Effect of initial pH on mesophilic hydrolysis and acidification of swine manure

Effects of initial pH (3–12) on mesophilic hydrolysis and acidification reactions of swine manure was studied. The initial pH changed the microbial community in the suspension so as to affect hydrolysis and acidification reactions on swine manure. At pH 10–12 the Clostridium alkalicellum and/or Corynebacterium humireducens were enriched and the soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD), total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), proteins and carbohydrates from manure were increased in quantities. In particular, at pH 10 the VFA concentration peaked at 13,600 mg-COD/L, with acetate and propionate accounting for 71.8% of the total VFAs. Acidic environment facilitates release of ammonium from manure. The Butyricimonas sp. was found existing at initial pH 5 which led to accumulated quantities of butyrate. Initial pH adjustment was revealed to be an effective way to manipulate rates and end products of hydrolysis and acidification of swine manure.