The Potential of Ascophyllum Nodosum to Accelerate Green Waste Composting
Abstract Millions of tonnes of green waste are produced annually in the UK. The process of composting usually extends to more than two months as well producing greenhouse gases which affect the environment. We proposed a potential approach to use algal extract from Ascophyllum nodosum as a compost accelerator. Seaweed-based treatments offer an economical and effective biological solution which activates and stabilises the decomposition of organic matter. Reducing both the cost and time associated with widely used composting approaches. The seaweed was collected from Scottish coastline, extracted, and formulated to enhance application. Its effects on the timeline of the composting process was systematically investigated through physical, biological, and observational quantification. The emission of gases, the pH, temperature, humidity, consistency, and microbial growth of the compost were studied.Interestingly, the results showed that the compost reached a stability status within 6 weeks, less ammonia and lower carbon dioxide produced. The use of this formulation has the potential to minimise expense, reduce resources used, and lower the levels of harmful volatile organics. This approach is economically beneficial and environmentally crucial in compost formulation, the control of contamination, and reduction of greenhouse gases.