Volatile Fatty Acids’ Production via Sewage Sludge Fermentation

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production through anaerobic fermentation of sewage sludge, instead of methane production, has been regarded as a high-value and promising roadmap for sludge stabilization and resource recovery. Compared to methane, VFAs have a higher value and a wider range of applications, such as in the food and pharmaceutical industries as preservatives, in the production of esters, bioplastics and bioenergy, as well as in the biological removal of nutrients from wastewater as a carbon source. However, VFA production from sewage sludge is usually limited by low hydrolysis rates and biodegradation.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive review of sludge-derived VFA production mechanisms and technologies. The effects of the main factors (i.e., temperature, pH, retention time, organic load rate, and use of additives) on the production process, the composition, and the different applications of the resulting VFA are critically reviewed. Sludge pre-treatment methods, fermentation reactors’ configuration and strategies to control and enhance the process are discussed, with a particular focus on recent advancements and technological innovations. Finally, future research directions, which are crucial to achieve an extensive large-scale application of this process, are suggested.

Dr. Leiyu Feng
Guest Editor

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• anaerobic fermentation
• controlling strategy
• sludge pretreatment
• sewage sludge
• volatile fatty acids (VFAs)