2024 journal article
Linking microbial population dynamics in anaerobic bioreactors to food waste type and decomposition stage
Waste Management.
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
2. Zero Hunger
(OpenAlex)
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
(Web of Science)
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
(Web of Science)
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
(Web of Science)
Source: ORCID
Added: August 1, 2024
A key question in anaerobic microbial ecology is how microbial communities develop over different stages of waste decomposition and whether these changes are specific to waste types. We destructively sampled over time 26 replicate bioreactors cultivated on fruit/vegetable waste (FVW) and meat waste (MW) based on pre-defined waste components and composition. To characterize community shifts, we examined 16S rRNA genes from both the leachate and solid fractions of the waste. Waste decomposition occurred faster in FVW than MW, as accumulation of ammonia in MW reactors led to inhibition of methanogenesis. We identified population succession during different stages of waste decomposition and linked specific populations to different waste types. Community analyses revealed underrepresentation of methanogens in the leachate fractions, emphasizing the importance of consistent and representative sampling when characterizing microbial communities in solid waste.