The dual role of microplastics in anaerobic digestion of food waste: Enhancing hydrolysis but inhibiting methanogenesis via biofilm-mediated microbial community succession

Key Points

• Microplastics enhance hydrolysis during anaerobic digestion, impacting food waste processing.
• Hydrolysis increased by 30% in the presence of microplastics, whereas methanogenesis was notably inhibited.
• Assessment using biofilm-mediated microbial community analysis reveals shifts due to microplastics.
• These findings may highlight dual roles of microplastics, indicating potential complications for waste management.