Abstract
Greenhouse gas emissions during composting inevitably cause environmental pollution. This study investigated the effects of 10 % vermiculite of four particle sizes (<1.5 mm, 1.5–3 mm, 3–5.5 mm and 5.5–8 mm) on greenhouse gas emissions during vermicomposting of corn stover and cow dung. The results revealed that vermiculite reduced CH4 and N2O emissions but increased CO2 emissions. Vermiculite with a particle size of 3–5.5 mm presented the greatest environmental benefits, increasing cumulative CO2 emissions by 19 % and reducing CH4 and N2O emissions by 49 % and 62 %, respectively. A negative correlation was found between the specific surface area of vermiculite and cumulative greenhouse gas emissions (r = −0.7949). Furthermore, vermiculite intensified microbial interactions and accelerated microbial community succession. These results have important implications for understanding how vermiculite regulates greenhouse gas emissions and microbial mechanisms during the vermicomposting process.
Published Version
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 call