Additives aided composting of green waste: Effects on organic matter degradation, compost maturity, and quality of the finished compost
The research paper investigates the impact of various additives on the composting process of green waste, focusing on their effects on microbial growth, enzymatic activities, organic matter degradation, compost maturity, and the quality of the final compost. The study specifically examines additives such as fly ash, phosphogypsum, jaggery, lime, and polyethylene glycol. Results indicate that jaggery and polyethylene glycol significantly enhance microbial growth and cellulase activity, leading to superior compost quality. The addition of jaggery resulted in an over 8% reduction in the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, indicating improved compost maturity.
The research highlights that composting is a labor-intensive process, but advancements in technology and the use of additives can facilitate this process, making it more attractive for waste management entrepreneurship. The study also emphasizes the need for further exploration of sugar as an additive, as it can promote microbial growth and accelerate composting. The methodology involved collecting green waste, processing it, and conducting composting experiments in controlled conditions, with regular sampling for analysis of physical, chemical, and biological parameters.
Key findings include the observation that jaggery and polyethylene glycol treatments led to higher temperatures during the thermophilic phase, indicating enhanced microbial activity. The study also reports on the effects of additives on pH, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and cellulose degradation, with jaggery showing the most significant impact. The article concludes that jaggery is the most effective additive for improving the composting process and the quality of the finished compost, while also noting that other additives, despite their benefits, may not be cost-effective.
This research paper is significant in the field of waste management and composting technology as it provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of various additives in enhancing the composting process. It contributes to ongoing discussions about sustainable waste management practices by demonstrating how specific additives can improve compost quality and accelerate organic matter degradation. The findings are beneficial for researchers, environmental engineers, and waste management professionals seeking to optimize composting processes and improve the quality of compost produced from green waste. Additionally, the study opens avenues for further research into the use of alternative additives, particularly sugars, in composting.
