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Metagenomics reveals the role of micron zero-valent iron in semi-continuous anaerobic digestion of food waste: The non-negligible impact of organic loading rate

Author

Listed:
  • Chen, Yongdong
  • Liu, Fang
  • Ghofrani-lsfahani, Parisa
  • Wang, Pu
  • Liu, Qiyou
  • Cai, Yafan
  • Gu, Li

Abstract

Micron zero-valent iron (mZVI) is a promising additive for enhancing anaerobic digestion, yet its role under varying operational conditions remains unclear. This study investigates how micron zero-valent iron influences semi-continuous anaerobic digestion of food waste under different organic loading rates (OLR). At low OLR (1.05 gVS/L/day), mZVI (5 g Fe/L) severely inhibits hydrolytic enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase) by 30–50 %, inhibits hydrolytic enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase), acetate kinase, coenzyme F420, and ATP synthesis, reducing abundances of hydrolytic/acidogenic microbes (Fermentimonas, Aminobacterium) and leading to a 15–20 % lower methane yield compared to the control. Conversely, under high OLR (3.38–4.22 gVS/L/day), mZVI's inhibitory effects diminish: it enhances ATP production by 60–80 %, boosts methanogens (Methanobacterium, Methanosarcina) abundances by 2–3 folds, upregulates methanogenesis-related genes (acs, frd) by 0.5–1.0 log2 fold change, and maintains a stable methane yield of 373.2 ± 24.1 mL/gVS (vs. system breakdown in the control at 4.22 gVS/L/day). The dual role of mZVI stems from competition for oxidative power: limited substrate metabolism at low OLR restricts its benefits, while robust substrate energy flow at high OLR activates mZVI's reductive capacity to aid methanogenesis. These findings highlight OLR-dependent mechanisms of mZVI in optimizing anaerobic digestion efficiency, providing insights for sustainable organic waste-to-energy strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Yongdong & Liu, Fang & Ghofrani-lsfahani, Parisa & Wang, Pu & Liu, Qiyou & Cai, Yafan & Gu, Li, 2026. "Metagenomics reveals the role of micron zero-valent iron in semi-continuous anaerobic digestion of food waste: The non-negligible impact of organic loading rate," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:260:y:2026:i:c:s0960148126000273
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2026.125202
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yu, Qilin & Mao, Haohao & Zhao, Zhiqiang & Zhang, Yaobin, 2023. "Electro-polarization of the sludge with dynamic magnetic field enhanced the interspecies electron transfer in ZVI-added anaerobic digesters," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    2. Negri, Camilla & Ricci, Marina & Zilio, Massimo & D'Imporzano, Giuliana & Qiao, Wei & Dong, Renjie & Adani, Fabrizio, 2020. "Anaerobic digestion of food waste for bio-energy production in China and Southeast Asia: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
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