Characterization of organic matter from composting of different residues by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods
2010
Fialho, Lucimar Lopes | Da Silva, Wilson Tadeu Lopes | Milori, Débora M.B.P. | Simões, Marcelo Luiz | Martin-Neto, Ladislau
Chemical and spectroscopic methods were used to characterize organic matter transformations during the composting process. Four different residue mixtures were studied: P1 - garden trimmings (GT) only, P2 - GT plus fresh cattle manure, P3 - GT plus orange pomace and P4 - GT plus filter cake. The thermophilic phase was not reached in P1 compost, but the P2, P3 and P4 composts showed all three typical process phases. The thermophilic phase and CEC/C ratio stabilized after 90days, while C/N ratio and the ash content stabilized after 60days. The increasing E₄/E₆ ratio indicated oxidation reactions occurring during the process in the material from P2, P3 and P4. The ¹³C NMR and FTIR results suggested extraction of both pectin and lignin in the HA-like fraction. The CEC/C ratio, temperature and E₄/E₆ ratio showed that within 90days P2, P3 and P4 composts were humified. However, material from P1 did not show characteristics of humified compost. From these data, it is apparent that C/N ratio and ash content are not reliable methods for monitoring the composting process.
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