A review of the definition, influencing factors, and mechanisms of rapid composting of organic waste

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) Vol. 342; p. 123125
• Main Authors: Yin, Jun, Xie, Mengjie, Yu, Xiaoqin, Feng, Huajun, Wang, Meizhen, Zhang, Yanfeng, Chen, Ting
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2024
• Subjects: Composting mechanism; Influencing factors; Literature analysis; Organic waste; Rapid composting; Organic waste; Composting mechanism; Rapid composting; Influencing factors; Literature analysis
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123125

Composting is a traditional method of treating organic waste. A growing number of studies have been focusing on accelerating the process to achieve “rapid composting.” However, the specific definition and influencing factors of rapid composting remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to gather more insight into the features of rapid composting by reviewing the literature concerning organic waste composting published in the Web of Science database in the past 5 years. We selected 1615 sample studies with “composting” as the subject word and analyzed the effective composting time stated in each study. We defined rapid composting within 15 days using the median test and quartile method. Based on this definition, we summarized the influencing factors of “rapid composting,” namely materials, reactors, temperature, and microorganisms. Finally, we summarized two mechanisms related to humus formation during organic waste rapid composting: high temperature-promoting maturation and microbial driving mechanisms. This literature review compiled useful references to help promote the development of rapid composting technology and related equipment. [Display omitted] •The rapid composting was defined within 15 days by median test and quartile method.•Influencing factors include materials, reactors, temperature, and microorganisms.•Increasing composting temperature is an effective way to realize rapid composting.•Increasing the abundance of dominant bacteria and fungi can accelerate composting.