Optimization of anaerobic acidogenesis of an aquatic plant, Canna indica L., by rumen cultures

Anaerobic acidogenesis of Canna indica L. (canna) by rumen cultures was investigated in this study. Fractional factorial design (FFD) was used to explore the roles of the growth factors such as substrate concentration and pH in such a bioconversion, whereas response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for optimizing this acidogenic process. The optimum substrate concentration and pH for the acidogenesis of canna were found to be 8.2 g VS l−1 and 6.6, respectively, and the corresponding degradation efficiency of canna was 52.3%. Volatile fatty acid yield peaked at 0.362 g g−1 VS degraded at a substrate concentration of 6.9 g VS l−1and pH 6.7. These results were confirmed by the experimental results.