Optimization of ultrasonic pretreatment and substrate/inoculum ratio to enhance hydrolysis and volatile fatty acid production from food waste

Abstract

A new method of combinating ultrasonic (US) pretreatment and substrate/inoculum ratio (S/I) adjustment was applied to enhance hydrolysis and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production from food waste. The maximum VFA production was obtained at an US of 1 W mL⁻¹ and S/I 6, which was four times greater compared to that without pretreatment and S/I adjustment.