The effect of pH, temperature, and inoculum on the fermentation of pulp and paper biosludge: increasing the nutrient availability for rearing of black soldier fly larvae

Abstract Pulp and paper production is one of the largest global industries producing annually 400 million metric tons pulp products 6 biosludge (PPBS). From a resource efficiency sustainability perspective, there need for improving PPBS management. This study assessed fermentation as pretreatment to improve feasibility feed black soldier fly larvae. The impact temperature, pH, inoculum on concentration soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) volatile fatty acids (VFA) was assessed. An initial pH 10 addition from an anaerobic digester substantially increased sCOD. obtained VFA low compared needed growth Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL). recalcitrant because high content lignocellulose. Fermentation done in this does not convert feasible larvae; thus, further research improved needed. However, at alkaline do increase final which improves its BSFL. Future studies should explore > temperatures 55 °C sCOD generation by removal inhibiting substances, testing other types (rumen microorganisms) co-fermentation.