Microbial bioconversion of food waste to bio-fertilizers†

Food waste is a matter of concern in our society. A large amount of waste has been reported in municipalities (households, markets, food courts, and ceremonies), the agriculture sector, food-based industries and airports. Food wastage involves economic losses and entails the use of resources and has an environmental impact that could be avoided by educating society in environmental values and looking for new revalorization strategies. Food waste contains organic matter in a rich amount which depends on the type of waste such as oils, fruits, agro-industrial waste, bakery, dairy, meat etc. A number of strategies are applied for the management of food waste such as recycling, bioconversion, animal feed etc. Among them microbial bioconversion is now becoming popular. It employs a biochemical process in which organic waste is converted into manure that improves soil quality while taking part in the sustainable development of society and contributing to our environment. Some bacteria, fungi, and actinomycete fermentations have been described to perform this upcycling since they present many advantages such as ease, safety, cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and a rapid process. A microbial bio-converted fertilizer also meets quality and safety which enhances the growth of crops. Therefore, the present work aims to present the sources and types of food waste, recent food waste scenarios around the world, the diversity of microbes that convert food waste to fertilizers, the mechanism of bioconversion, and the use of the converted fertilizer.