Chemicals production from wastes

Abstract
In this paper the results of volatile fatty acids (VFA) production from the hydrolysis of fruit and vegetable wastes are presented. Experiments were conducted at laboratory scale reactors (130 cm3). pH was controlled at the desired level in order to study its influence. High yields were obtained (up to 40 g VFA 1−1) at the optimum pH, which resulted in the range of 6.4–6.6. A first order kinetic model fitted quite well to the degradation rate. A mathernathical expression relating the first order kinetic constant with pH was also deduced.