Extreme Processing Conditions Applied in Selection of Different Microorganisms Utilized as Compost Enhancers

Abstract

Present study included isolation of microorganisms during the mesophilic stage of composting and their reuse in compost mixture to enhance organic matter degradation. Effect of microorganism addition on compost degradation was investigated in the presence of microorganisms obtained by isolation from a miniscule composting system. Effects of water addition and time of mixing were applied as extreme composting conditions. Isolates were obtained from these systems and inoculated to determine the most resistant microorganisms. 16S rRNA sequencing of selected strains indicated the presence of Escherichia, Enterococcus and Streptomyces genus. These microorganisms were added to a large-scale compost mixture to accelerate degradation of organic matter. Results indicated 20 and 38% decreases of organic matter in the sole utilization of Streptomyces sp. K1P07 and ternary utilization at the end of 14 days. Escherichia and Enterococcus inhibited degradation in the case of binary utilization. Isolation of microorganisms from the original flora of the compost mixture had accelerated composting due to interaction among themselves. Member of Actinomycetes, in particular, was shown to be effective even in the case of sole utilization. Higher amounts of biomass-oriented wastes could be removed since composting would be terminated in shorter times with the use of these microorganisms.