There are several factors that govern the fermentation process, including temperature, salt concentration, water activity, pH, oxygen availability, and nutrients. Fermentation can produce desirable changes like lactic acid production or undesirable changes such as off flavors or toxins. The main types of bacterial fermentations are lactic acid fermentation, acetic acid fermentation, and alkaline fermentation. Fermentation can also be classified based on the culture media used, including solid-state fermentation and submerged fermentation.