Effects of organic loading rates on reactor performance and microbial community changes during thermophilic aerobic digestion process of high-strength food wastewater

- Applicability of a TAD process was evaluated for the treatment of high-strength FWW.
- The OLR of 18.6 kg COD/m3 d was the best among various conditions for FWW treatment.
- Protease activity and VRR were closely associated.
- The changes of OLRs significantly affected the microbial community changes.
- The Firmicutes were the main contributors in treating high-strength FWW.