We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Valorization of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB)-based bioplastic waste in anaerobic digesters of food waste for bioenergy generation: reactor performance, microbial community analysis, and bioplastic biodegradation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the biodegradation of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB)-based bioplastic film in anaerobic digesters treating food waste, testing whether bioaugmentation with Alcaligenes faecalis and Bacillus megaterium could accelerate degradation and improve methane generation. They found that the bacterial additions significantly enhanced PHB breakdown, with optimal fractions of 50% A. faecalis and 75% B. megaterium, while shifting microbial communities toward genera including Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta.
Abstract This study aims to investigate the significance and biodegradation pathways of PHB-based bioplastic in anaerobic digesters treating food waste, where the reactor performance of changed methane generation, bioplastic biodegradation efficiency, and bioinformatic analysis of functional microbes were emphasized. The results showed that PHB-based plastic film could be partially biodegraded in the food waste digester, and a bioaugmentation use of Alcaligenes Faecalis (AF) and Bacillus Megaterium (BM) was beneficial to largely accelerate the degradation process through a beneficial shift of both the functional bacterial and archaeal species. Microbial community analysis indicated that the major bacterial species belonged to genera Candidatus_Cloacimonas , Rikenellaceae , and Defluviitoga , while the dominant methanogenic archaeal species belonged to genera Methanomassiliicoccus , Methanosarcina , and Methanosaeta . Bioplastic biodegradation analysis suggested that the optimal fractions of AF and BM for PHB-based plastic degradation were 50%AF and 75%BM, respectively, which deserves further optimization and scale-up validation. The finding of this study would contribute to the combined management of PHB-based bioplastic with food waste for clean energy recovery and a greener environment.
More Papers Like This
Production of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) by Novel Bacillus megaterium SWU01 Isolated from Activated Sludge
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated bacteria capable of producing polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) — a biodegradable biopolymer that could substitute for conventional petroleum-based plastics — from wastewater sludge and cow dung. The most productive bacterial strain was identified as a new variant of Bacillus megaterium. Developing inexpensive microbial routes to biodegradable plastics from waste feedstocks could help reduce dependence on conventional plastics and lessen microplastic pollution.
Enhancing Bioplastic Degradation in Anaerobic Digestion: A Review of Pretreatment and Co-Digestion Strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines strategies to improve the breakdown of bioplastics—including PLA, PHB, and starch-based materials—through anaerobic digestion, finding that pretreatment techniques (mechanical, thermal, and enzymatic) combined with co-digestion of food waste or sewage sludge can significantly boost methane yields and support circular waste management.
Bioplastic’s Valorisation by Anaerobic Co-Digestion with WWTP Mixed Sludge
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated continuous anaerobic co-digestion of the bioplastic polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) with wastewater treatment plant sludge, finding 68-75% PHB degradation in batch tests and complete degradation in continuous reactors, which boosted biomethanisation rates from 44% up to 72% — demonstrating AD as a viable end-of-life pathway for this bioplastic.
Biopolymers modulate microbial communities in municipal organic waste digestion
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how biopolymers (bio-based plastics) affect microbial communities and process outcomes when co-treated with municipal organic waste in anaerobic digestion and composting systems. They found that biopolymers can alter microbial community structure, raising questions about their persistence and biodegradability in waste treatment.
Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Bioplastics and Food Waste under Mesophilic and Thermophilic Conditions: Synergistic Effect and Biodegradation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated anaerobic co-digestion of bioplastics (PLA and PHA) with food waste under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions, finding synergistic effects that enhanced methane production yields, demonstrating that co-digestion could be an effective strategy for managing bioplastic waste while generating renewable energy.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.