Study and Assessment of Segregated Bio-waste Composting

01.Mar.2019

​In this study, four pilot-scale experiments were conducted to produce good quality, low-cost composting technology from different types of organic waste (fruit, vegetable, and garden waste) using plant residues and sawdust as bulking agents to provide the required C/N ratio needed for efficient decomposition. This included investigation of the following physicochemical parameters: temperature, moisture content, bulk density, pH, EC, total organic carbon, total organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and C/N ratio, heavy metal concentrations and microbial activity. The experimental process showed overall decreasing profiles versus composting time for moisture, organic carbon, carbon/nitrogen content (C/N), and pile volume, and overall increasing profiles for electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, and bulk density. The final product was tested for toxicity, quality, and microbial activity and compared to German standards. The results showed that the concentrations of heavy metal in the finished compost were within the desired level and, in comparison to German standards, were well below the maximum allowable concentrations. Compost respiration in the samples varied from 3.9 to 7.7 mgO2/g dm. Accordingly, all the compost samples were stable and could be rated as class IV and V final products.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331771475_Study_and_Assessment_of_Segregated_Bio-waste_Composting​