Biotransformation of food waste into biofertilisers through composting and anaerobic digestion: a review

Nurul Solehah Mohd Zaini, Abedelazeez J.D. Khudair, Aliah Zannierah Mohsin, Elicia Jitming Lim, Wakisaka Minato, Hamidah Idris, Jamilah Syafawati Yaacob and Muhamad Hafiz Abd Rahim
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Nurul Solehah Mohd Zaini: Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
Abedelazeez J.D. Khudair: Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
Aliah Zannierah Mohsin: Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
Elicia Jitming Lim: School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Wakisaka Minato: Department of Biochemical Engineering and Science, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan
Hamidah Idris: Food Study Center, Fukuoka Women's University, Fukuoka, Japan
Jamilah Syafawati Yaacob: Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Muhamad Hafiz Abd Rahim: Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

Plant, Soil and Environment, 2023, vol. 69, issue 9, 409-420

Abstract: A growing world population means greater pressure on earth's resources. Currently, 30% of food is wasted, which poses a significant risk to both humans and the environment. One way to offset the growth in food waste (FW) is through the process of microbial bioconversion, whereby FW is transformed into a range of nutrient-dense biofertilisers. This approach not only promotes a highly desirable circular economy, but it can also reduce the use of inorganic fertilisers, which adversely impact the environment through increased greenhouse gases, changes in soil and water characteristics, and loss of biodiversity. The bioconversion of FW to biofertiliser relies on the processes of aerobic (composting) and anaerobic digestion. Recently, alternative decomposition techniques included growing specific beneficial microbes, such as effective microorganisms, to speed up the breakdown process. Microorganisms can act as biostimulants and biodecomposers, possessing nutrient-fixing abilities and providing protection from biotic and abiotic stresses, thus enhancing plant growth and overall health. The potential uses of FW are complex and diverse, but research is actively done to effectively utilise this resource for biofertiliser applications.

Keywords: climate change; recycling material; soil microbiota; digestate; environmental impact; plant-growth promoting microorganism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.17221/101/2023-PSE

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