Coupling of polyhydroxyalkanoate production with volatile fatty acid from food wastes and excess sludge

In this paper, the synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) by activated sludge with aerobic dynamic feeding process was conducted in a sequencing batch reactor by using food wastes and excess sludge fermentation liquid as the carbon source. The volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in the fermentation liquid were divided into even-numbered (acetic and butyric acid) and odd-numbered (propionic and valeric acid). The experiments conducted by central-composite design (CCD) showed that the pH could significantly affect the ratio of even-numbered to odd-numbered VFAs. Statistical analysis indicated a positive correlation (R2 = 0.97, P < 0.05) between the consumption of even-numbered VFAs and the synthesized of PHB, while the consumption of odd-numbered VFAs were correlated with the synthesized PHV. By controlling the ratio of even-numbered to odd-numbered VFAs, the contents of PHV in the PHAs could be controlled within the range of 22–30%. When fermentative VFAs were used as the substrate for the synthesis of PHAs, the microbial synthesis of PHA and biomass was higher than that mixture of analytically pure acids was used. These results are of vital significance for the comprehensive utilization of solid wastes.

► The ratio of even to odd-numbered fermented VFAs could controlled by pH.
► The consumption of even-numbered VFAs was correlated with PHB synthesis.
► The consumption of odd-numbered VFAs was correlated with PHV synthesis.
► The fermentation VFAs are more suitable for the synthesis of PHAs.