Synthesis of bioplastics from food industry wastes with activated sludge biomass

This paper describes the microbial production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA s) from food industry wastes by a mixed culture of activated sludge microor ganisms. The physical and chemical properties of the bioplastics produced b y the microorganisms from malt and soy wastes were different. The melting p oints of the products were compared, and the co-polymer composition of the products was investigated by gas chromatography and nuclear magnetic resona nce spectroscopy, in using activated sludge to convert the carbon source in to PHAs, not only are environment-friendly bioplastics produced, but also t he problem of disposing of municipal activated sludge is partly solved. The selection of food industry waste as the carbon source can also reduce the cost of producing PHAs.