The effects of pre-aeration and inoculation on solid-state anaerobic digestion of rice straw.

•Impact of pre-aeration on the degradation of rice straw in SS-AD was investigated.•Pre-aerated straw for 2d/35°C showed the highest hydrolytic efficiency and BMP.•VFAs accumulation at high S/I ratio and TS content led to a reduced methane yield.•Lower inoculum concentration was priority choice for rapid initiation in SS-AD.