Biofuel Research Journal

On the Cover

Volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulation remains a key bottleneck in the stability and efficiency of anaerobic digestion (AD) systems. This issue features a breakthrough study by a research team from the United Kingdom, examining how nano magnetite (Fe₃O₄) particles can mitigate VFA-induced stress and promote stable methanogenesis in AD systems (DOI: 10.18331/BRJ2025.12.2.5). Through batch and semi-continuous trials using butyrate- and propionate-spiked digesters, the researchers demonstrate that Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles enhance direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET), reduce oxidative stress, and stimulate key enzymatic activity. These effects accelerate VFA degradation, shorten lag phases, and support microbial viability under inhibitory conditions. The study highlights the significance of nanoparticle size and dosage in optimizing microbial syntrophy, offering a resilient strategy for methane recovery from organic waste under challenging conditions. Cover art by BiofuelResJ. ©2025.