A Preliminary Analysis of Microbial and Biochemical Properties of High‐Temperature Compost

Abstract

We investigated the microbial community of a high-temperature compost process exhibiting an internal temperature exceeding 90 degrees C. The waste pile was crosscut and samples were collected from the bottom to the top of the refuse pile. PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis suggested that the microbial community of the high-temperature compost is heterogeneous and differs from one locality to another. Heat-stable collagenases and amylases were extracted directly from the compost pile. Collagenases were located in the upper half of the pile, whereas amylases were detected mainly in the lower parts. Several extremely thermophilic strains were isolated at 80 degrees C; these strains were aerobes. Based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis, the isolates clustered together and represent one or two closely related species. We propose that these thermophilic isolates belong to a novel genus, Caldaterra, gen. nov.

Isolation and identification of bacteria from high-temperature compost at temperatures exceeding 90C

“…This finding indicates that selective pressure against mesophilic bacteria in high-temperature compost was higher than that in ordinary compost. Although there are two previous examples of isolates of new species of bacteria that can grow at 80°C (Moriya et al, 2011), the isolation of bacteria that can grow at temperatures higher than 90°C from high-temperature compost has not been previously reported (Oshima and Moriya, 2008;Yoshii et al, 2013). We believe there was little possibility of isolating microorganisms that could grow at temperatures higher than 80°C from the compost used in the present study.…”

“…When composts are subjected to appropriate aeration, the temperature can exceed 90°C. Although there have been many studies on the constituent microorganisms in ordinary composts (Strom, 1985;Dees and Ghiorse, 2001;Ryckeboer et al, 2003;Wang et al, 2007;Kumar 2011;Antunes et al, 2016;Cerda et al, 2017), there have been only a few studies on microorganisms in high-temperature composts (≥90°C) (Oshima and Moriya, 2008;Yoshii et al, 2013;Tashiro et al, 2016). Although several examples of hightemperature composts are available, the operational procedures and the types of organic wastes applied might differ.…”

Pile Structure in Large Animal Carcass Compost Piles: Zone Differences in Physical and Chemical Characteristics

“…Curtis et al (2005) measured respiration rates at different depths in a static pile. Oshima and Toshiyuki (2008) found different enzymes at work in the top of the pile than at the bottom, indicating that different microbial communities were at work in the different zones. Insam et al (1996) divided the cross section of manure compost piles into four different pre-determined zones for sampling.…”

A Composting System to Decompose Radiocesium Contaminated Baled Grass Silage

“…Instead, we have proposed to treat organic waste with microorganisms, that is, to decompose by composting, especially using aerobic, high temperature composting devised by Sanyu limited company (Kagoshima, Japan) (Oshima and Moriya 2008). We have already succeeded to treat contaminated carcasses of cows, pigs and wild boars in towns in Fukushima prefecture.…”