scholarly journals Examination and statistical evaluation of physico-chemical parameters of windrow composting

2020 ◽  
pp. 33-38
Author(s):  
Edit Gorliczay ◽  
János Tamás ◽  
Sándor Kun ◽  
László Huzsvai ◽  
László Bárány

  The treatment and utilization of plant and animal waste and by-products from agriculture is very diverse. Traditional environmental management practices for waste management have been retained through soil conservation and the applied of recycle degradable organic substances in soil. The management of by-products from agriculture (animal husbandry) is important because a closed loop can be created to utilize by-products (manure, feathers) from the production of the main product (eggs, meat, milk) and to form a raw material for a new product. It is important to treat the resulting by-products, especially deep-litter manure, as it has served as a basis for compost-treated manure to develop an organic-based, soil-conditioning product line. Poultry manure by itself is not suitable as a substrate for aerobic decomposition, so it has to be mixed with other substances (zeolite, bentonite, soil), because of its high nutrient capacity, it is an acidifying substance. The aim of this study was to compost the mixture of poultry manure and hen manure by the addition of zeolite and to monitor the composting process. It was also our aim to statistically determine the effect of the zeolite on parameters describing the composting process. The windrow composting experiments were set up in the composting area of the University of Debrecen, Institute of Water and Environmental Management. The composting experiment was 62 days long, during which the main parameters describing the composting process were continuously monitored: temperature (°C), moisture content (w/w%), electrical conductivity (mS/cm), organic matter content (w/w%), examination of nitrogen forms (w/w%). In this study, three factors were investigated: temperature, humidity, and pH. For statistical evaluation, R software and RStudio user interface were used. We developed a repeated measurement model, in which the fixed and random effects were determined for our parameters under study, and the resulting relationships were shown on interaction plots. Based on our results, the temperature of the prisms has become independent of the ambient temperature and the composting stages can be separated in both the control and the zeolite treated prisms. In the repeated measurement model, we proved that treatment, time and treatment: time interaction were significant at both temperature and pH.

2019 ◽  
Vol 130 ◽  
pp. 01018
Author(s):  
Juliana Anggono ◽  
Hariyati Purwaningsih ◽  
Suwandi Sugondo ◽  
Steven Henrico ◽  
Sanjaya Sewucipto ◽  
...  

Greater interest in recent years to the increase demand in using natural fiber reinforcement of polymers is to comply with the increasing stringent international protocols related to climate change and environmental awareness. Many studies have reported the development of renewable and biodegradable agricultural by-products as reinforcement fibers for biocomposites. One of the essential factors in producing strong biocomposites is the properties prepared from the natural fibers which results from the alkalitreatment given. This research aims to evaluate the effect of different treatment duration on structural changes on sugarcane after alkali treatment using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) solutions. Calcium hydroxide was used as comparative solution in search for milder and more environmental friendly alkali solution as an alternative solution of NaOH. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) confirmed the major removal of lignin and minor of hemicellulose. It shows that the structure did not change considerably with the additional treatment time. The weight loss measurement after each treatmentshows a higher weight loss with the treatment with NaOH (40.5 % to 57.75 %) than the weight loss after Ca(OH)2 treatment (25 % to 46 %). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observed the morphology changes onthe fiber from both treatments.


2021 ◽  
pp. 117-121
Author(s):  
Nikolett Eva Kiss ◽  
Edit Gorliczay ◽  
Péter Tamás Nagy ◽  
János Tamás

Composting is an efficient technology for the utilisation of by-products and waste. It is also suitable for treating raw materials to convert fertilisers that are not recommended for application without pre-processing. Such is the case with poultry manure, which is very important to pre-treat due to its hazardous properties. An increasingly common form of compost is compost tea, which is made by soaking compost in water. In our experiment, we made compost tea from a composted and granulated poultry manure product. Three mixing ratios were used (1/5, 1/10, 1/10) and compost teas were set for three different extraction times (24–48–72 hours). After elimination of the experiment, the pH, EC, and nitrate and ammonium contents of the samples were measured. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference between each mixing ratio and different extraction times. Based on our results, it can be said that the fluctuation of pH values during the experiment was low. Regardless of the mixing ratio and extraction time, the samples were in the slightly acidic range. The electrical conductivity, nitrate and ammonium content follow a similar trend, the values decrease significantly with the increase of the mixing ratio. Similar tendency was observed at the incubation time. The concentrations of both EC and nitrogen forms increase with increasing incubation time, in most cases significantly.


2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 919-935
Author(s):  
K. Jindo ◽  
K. Matsumoto ◽  
C. García Izquierdo ◽  
T. Sonoki ◽  
M. A. Sanchez-Monedero

Abstract. Biochar application has received increasing attention as a means to trap recalcitrant carbon and enhance soil fertility. Hydrolytic enzymatic assays, such as β-glucosidase and phosphatase activities, are used for the assessment of soil quality and composting process, which are based on use of p-nitrophenol (PNP) derivatives as substrate. However, sorption capacity of biochar can interfere colorimetric determination of the hydrolysed PNP, either by the sorption of the substrate or the reaction-product of hydrolysis into biochar surface. The aim of the present work is to study the biochar sorption capacity for PNP in biochar-blended composting mixtures in order to assess its impact on the estimation of the colorimetric-based enzymatic assays. A retention test was conducted by adding a solution of known amounts of PNP in universal buffer solution (pH = 5, 6.5 and 11, corresponding to the β-glucosidase, acid and alkaline phosphatase activity assays, respectively), in samples taken at the initial stage and after maturation stage from 4 different composting piles (two manure composting piles (PM: poultry manure, CM: cow manure) and two other similar piles containing 10% of additional biochar (PM + B, CM + B)). The results show that biochar blended composts (PM + B, CM + B) generally exhibited low enzymatic activities, compared to manure compost without biochar (PM, CM). In terms of the difference between the initial and maturation stage of composting process, the PNP retention in biochar was shown more clearly at maturation stage, caused by an enlarged proportion of biochar inside compost mixture after the selective degradation of easily decomposable organic matter. The retention of PNP was more pronounced at low pH (5 and 6.5) than at high pH (11), 3 reflecting on pH dependency of sorption 49 capacity of biochar and/or PNP 50 solubility.


2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Walker ◽  
J. Newman

Abstract. Shock chlorination is used for rapid disinfection to control pathogens and nuisance bacteria in domestic wells. A typical shock chlorination procedure involves adding sodium hypochlorite in liquid bleach solutions to achieve concentrations of free chlorine of up to 200 mg L−1 in the standing water of a well. The change in pH and oxidation potential may bring trace metals from aquifer materials into solution and chlorine may react with dissolved organic carbon to form disinfection byproducts. We carried out experiments with four wells to observe and determine the persistence of increased concentrations of metals and disinfection byproducts. Water samples from shock chlorinated wells were analyzed for Pb, Cu, As, radionuclides and disinfection byproducts (haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes), immediately prior to treatment, after sufficient treatment time with chlorine had elapsed, and at intervals determined by the number of casing volumes purged, for up to four times the well casing volume. Elevated concentrations of lead and copper dissipated in proportion to free chlorine (measured semi-quantitatively) during the purging process. Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids were formed in wells during disinfection. In one of two wells tested, disinfection byproducts dissipated in proportion to free chlorine during purging. However, one well retained disinfection byproducts and free chlorine after 4 WV had been purged. Although metals returned to background concentrations in this well, disinfection byproducts remained elevated, though below the MCL. This may have been due to well construction characteristics and interactions with aquifer materials. Simple chlorine test strips may be a useful method for indicating when purging is adequate to remove metals and disinfection by-products mobilized and formed by shock chlorination.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (36) ◽  
pp. 177
Author(s):  
Effebi Kokoh Rose ◽  
Kouame Bene Lucien ◽  
Kouassi Yeboua Firmin ◽  
Kouadio Louis ◽  
Gone Droh Lancine

Given the environmental concerns and public health risks that could arise, the use of composting toilets by-products requires compliance with quality standards beforehand. However, such quality assessment is often lacking for those by-products in rapidly urbanizing sub-Saharan cities. This study examines the kinetics of major mineral nutrients [i.e., nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are among the key indicators of a compost’s stability] during a composting process of fecal matters from composting toilets. The monitoring was carried out at Abobo-Sagbé, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire over a 4.5-month period. Feces-based compost data collected on 6 different dates (i.e., on the 28th , 48th , 62nd , 76th , 90th , and 133nd day from the start of the composting process) were analyzed, and screened for their contents in total N, total P and K. Results showed a rapid decrease of the content of all three elements during the first 29 days, followed by a sharp increase, especially for P and K, and then a quite stable variation during the last 2 months of the monitoring. Variations of C/N ratio during the study were similar to those reported previously. Although the proportions of P and K were satisfactory at the end of the monitoring period, the final C/N ratio was relatively high compared to suitable ratios characterizing mature composts, suggesting therefore additional time may be required before any use of the compost as fertilizer in agriculture.


2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 262-269
Author(s):  
Татьяна Гиро ◽  
Tatyana Giro ◽  
Сергей Зубов ◽  
Sergey Zubov ◽  
Александр Яшин ◽  
...  

Low-value by-products can be processed using biotechnological methods, which seems to be the optimal solution for the problem of rational use of secondary raw materials. The authors introduce a method of biotransformation using whey and enzyme preparation of proteolytic action with subsequent massaging. The method neutralizes the specific smell, reduces the time of heat treatment, increases hydrophilicity, and reduces the mechanical strength of mutton rumen tissue. The experiment proved that the enzymatic effect on the connective tissue of the mutton rumen contributes to the destruction of disulfide and hydrogen bonds of the triple helix of the collagen macromolecule. It significantly reduces the mechanical strength and hydrothermal stability of collagen, which, in its turn, reduces the heat treatment time while increasing the functional and technological properties. The research revealed an increase in collagen digestibility. After 4 hours of fermentation, it was 4.5%, after 6 hours – 5.9%, and after 8 hours – 5.9%. Hence, the optimal period of fermentation was determined as 6 hours, since between 6 and 8 hours the main physical and chemical parameters improved insignificantly. The experiment in the cutting pressure of the raw lamb rumen tissue demonstrated softening of the structure as a result of the effect of the acidic medium on the collagen structure. An excess positive charge formed due to the suppression of dissociation of carboxyl groups of side chains. The loosening of the collagen structure occurred due to the expansion of fibrils in the polar areas, which can be attributed to the repulsion between similarly charged groups. As a result, the brine penetrated into the expanded area and caused swelling. The use of whey and fermentation contributed to an additional increase in moisture-binding and moisture-holding capacity. It loosened the structure of proteins and, thus, increased the degree of penetration and the immobilized moisture in the rumen. As a result, its mass increased by 10–20%, and the heat loss reduced. The composition of the brine contributed to the swelling, increased the diameter of the collagen fibers, and enlarged the surface of interaction in during massaging. Moisture was allowed to enter freely, which increased the water binding capacity by 22.2 ± 0.31%. The increase in the water binding capacity could be explained by the modification of collagen and its destructive changes. The changes occurred due to the additional interaction of whey molecules with the protein and the formation of new intermolecular bonds. Fermentation, combined with the massaging of the tripe, contributed to the development of lactic microflora and hydrolytic decomposition of protein components, thereby reducing the heat treatment process. Such changes are associated not only with the processes of protein hydrolysis under enzyme preparation, but also with the complex activity of lactic acid bacteria, as well as endo- and exoenzymes that hydrolyze proteins. The changes can also be attributed to the fact that low-molecular protein substances can assimilate and contribute to bacterial growth. In addition, lactic acid reduces the pH of the medium, thus activating the enzymatic properties. The proposed method of biotransformation of collagen-containing raw materials makes it possible to create environmentally friendly and low-waste technologies.


HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 663b-663
Author(s):  
N.E. Roe ◽  
S.R. Kostewicz

Nitrogen additions to high C:N yard wastes improve the composting process and the usefulness of the product. Nine composts were made with additions of 10 or 25% grass clippings or poultry manure (PM) and several composting methods (in bin, turned, static). Turnip, tomato, watermelon, snap bean, and lettuce seeds were germinated, and some were grown to maturity in pots. The 25% PM compost delayed germination of turnips and beans by 2 days, but final germination % was not affected. Germination of melon (27%) was significantly less with 25% PM than with other composts. Tomato germination was not affected by any treatment, but dry weight of 4 week old seedlings grown in PM treatments was 4 times greater than other treatments. Pod yield of beans grown in 10% PM compost was equal to beans grown in potting mix with soluble fertilizer.


HortScience ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 891G-892
Author(s):  
D.A. Raymond ◽  
R.P. Voroney ◽  
C. Chong

Composting of organic wastes to use as soil amendments or in potting substrates offers great potential for diversion of these wastes from landfills. The chemical and physical characteristics of 12 composts containing (by volume) spent mushroom substrate (50%), waste waxed corrugated cardboard (WCC, 0%, 25% or 50%), and/or pulverized wood wastes (PWW, 50%, 25%, or 0%) were measured during two separate windrow composting periods (14 to 18 weeks). Supplemental N was added to some of the composts in the form of poultry manure and/or soybean processing wastes. During the first 8 to 10 weeks, composts containing 50% WCC tended to reach and maintain higher temperatures, but subsequently cooled more rapidly. Microbial activity (CO2 evolution) also was initially higher in these composts but fell by week 12 to levels, comparable to composts containing 50% PWW. The paraffin wax in WCC-containing composts was degraded almost completely (>95%). Total N (1.2% to 1.6% DW), P (0.30% to 0.55%), and K (0.9% to 1.2%) concentrations were within, typical ranges but highest in composts containing 50% WCC. KCI-extractable NH4-N (494 mg N/kg) and NO3 + NO2-N (281 mg N/kg) were highest and lowest, respectively, in composts containing 50% WCC. Electrical conductivity (4.5 to 8.5 mS·cm–1) and pH (7.5 to 8.5) were high in all composts and highest in composts with 50% WCC. Concentrations of phenolic compounds were highest in composts containing 50% WCC, manure, and soybean wastes. C:N ratios of all composts were within an acceptable range (18 to 23.1).


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-153
Author(s):  
Ari João Strapazzon ◽  
Fernanda Aline Blatt Theves ◽  
Patrik Gustavo Wiesel ◽  
Eduardo Alcayaga Lobo

This research aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the treatment of manure from three livestock production units (cattle, swine, and poultry), through composting with mechanized turning and incorporation of natural substrate (wood sawdust) in rural properties in the municipalities of Farroupilha, Relvado, and Caxias do Sul, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The experimental design consisted of nine treatments, three for each type of manure. These were classified as: T1 (cattle manure plus wood sawdust), T2 (swine manure plus wood sawdust), and T3 (poultry manure plus wood sawdust). The process involved the daily turning of the windrows by a mechanized process and sampling was carried out in triplicate at 60, 120, and 180 days of composting, between the months of July 2018 and July 2019. After each sampling, samples were properly stored and sent to the Chemistry Laboratory of the University of Santa Cruz do Sul for analysis of the following variables: Calcium (Ca), Cation Exchange Capacity (CTC), Phosphorus (P), Magnesium (Mg), Nitrogen (N), pH, and Potassium (K). Temperature measurements were made on the spot every 15 days. At the end of the experiment, all treatments reached the standards of humidity, temperature, pH, and NPK, established in Normative Instruction No. 25/200 for organic fertilizers, from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil. Thus, the results demonstrated the efficiency of the mechanized composting process for the treatment of bovine, swine, and poultry manure, producing a high-quality organic compost.


2015 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 81-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Farah Nadia ◽  
Loo Yu Xiang ◽  
Lee Yei Lie ◽  
Dzulkornain Chairil Anuar ◽  
Mohammed P. Mohd Afandi ◽  
...  

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