In this study, we investigated the microbial community dynamics in thermal acidogenesis using meso philic sludge. From the result of optimization with a response Surface methodology. the acidogenic optimum conditions predicted were a hydraulic retention time of 2.0 days and 51 degrees C. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles shows that the monitored bacterial community present consists of Pseudomonas mendocina, Bacillus halodurans, Clostridium hastiforme, Gracilibacter thermotolerans, and Thermomonas haemolytica. Among these, B. halodurans, G. thermotolerans, and T. haemolytica are reported to ferment carbohydrates thermotolerantly. In contrast, P. mendocina disappeared in the acidogenesis process because of its mesophilicity. In addition, C. hastiforme, G. thermotolerans originating from mesophilic anaerobic sludge were detected in the thermal acidogenesis. Based on this finding, we inferred that most thermophiles detected as DGGE bands could grow catalyzing carbohydrates metabolism in swine wastewater to produce volatile fatty acids thermotolerantly. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.