Lab scale composting of fruits and vegetable waste at elevated temperature and forced aeration
2012
Nasreen, Z. (Punjab Univ., Lahore (Pakistan). Dept. of Zoology) | Qazi, J.I. (Punjab Univ., Lahore (Pakistan). Dept. of Zoology)
Consequent to the ever increasing human population and the process of urbanization solid waste management is one of the biggest recent environmental challenges. Simulating the conditions of composting in the field in the present study apple (A), banana (B), oranges (C) and potatoes peels (D) were composted in glass jars under aerobic condition. Filtered aeration was provided with the help of electric air pump. Four jars including one control (containing autoclaved substrate) for each substrate were kept at 50 degree C for 21 days. Samples were taken at zero and every seventh day for analyses of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), ash, moisture, seed germination and bacterial C.F.U. pH and ash content of all the four compost substrates increased, while EC of the substrates B and D increased and that of A and C decreased. A significant increase in seed germination was observed for the substrate D. Significant reduction in E. coli count was observed in all samples within 14-days of composting. Provision of filtered aeration and 50 degree C incubation temperature appeared promising in terms of reducing harmful bacterial contents, as envisaged by low E. coli C.F.U. during different phases and total absence of these indicator microorganisms at end of the composting process. Whereas 114.3% and 62.55% seed germination indices for the composted substrates D and B, respectively, indicated conversion of the wastes into value added phytotoxin free fertilizer, which can escalate the agricultural output.
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