Acidogenic Fermentation of Cassava Wastewater: Effect of the Substrate-to-Microorganism Ratio and Temperature on Volatile Fatty Acids Production
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) through the acidogenic fermentation of wastewater is an emerging technology that requires further research to optimize operational variables for specific substrates. Cassava wastewater, which is a byproduct of the cassava sour starch extraction process, has been minimally studied regarding its potential for VFA production through acidogenic fermentation. Batch reactors were used to evaluate the effects of the substrate-to-microorganism (S/M) ratio and temperature on VFA production from cassava wastewater. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the evaluated S/M ratios. The maximum total VFA concentration observed was 2214.64 mg of acetic acid (HAc)/L (0.32 gCODVFA/gCOD), which was achieved at a S/M ratio of 4 gCOD/gVS. This concentration was predominantly composed of acetic acid (42.7%), followed by butyric acid (30.1%) and propionic acid (24.6%), with a minor quantity of isovaleric acid (2.6%). The statistical analysis for the temperature variable showed significant differences between the evaluated conditions. The maximum concentration of total VFAs was 2650.19 mgHAc/L (0.45 gCODVFA/gCOD) at 34 ± 1 °C, with acetic (40.9%), butyric (29.8%), and propionic (29.3%) acids as primary metabolites. Cassava wastewater shows promise as a potential substrate for VFA production, warranting evaluation in continuous reactors.
Source: Water
DOI: 10.3390/w16233344
Institution: Universidad del Valle
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,955
Funder: Universidad del Valle
Award: G1853285125
OpenAlex ID: W4404593782