Green waste composting under GORE(R) cover membrane at industrial scale: physico-chemical properties and spectroscopic assessment

Abstract

Purpose Green waste (GW) composting is of increasing importance to the waste management industry in addition being a useful agricultural product that is rich in nutrient and organic matter (OM). The combination of aerated static windrow with GORE( R ) cover membrane and an air-floor aeration system is a relatively new industrial-scale composting technology that has not been previously explored. Therefore, the aim of this research study was to evaluate the effectiveness of composting GW using this new technology. Methods The composting process was monitored through changes in the physico-chemical properties, E 4/6 , and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Results Disinfection requirements were met by holding composting temperature steady in the thermophilic range for 24 days. The technology greatly improved composting conditions, and final compost product in terms of temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), C/N ratio, OM degradation, nitrogen transformation, humification, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The FTIR spectra revealed that there was enrichment of aromatic compounds and reduction in aliphatic structures and easily assimilated peptide components by microorganisms, indicating the humification degree increased, the final compost stabilized, and confirming the efficiency of composting. Consequently, the new technology produced a mature compost in only 30 days compared with the standard period of 90-270 days for traditional composting. Conclusion Notably, the new technology may be a sustainable alternative for GW management that converts waste into compost and could be beneficial for agricultural uses.

The Effect of Heat Removal during Thermophilic Phase on Energetic Aspects of Biowaste Composting Process

“…However, in order for the composting process to proceed correctly, several conditions must be met. First of all, the fundamental parameter of an appropriate composting process is the occurrence of the so-called thermophilic phase, i.e., a 2-4-week period with the temperature inside the compost from a given material at a level above 45 • C [7]. However, it should be emphasized that under appropriate conditions, the composted material can heat up to over 80 • C. High temperature during the thermophilic phase causes the decomposition of materials that are difficult to decompose (e.g., lignin) and affects the loss of weight due to the intense emission of water vapor and CO 2 [8].…”

Construindo sustentabilidade em contextos urbanos

“…Esse processo é diferenciado da compostagem também por parâmetros operacionais relacionados à temperatura, teor de umidade, tipo de substrato residual utilizado e seu nível de complexidade. Quanto ao biogás pode ser explorado como fonte de energia para diferentes usos a partir do processo de purificação, no qual o dióxido de carbono e demais gases são eliminados para uso como biometano similar ao gás natural (AL-ALAWI et al, 2019;SILVA, 2016).…”

Management of industrial wine residues: physicochemical, bacterial and fungal dynamics during composting processes

“…Composting is one of the most commonly used techniques for valuating organic residues due to its low operational cost and the production of a stable substrate enriched with nutrients, namely, compost. Furthermore, this ecofriendly, low-cost technology can realize the revalorization of organic waste, including sewage sludge, agricultural and forestry residues and animal manures, into organic fertilizers such as compost [1][2][3][4]. Composting is a process of exothermic oxidative microbial degradation consisting of mesophilic (25-45 °C), thermophilic (45-70 °C), late mesophilic and maturation stages [5].…”