Kinetic Study of Batch Biodegradation of Diapers

Abstract

The biodegradation of mixtures of diapers crumbled with residuals of pruning of gardens in a cylindrical batch reactor with agitation was studied. The weight of diapers was varied among 15 to 47%, grass 31% and sawdust the rest. The reaction temperature increased from 20 to 64 • C as a result of biologic activity and it diminished up to 25 • C in 3 weeks. The source genesis of the batch leaching liquid began with a pH of 7 and to the third day it went down to 5.6 due to the hydrolisis of organic compounds. The nitrogen contents increased from 1% up to 2.1% after 28 days due to the loss of CO2. Sawdust concentrations no more than 20% were suitable for the biodegradation reaction. The variation of the content of organic matter in function of the time was described using a kinetics of first order and the reaction model solid-gas of waning nucleus until 30 days in which the chemical reaction controled. After this time a diffusion process seemed to be more important.

Possibilities of composting disposable diapers with municipal solid wastes

“…There is a lack of studies regarding absorption of heavy metals by potatoes. Espinosa et al 2003 To study the biodegradability of diapers The biodegradation of diapers takes place in aerobic conditions at temperatures above 60 C and pH lower than 5.8. In these conditions, organic materials decrease by 56% and nitrogen concentration increases by 48%.…”