Carboxylic acid production from ensiled crops in anaerobic solid-state fermentation - trace elements as pH controlling agents support microbial chain elongation with lactic acid.

ABSTRACT:

Background

For the production of carboxylic acid platform chemicals like medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) by anaerobic fermentation, pH control is required. However, adding buffer solutions is ineffective in leach-bed reactors.

Aim

In order to increase the MCFA production by maize silage fermentation and to engineer the process we investigated the effect of solid alkaline iron and manganese additives on the process performance and microbial community dynamics.

Results

Without additives, the pH dropped to 3.9 and lactic acid bacteria were favored. Total product yields of 207 ± 5.4 g organic acids (C₂-C₆) and alcohols per kg volatile solids were reached. The addition of trace elements increased the pH value and the product spectrum and yields change

SUBMITTER: Strauber H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6999338 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature