Exploring the dynamic of microbial community and metabolic function in food waste composting amended with traditional Chinese medicine residues

The aim of this study was to explore the dynamic of microbial community and metabolic function in food waste composting amended with traditional Chinese medicine residues (TCMRs). Results suggested that TCMRs addition at up to 10% leads to a higher peak temperature (60.5 degrees C), germination index (GI) value (119.26%), and a greater reduction in total organic carbon (TOC) content (8.08%). 10% TCMRs significantly induced the fluc-tuation of bacterial community composition, as well as the fungal community in the thermophilic phase. The addition of 10% TCMRs enhanced the abundance of bacterial genera such as Acetobacter, Bacillus, and Bre-vundimonas, as well as fungal genera such as Chaetomium, Thermascus, and Coprinopsis, which accelerated lignocellulose degradation and humification degree. Conversely, the growth of Lactobacillus and Pseudomonas was inhibited by 10% TCMRs to weaken the acidic environment and reduce nitrogen loss. Metabolic function analysis revealed that 10% TCMRs promoted the metabolism of carbohydrate and amino acid, especially citrate cycle, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and cysteine and methionine metabolism. Redundancy analysis showed that the carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio was the most significant environmental factor influencing the dynamic of bacterial and fungal communities.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the impact of adding traditional Chinese medicine residues (TCMRs) on the microbial community and metabolic function in food waste composting. Results showed that 10% TCMRs addition led to higher peak temperature, germination index, and reduction in total organic carbon. Addition of TCMRs boosted the abundance of certain bacterial and fungal genera, while inhibiting others to promote lignocellulose degradation and humification. Metabolic function analysis revealed enhanced metabolism of carbohydrate and amino acid pathways with 10% TCMRs addition.