Microbial-growth inhibition during composting of food waste: Effects of organic acids

Factorial designs were employed to analyze the inhibitory effects of acetic, butyric, lactic, and propionic acids on composting microorganisms. Compost samples were withdrawn on different days of composting and treated with acids alone and in combination (at 0 and 0.5 mmol/g). Microorganisms were enumerated to determine degree of growth inhibition. Generally, inhibition was more severe on the day when pH decreased rather than on the day when pH …