Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are designated as offensive odor substances, and they are known for their strong polarity and adsorptive properties, which can lead to significant losses during sample collection and analysis. This study evaluates two analytical methods currently outlined in the odor process test standards, alongside an analytical system utilizing adsorption tubes and another system that uses ion chromatography (IC). Furthermore, suitable analytical methods were proposed for analyzing concentrations below the odor threshold and emission limits. When assessing SPME-GC/FID, SPME-GC/MSD, TD-GC/MSD, and IC based on the internal quality control standards specified in the process test standards, all methods were found to have met these criteria. The absolute injection amounts (1 atm, 25oC) satisfying the emission limits ranged from 3 to 95 ng, while those that met the odor thresholds ranged from 0.2 to 6.5 ng. Based on these criteria, analytical systems suitable for the specified concentration range and odor thresholds were identified. The results are as follows. 1. The analytical systems confirmed to be suitable for quantifying limits were TD-GC/ MS and IC. 2. In terms of recovery and precision, both TD-GC/MSD and IC were found to be suitable. 3. Regarding detection limits, both previously mentioned systems were satisfactory. 4. Finally, concerning quantitation limits, both systems were adequate; however, TD-GC/MSD slightly exceeded the odor threshold analysis range for propionic acid by approximately 1.5 ng. The odor thresholds for the four VFAs were converted to absolute quantities (1 atm, 25oC), confirming that the IC system met the following criteria: (1) calibration range and curve, (2) accuracy and precision, and (3) instrumental detection and quantitation limits.

Since 2010, the Odor Prevention Act has identified and regulated four types of fatty acids as substances that cause odors. Four types of fatty acids are contributors to odor pollution and are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. However, the current analysis method has several limitations, including dependency on the timing of sampling before and after the procedure, as well as dependency on the specific analysis method employed. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of the ion chromatography analysis method by utilizing ultrapure distilled water as a means to improve the current approach. Initially, the analysis system underwent a quality assessment. The results indicated a linearity (R2) of 0.99, a limit of 10 nmol/mol or lower, supporting the conclusion that it is suitable. Furthermore, the investigation focused on the substance’s tendency to change over time in ultrapure water and under alkali absorption (0.01N NaOH). At a concentration of 0.95 ng (low-concentration standard sample), the confirmed peak area values ranged from 0.0004 μg/min to 0.0010 μg/min, resulting in an injection variation of approximately ± 0.001. At 23.7 ng (high-concentration standard sample), the peak area value fluctuated between 0.008 μg/min and 0.013 μg/ min, with an average of ± 0.002. Therefore, storing the material at temperatures below 4°C for up to 3 days (72 hours) after manufacturing seemed to facilitate the optimal conditions for maintaining its stability without significant changes taking place. Finally, blank samples from the laboratory, equipment, and site were analyzed. Out of the four substances analyzed, only n-butyl acid was detected in all three background samples. It was confirmed that it represented 4% of the peak area in the 4.94 ng standard sample.

음식폐기물 산발효액 내 존재하는 유기산은 산업 원료로 가치가 있으나 분리 비용이 높은 문제점이 있다. 본 연구에서는 저에너지 유기산분리를 위해 전기투석공정에서 산발효액 내 유기산의 이동현상과 운전조건 (전압, 희석율, pH) 간의 상관관계를 연구하였다. 아세트산과 부틸산으로 주로 구성된 음식물 산발효액 원액 (COD 기준 유기산 67.3 %) 을 실험실 규모 전기투석기를 사용하여 분리전압을 5 V ~ 12 V로 변화시켰을 때, 분리전압 8 V에서 최대 유기산 회수율 (COD 기준 89.4 %, 순도 86.8 %) 을 보였으며, 이 때 분리에 사용된 에너지는 0.286 kWh/kg-COD of VFAs로 나타났다. 전기투석과정에서 분자량 차이에 따른 유기산 간의 이동현상 차이는 발견되지 않았다.

Batch cultivations were performed to evaluate the influences of the initial pH condition on mesophilic and thermophilic acidogenic fermentation with food waste recycling wastewater. In both conditions of mesophilic and thermophilic fermentation, TVFAs production rates were maximized at the initial pH 7 condition as 0.15 and 0.23 g TVFAs/L·hr, respectively. And pH was also maintained stably between 6 and 7 during 72hr acidogenic cultivation at both conditions. However, predominant VFA components were different according to reaction temperature conditions. In mesophilic condition, propionic acid which has low conversion efficiency to methane was accumulated up to 1,348 mg/L while acetic and butyric acid were predominant in thermophilic condition. Therefore, thermophilic acidogenic fermentation was superior for the effective VFAs production than mesophilic condition. From the DGGE analysis, the band patterns were different according to the initial pH conditions but the correlations of the each band were increased in similar pH conditions. These results mean that microbial communities were certainly affected by the initial pH condition. Consequently, the adjustment of the initial pH to neutral region and thermophilic operation are needed to enhance acidogenic fermentation of food waste recycling wastewater.