Thermophilic Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste: A Review of Inhibitory Factors, Microbial Community Characteristics, and Optimization Strategies

In light of the persistently mounting pressure on urban and rural waste management, developing efficient, low-carbon, and resource-oriented waste treatment technologies represents a critical challenge demanding urgent breakthroughs. Thermophilic anaerobic digestion (TAD), possessing these advantages, demonstrates unique application prospects in food waste treatment. However, its inherent instability constrains its engineering-scale implementation. This paper systematically reviews existing laboratory and pilot-scale research, focusing on: (1) Thecomplex interactions and synergistic effects of primary inhibitory factors; (2) The dynamic characteristics of microbial communities and their adaptive restructuring mechanisms under thermophilic stress; (3) The efficacy and underlying mechanisms of co-digestion, process control, and two-phase system strategies. This study aims to establish a clear pathway from mechanistic understanding to engineering optimisation, providing a theoretical framework for enhancing the operational stability and scalability of the TAD process.