A review on the use and applications of Volatile Fatty Acids on fecal sludge sanitization. (6th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zewde, Abraham Amenay; Li, Zifu; Zhou, Xiaoqin
• Is Part Of: Journal of water, sanitation, and hygiene for development. Volume 13:Number 3(2023)
• Page Start: 218
• Page End: 234
• Publication Date: 2023-03-06
• Subjects: anaerobic digestion -- fecal sludge -- food waste -- pathogen inactivation -- sanitation -- VFA; Drinking water -- Sanitation -- Periodicals; Water-supply -- Periodicals; Drinking Water; Hygiene; Health Planning; Water-supply; Health planning; Hygiene; Drinking water -- Quality; Sanitation; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 363.6105
• DOI: 10.2166/washdev.2023.252
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2043-9083

Abstract

Abstract: Basic sanitation is still lacking in many developing countries, resulting in significant environmental health risks. The efficient disposal of food waste with potential resource recovery has recently gained much attention. Food waste is considered to be a favourable substrate for the anaerobic digestion (AD) because it has easy biodegradability, rich nutrient availability, and high water content. Waste disposal as well as energy recovery can be achieved through AD of food waste. Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are among the essential intermediates produced when organic waste is treated in the AD process. They are produced during the acidogenesis and acetogenesis stages of AD. VFA is an important substrate for the microorganisms that are involved in the production of biodegradable plastics, bioenergy, nutrient removal processes, and the inactivation of pathogens. Since the degree of acidification and the key metabolic pathways during fermentation are influenced by the characteristics of the substrate, the amount and composition of VFAs obtained during the AD process may vary depending on the substrate used. This article reviews the achievements and applications of VFAs to inactivate pathogens. HIGHLIGHTS: The effect of VFA for pathogen inactivation. The impact of pH and temperature on fecal sludge treatment. The use of volatile fatty acid-treated fecal sludge for the enhancement of crop production. Potential of volatile fatty acid derived from food waste for fecal sludge treatment. Various applications of VFA. Graphical Abstract