A suggested solution for slaughterhouse wastes: Uses of the residual materials after anaerobic digestion

Abstract

The results of operating a pilot plant for the anaerobic methanogenic thermophilic digestion of wastes in an industrial slaughterhouse in Israel are described. A substantial advantage of the process arises from a product called ‘Peatrum’, which can be used commercially as a substitute for peat-moss, while the process simultaneously generates energy. The results of the experiments with the ‘Peatrum’ material are presented. The characteristics of ‘Peatrum’ were found to be similar to those of enriched sphagnum peat. Growing cucumbers on ‘Peatrum’ after different composting periods showed that ‘Peatrum’, if not completely mature, is a lower quality substrate than peat-moss. In comparing ‘Peatrum’ and peat-moss as casing materials for the production of edible mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) in standard commercial conditions, it was found that the mushroom yield in ‘Peatrum’ was somewhat lower. This may be because ‘Peatrum’ has a lower water-holding capacity and requires watering accordingly.