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The methods of compost preparation from sewage sludge and their modes of application to the agricultural elds have profound impacts on the soil ecology and environment. Besides their chemical conditioning effect on soil organic matter, they also impart physical attributes to the soil texture and structure. Though it is expected that compost addition improves water holding capacity and nutrient sequestration, there is lack of clarity in correlating the outcomes with conditions of excess nutrient storage/leaching despite the bene ts on crop yield. In this study, we present a systematic cause-evidence-impact relationship on the feedstock, processing and applications of co-composted organic matter. Various analytical tools were compared to elucidate the unique characteristics of co-composted sewage sludge to get a realistic understanding of the complex soil-compost interactions. Results from the spectroscopic characterization reveal the implications of selection of bulking agents and sludge pre-treatment in determination of the nal quality of the compost. The results attribute signi cant parent material in uence to the formation of well-de ned porous structures. The impacts of compost quality on the soil and crop can be proactively determined in terms of elemental composition, functional groups and stability indices. Thus the present approach provides good scope for customizing compost preparations and applications to get the preferred eld outputs.

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The increasing population density and industrialization are adversely affecting the environment globally. The contamination of the soil, agricultural lands, and water bodies with petroleum wastes and other hydrocarbon pollutants has become a serious environmental concern as perceived by the impacts on the aquatic and marine ecosystem. Various investigations have provided novel insights into the significant roles of microbial activities in the cleanup of hydrocarbon contaminants. However, the burden of these pollutants is expected to increase many folds in the next decade. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate and develop low-cost technologies rapidly, focusing on eco-sustainable development. An understanding of the details of biodegradation mechanisms paves the way for enhancing the efficiency of bioremediation technology. The current article reviews the applicability of various bioremediation processes, biodegradation pathways, and treatments, and the role of microbial activities in achieving efficient eco-sustainable bioremediation of hydrocarbon pollutants. It is envisaged that an integrated bioremediation approach, including biostimulation and bioaugmentation is preferably advocated for the cost-effective removal of toxic petroleum hydrocarbons and their derivatives.

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