Key Features:
- No of Pages: 32
- No of Chapters: 5
- Well detailed
Abstract:
Based on extensive literature review, composting research of different types of organic wastes shown different performance on the effectiveness of the composting process. Composting, as a treatment of organic waste, had been proven to significantly reduce the volume of wastes in the country.
In addition, composting can also provide nutrients that are similar for agriculture and can be used as fertilizer to replace chemical fertilizer. Furthermore, compost can also be used as soil amendments as well as being eco-friendly, hygienic economical and toxic free.
Table of Content:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Page 1
Table of Contents 2
1.0 CHAPTER ONE 3
1.1 Introduction 3
1.2 Overview of Organic Waste in Composting 5
1.2.1 Agriculture wastes 5
1.2.2 Municipal Solid Waste 9
1.2.3 Kitchen wastes 11
2.0 CHAPTER TWO 14
2.1 Types of compost 14
2.2 Why should I compost? 16
2.3 What should I compost? 17
2.4 Methods of Composting 17
3.0 CHAPTER THREE 22
3.1 Sources of Compost 22
3.2 Effects of Compost 25
3.2.1 Effect of Compost on Soil 25
3.2.2 Effect of Compost on Plant Growth 26
4.0 CHAPTER FOUR 28
4.1 Conclusion 28
References 29
Introduction:
The composting process is a complex interaction between the waste and the microorganisms within the waste. The microorganisms that carry out this process fall into three groups: bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. Actinomycetes are a form of fungi-like bacteria that break down organic matter.
The first stage of the biological activity is the consumption of easily available sugars by bacteria, which causes a fast rise in temperature. The second stage involves bacteria and actinomycetes that cause cellulose breakdown. The last stage is concerned with the breakdown of the tougher lignins by fungi (Farrell and Jones, 2009).
Central solutions are exemplified by low-cost composting without forced aeration, and technologically more advanced systems with forced aeration and temperature feedback. Central composting plants are capable of handling more than 100,000 tons of biodegradable waste per year, but typically the plant size is about 10,000 to 30,000 tons per year.
Biodegradable wastes must be separated prior to composting: Only pure food waste, garden waste, wood chips, and to some extent paper are suitable for producing good-quality compost.
The methodology of composting can be categorized into three major segments anaerobic composting, aerobic composting, and vermicomposting. In anaerobic composting, the organic matter is decomposed in the absence of air. Organic matter may be collected in pits and covered with a thick layer of soil and left undisturbed six to eight months. The compost so formed may not be completely converted and may include aggregated masses (Hernandez, 2010).
However, unlike the above two options, it is a completely odorless process making it a preferred solution in residential areas. It also has an extremely high rate of conversion, so quality of the end product is very high with rich macro and micronutrients. The end product also has the advantage that it can be dried and stored safely for a longer period of time.
The composting plants consist of some or all of the following technical units: bag openers, magnetic and/or ballistic separators, screeners (sieves), shredders, mixing and homogenization equipment, turning equipment, irrigation systems, aeration systems, draining systems, bio-filters, scrubbers, control systems, and steering systems.
The composting process occurs when biodegradable waste is piled together with a structure allowing for oxygen diffusion and with a dry matter content suiting microbial growth. The temperature of the biomass increases due to the microbial activity and the insulation properties of the piled material. The temperature often reaches 65oC - 75oC within a few days and then declines slowly. This high temperature hastens the elimination of pathogens and weed seeds (Rama and Vasanthy, 2014).
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