Abstract
This experimental work aimed to assess the physicochemical properties and quality parameters in different substrates during composting of organic constituents of Municipal Solid Waste (OCMSW) for a period of 40 days. Three different runs were set up respectively in three 244 L in-vessel systems and designated as R1, R2 and R3. R1 depicted the food waste mix; R2 represented the paper waste mix and R3 for the yard waste mix. pH values in the three runs showed an analogous varying range and decreased to 7.4–7.5. The net degradation of the composting matrix in respect of volatile solids diminution was 77.71%, 61.19%, 62.26% for R1, R2 and R3 respectively. The data of Carbon to Nitrogen (C/N) ratios demonstrated a general decrease of 22.8% − 28.1% in final mixtures. R2 had the highest water holding capacity of 4.71 ± 0.64 (471%) among others. The final nutrient contents P, K, Ca, Mg and Na showed an increase as compared initially. The experimental analysis pointed out that different element influenced compost quality and the quality of the end product can be evaluated by several parameters in order to ensure its safe use in the cultivation of crops. Results demonstrated that composting of OCMSW as an appropriate management practice for the remediation of toxic heavy metals. There is a great scope for an extensive application of composting technology on a nationwide basis and the qualitative information reported on the compost quality parameters may permit its utilization by the public.
Published Version
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