Production of 1,3-propanediol and lactic acid from crude glycerol by a microbial consortium from intertidal sludge

Objectives To select a microbial consortium from intertidal sludge and evaluate its ability to convert crude glycerol from biodisel to high value-added products such as 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) and lactic acid (LA). Results A microbial consortium named CJD-S was selected from intertidal sludge and exhibited excellent performance for the conversion of crude glycerol to 1,3-PDO and LA. The composition of CJD-S was determined to be 85.99% Enterobacteriaceae and 13.75% Enterococcaceae by 16S rRNA gene amplicon high-throughput sequencing. In fed-batch fermentation with crude glycerol under nonsterile conditions, the highest concentrations of 1,3-PDO and LA were 41.47 g/L and 45.86 g/L, respectively. Conclusions The selected microbial consortium, CJD-S, effectively converted crude glycerol to 1,3-PDO and LA under nonsterile conditions and can contribute to the sustainable development of the biodiesel industry.