Towards electro-fermentative composting plants

Abstract

Electro-fermentative approaches are well known in anaerobic digestion (AD) processes. Multiple scientific articles describe already the possibility of enhancing AD processes using conductive particles or even electrodes that are inserted into the process. Although the majority of articles about electro-fermentation address anaerobic processes, microbiomes from composting processes are susceptible to electrical current as well. However, and to the best of our knowledge, electroactive microbiomes in respect to composting processes are addressed only rarely. To give more attention to this topic, the present review summarizes multiple electro-fermentative approaches that help to optimize composting processes. Below the discussed approaches are the E-Fenton process, electric field-assisted aerobic composting, electro kinetic treatment and compost soil MFCs.