Abstract
This study investigated the effects of adding mature compost (MC) and vermicompost (VC) on controlling gas emissions and compost quality during food waste (FW) composting. In addition to a control treatment (only food waste), four treatments were designed to mix the initial FW with varying rates of MC and VC (5.0% and 7.5%). The composting process was monitored for 84 days. Results indicate that the addition of MC and VC resulted in higher temperature, prolonged the thermophilic stage and reduced NH3 and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Compared to the control, the loss of NH3-N was decreased by 29–69%, and the global warming impact was also mitigated by 49–61%. The largest reductions in NH3 and global warming potential (GWP) were found for 7.5% VC and 5% MC, respectively. The treatments with additives more rapidly achieved the required maturity value. This research suggests that the addition of 7.5% MC and VC is suitable for food waste composting.
Highlights
Introduction14,000 tons of Food wastes (FW) are produced daily, and over five million tons need to be incinerated or disposed of landfills in Korea [1]
Food wastes (FW) are produced throughout the food supply chain
One of the most important issues related to FW composting is associated with ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), which can contribute to global warming and stratospheric ozone depletion
Summary
14,000 tons of FW are produced daily, and over five million tons need to be incinerated or disposed of landfills in Korea [1]. These disposal methods have caused environmental problems. Public attention toward FW treatment has increased with the growing interest of environmental issues. The land application of compost can increase the level of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, improve the soil structure, and reduce the use of chemical fertilizer. One of the most important issues related to FW composting is associated with ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), which can contribute to global warming and stratospheric ozone depletion.
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