Work

Microbial Community Restructuring Drives Metabolic Shifts to Enhance Humification in Hyperthermophilic Food Waste Composting

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Conventional composting struggles with slow fermentation and low humification efficiency in managing global food waste. While hyperthermophilic composting (HTC, >80 °C) can enhance efficiency, the microbial and metabolic drivers of accelerated humification remain unknown. Multi-omics analysis revealed that microbial restructuring during the HTC cooling stage (30–80 ℃) triggers metabolic reprogramming. Enriched thermophiles (e.g., Gordonia, Cryptosporangium, Limnochordia) redirect carbon flux toward anabolism via upregulated glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, while suppressing the TCA cycle. This redirected carbon flux accelerated lignocellulose degradation (2.6–3.7-fold), boosted humic acid synthesis (by 50%), and increased the humification index (by 76%). Critically, it promoted the condensation of lignin-derived phenolics with amino acids and Maillard-mediated polymerization, increasing aromatic precursors by 161%. Structural equation modeling confirmed that microbial restructuring directly accounted for 96% of humic substance variation through metabolic regulation. These mechanistic insights enable the design of high-efficiency composting systems for simultaneous waste valorization and stable humic substance production.

Source: Agronomy

DOI: 10.3390/agronomy16121187

Authors: Fan Liu, Jun Wang, Qingxu Ma, Yafan Cai, lianghuan wu

Institutions: Zhejiang University, Zhengzhou University

Language: English

Topic: Composting and Vermicomposting Techniques

Subfield: Soil Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137