Abstract
Municipal solid waste (MSW) has become a matter of increasing global concern. Biological conversion is considered to be the most applicable disposal method, especially for the organic fraction of MSW. The aim of this study was to evaluate composting as a treatment method for the sustainable management and recycling of MSW and to test the ecotoxicity of the compost produced on the landfill surface. The ecotoxicity of the compost was investigated by means of a set of biological tests. The ecotoxicological impact of the compost was evaluated by plant growth tests with white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Plants were grown under controlled conditions for 21 days, in earthen pots, treated with MSW compost (MSWC) to study the effect of MSWC on plant biomass production. Sprouts and the number of growing plants occurring in the earthen pots were counted. The values obtained from three simultaneously conducted experiments were averaged and presented. Plants growing in the earthen pots with the compost exhibited increasing plant biomass while no changes were observed in their appearance; retarded growth or necrotic changes were not recorded. The ecotoxicity tests performed show that the analyzed compost produced in the composting plant situated on the landfill surface achieved high percentages of the germinating capacity of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seeds and can be therefore used in the subsequent reclamation of the landfill concerned.
Highlights
IntroductionAn estimated 1.3–1.9 × 1015 kg of municipal solid waste (MSW) is produced every year worldwide
An estimated 1.3–1.9 × 1015 kg of municipal solid waste (MSW) is produced every year worldwide.This amount is expected to grow roughly to 2.2 × 1015 kg Municipal solid waste (MSW) per year by 2025 and it is becoming the subject of global concern [1,2]
The compost produced in the given composting plant was sampled
Summary
An estimated 1.3–1.9 × 1015 kg of municipal solid waste (MSW) is produced every year worldwide. This amount is expected to grow roughly to 2.2 × 1015 kg MSW per year by 2025 and it is becoming the subject of global concern [1,2]. The best method for eliminating organic fractions, in case of MSW, is biological conversion [3,4]. MSW comprises a considerable degree of organic waste that can be efficiently and inexpensively used for composting. This method may increase the content of organic components in soil and protect the environment [4]. Composting is a superior way of treating waste to incineration [4,5]
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