Fulvic acid-mediated efficient anaerobic digestion for kitchen wastewater: Electrochemical and biochemical mechanisms.

Water Res

CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Science, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, Fujian, China. Electronic address:

Published: June 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • Fulvic acid, found in humus from the anaerobic digestion of kitchen wastewater, plays a significant role in transforming organic matter, but its exact effects and mechanisms were previously unclear.* -
  • In experiments, adding 125 mg/L of fulvic acid to synthetic and kitchen wastewater resulted in a significant increase in methane production, indicating that fulvic acid aids microbial activity and substrate utilization.* -
  • The study found that while fulvic acid enhances digestion processes up to a certain concentration, higher levels (>125 mg/L) can inhibit these benefits, revealing a complex interplay between fulvic acid properties and its effectiveness in anaerobic digestion.*

Article Abstract

Fulvic acid, prevalent in humus derived from the anaerobic digestion of kitchen wastewater, is crucial in organic matter transformation. However, its effects and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the fate of anaerobic digestion of artificial and kitchen wastewater with different fulvic acid contents was investigated. The results showed that 125 mg/L fulvic acid resulted in a 64.02 and 51.72 % increase in methane production in synthetic and kitchen wastewater, respectively. Fulvic acid acted as an electron mediator and increased substrate oxidation by boosting NAD and ATP levels, thereby increasing microbial metabolic rates and ensuring an adequate substrate for methane generation. Isotope analysis suggested that fulvic acid boosts the conversion of volatile fatty acids to methane via the interspecies electron transfer pathway. Gene expression analysis revealed that cytochrome c, FAD, and other electron transport coenzymes were upregulated by fulvic acid, thereby enhancing substrate utilisation and biogas quality. Fulvic acid presented a dual stimulatory and inhibitory effect on anaerobic digestion, with concentrations over 125 mg/L diminishing its positive impact. This dual effect may stem from the properties and concentrations of fulvic acid. This study revealed the effect mechanism of fulvic acid and provided insights into the humus performance in anaerobic digestion.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2024.121603DOI Listing

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