Effects of pH on the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic wastes and volatile fatty acids accumulation: The contribution of biotic and abiotic factors

► The maximal abiotic release of carbohydrate was observed at pH 12.0. ► The maximal VFAs production and carbon reduction was observed at pH 12.0. ► Biotic factors dominated the hydrolysis of carbohydrate at pH 9.0. ► The critical role of WPL structure was found in cellulose degradation at pH 6.0-9.0.