Effect of Alcaligenes faecalis on anaerobic degradation of ferulic acid

The ferulic acid was approximately degradated 70% when Alcaligenes faecalis was cultured 7 d in the anaerobic culture with ferulic acid as the sole carbon source. Anaerobic fermentation systems with straw producing biogas were studied, where the biogas production was used to reflect the bacteria activity. Results showed that biogas production with A. faecalis inoculum 5% was up to 130 ml, which was increased by 85.71% and116.67% compared with the inoculum of 3% and 7%, respectively. Meanwhile, the acids production, reflected by p H, was enhanced by 136% and110.71%, and the ferulic acid degradation rate was increased by 25% and 33.33% compared with the inoculum of 3% and 7%, respectively. Fourier infrared spectrum analysis showed that the characteristic structure of lignin and ferulic acid in the anaerobic system with A. faecalis addition 5% was destroyed effectively. The results showed that A. faecalis inoculated in anaerobic fermentation system with straw could efficiently degrade lignin degradation derivatives(such as ferulic acid), remove the toxicity of lignin and its degradation products for the anaerobic bacteria group and enhance biogas production.