Abstract
One of the solutions in unsorted municipal waste management is autoclaving, which maximize the amount of waste for recycling. After autoclaving, however, up to 30% of autoclaved waste, called organic remaining fraction (ORF) is still unstabilized and cannot be landfilled but must be subjected for further stabilization, e.g. in aerobic conditions. After this process waste meets standards for landfilling. However, as during aerobic stabilization humification of organic matter proceed, before landfilling humic substances (HS) could be recovered. High HS concentration in ORF means that before its landfilling HS can be recovered. The maximal recovering of valuable substances from waste is in line with the principles of sustainable development. Therefore, this study examined the humification of ORF from a full-scale mechanical-heat-treatment plant during composting in two-stage system (1st stage in 550 L reactor, 2nd stage in windrow). The rates of organics mineralization were 8.35–12.00 g OM/kg d.m. d. The rates of HS formation were lower, 3.31–3.92 mg/g OM d, and process proceeded most intensively up to 50 days. The maximum HS concentrations were 82–120 mg/g OM, similar to those in composts from different kinds of organic waste.Graphic
Highlights
Graphic AbstractKeywords Autoclaved municipal waste · Aerobic stabilization · Humification kinetics · Fulvic fraction · Humic acids
The constantly increasing amount of municipal solid waste and the implementation of directives regarding the reduction of the amount of waste that is landfilled has led to a search for new solutions that allow for maximal recovery and reuse of waste
We found that humic substances (HS) concentrations in stabilized organic remaining fraction (ORF) are high, which indicates that recovery of these substances can be profitable and that this waste can serve as a source of materials for new products in the circular economy
Summary
Keywords Autoclaved municipal waste · Aerobic stabilization · Humification kinetics · Fulvic fraction · Humic acids. In last decade a few autoclaving installations (mechanical-heat-treatment plant, MHT plant) were established for municipal waste. After that process a large part of the autoclaved waste comprises the biodegradable fraction (ORF) that must be stabilized. To the best our knowledge, humification process during aerobic stabilization of ORF from a full-scale MHT plant as well as humic substances content in stabilizate from ORF have not been analyzed. Humification have been the subject of many research but during composting, not municipal waste stabilization. We found that HS concentrations in stabilized ORF are high, which indicates that recovery of these substances can be profitable and that this waste can serve as a source of materials for new products in the circular economy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
