Abstract
The research work deals with the dynamics of saponification products and their interaction with microbial communities that thrive in both aerobic and anaerobic sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants. A particular focus of this research is the potential of reutilising used cooking oils, which are normally waste, into a new product – soap. The study evaluates the efficacy of soap degradation within wastewater sludge, employing the respiration activity of microorganisms as a metric, with a specific focus on monitoring biological oxygen demand levels. Under anaerobic conditions, the degradation of soaps occurs, facilitating the generation of biofuels, notably methane, as a consequential by product of this biochemical process. The results of the study emphasise that the saponification products have no recognisable toxic effects on the microorganisms in the sewage sludge. Furthermore, the study emphasises the successful degradation of these products throughout the wastewater treatment process, confirming the biodegradation processes associated with such treatment methods. Consequently, the study emphasises the possibility of using saponification products as a valuable and economically viable resource to improve microbial respiration dynamics in wastewater treatment systems. Furthermore, their potential to increase the production of biofuels, especially methane, underlines their importance in promoting sustainable approaches to waste management and resource utilisation in the context of wastewater treatment.