Application of Natural Zeolites for the Reduction of Ammonia Emissions During the Composting of Organic Wastes in a Laboratory Composting Simulator
The research paper investigates the effectiveness of natural zeolites, specifically clinoptilolite, in reducing ammonia emissions during the composting of pig slurry mixed with straw. The study was conducted using a laboratory composting simulator to analyze ammonia losses from both chopped and unchopped straw-pig slurry mixtures. The findings revealed that ammonia emissions were significantly lower when pig slurry was composted with chopped straw due to its higher surface area, which facilitated microbial degradation. The study reported that an average of 84-88% of initial ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) was immobilized into organic nitrogen forms during the composting process.
The research also highlighted the role of zeolite in trapping ammonia, with the amount required to retain 80% of nitrogen losses being 53 g per kg of fresh chopped straw-pig slurry mixture, compared to 82 g for unchopped straw. The effectiveness of zeolite in ammonia adsorption was influenced by its water adsorption capacity, with higher water retention leading to reduced ammonia trapping efficiency. The study concluded that combining easily degradable straw with zeolite minerals is an effective strategy for minimizing ammonia emissions during composting.
This research paper is significant in the field of waste management and environmental science, particularly in composting practices. It contributes to ongoing discussions about sustainable waste management by providing insights into how natural materials can mitigate nitrogen losses during composting, which is crucial for enhancing the agronomic value of compost and reducing environmental pollution. The findings are beneficial for researchers, agricultural practitioners, and policymakers interested in improving composting efficiency and reducing ammonia emissions, which can contribute to atmospheric pollution and acid rain.
