Co-composting as an oxygen stabilization of an organic fraction of municipal solid waste and industrial sewage sludge

• Published in: Water science and technology Vol. 68; no. 8; pp. 1697 - 1706
• Main Authors: MILCZAREK, M, NECZAJ, E, PARKITNA, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London International Water Association 01.01.2013; IWA Publishing
• Subjects: Agricultural development; Analysis methods; Applied sciences; Biodegradability; Biodegradable wastes; Biodegradation; Carbon; Carbon Dioxide; Carbon/nitrogen ratio; Composting; Composts; Degradation; Exact sciences and technology; Grasses; Heavy metals; High temperature; Industrial Waste; Industrial wastes; Light metals; Metal concentrations; Metals; Metals, Heavy - analysis; Microorganisms; Moisture content; Municipal solid waste; Municipal waste management; Natural water pollution; Nitrogen; Nitrogen compounds; Organic matter; Organic wastes; Oxygen; Oxygen consumption; Pathogens; Pollution; Refuse Disposal - methods; Rural development; Sawdust; Sewage; Sewage sludge; Sludge; Soil; Solid Waste; Solid waste management; Temperature; Urban and domestic wastes; Waste disposal; Waste management industry; Wastes; Water content; Water treatment and pollution; Wood; Compost; Organic waste; Oxygen; meat industry; Stabilization; Urban waste; Sewage sludge; Industry; organic wastes; Composting; Industrial waste water; Solid waste; Biological treatment
• ISSN: 0273-1223; 1996-9732
• DOI: 10.2166/wst.2013.402

The purpose of this work is to study the characteristics of the co-composting of municipal solid waste (MSW), sewage sludge, grass and sawdust. Differing proportions of biodegradable waste were investigated through changes of temperature, oxygen consumption, organic matters, moisture content, carbon, nitrogen, C/N ratio as well as heavy metals and pathogen microorganisms content. The present study has shown that addition of MSW above 10% had a negative impact on the composting process. The initial C/N of the mixtures with a higher MSW content was below 18. Lower losses of organic matter occurred during composting for the mixture with the highest addition of MSW. Although studies have shown that composting is a good method for the disposal of organic waste additional research is required in order to optimize the organic and nitrogen compounds degradation during the co-composting process. In conclusion, a 1:4:4:1 mixture of MSW:sewage sludge:grass:sawdust is recommended because it can achieve high temperature as well as the highest organic matter degradation and highest N content in the final composting product. The concentration of heavy and light metals in all composts was within the limits of regulation of the Polish Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.