Anaerobic fermentation of organic solid waste: Recent updates in substrates, products, and the process with multiple products co-production

Abstract

The effective conversion and recycling of organic solid waste contribute to the resolution of widespread issues such as global environmental pollution, energy scarcity and resource depletion. The anaerobic fermentation technology provides for the effective treatment of organic solid waste and the generation of various products. The analysis, which is based on bibliometrics, concentrates on the valorisation of affordable and easily accessible raw materials with high organic matter content as well as the production of clean energy substances and high value-added platform products. The processing and application status of fermentation raw materials such as waste activated sludge, food waste, microalgae and crude glycerol are investigated. To analyse the status of the preparation and engineering applications of the products, the fermentation products biohydrogen, VFAs, biogas, ethanol, succinic acid, lactic acid, and butanol are employed as representatives. Simultaneously, the anaerobic biorefinery process with multiple product co-production is sorted out. Product co-production can reduce waste discharge, enhance resource recovery efficiency, and serve as a model for improving anaerobic fermentation economics.

Keywords: Anaerobic fermentation; Bibliometrics; Co-production; Organic solid waste.