566-0.pdf
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