Optimizing the Composting Process by Mixing Specific Organic Fractions of Municipal Solid Waste in a Reactor

Abstract

Population explosion, rapid urbanization, and industrialization has led to the generation of huge amounts of solid waste. Of the MSW generated, about 50–60% is compostable organic matter. Composting is one of the best options for recycling and treatment of the organic fractions of municipal solid waste. Reactor-based composting was carried out using mixtures of Leaf Litter, Chana Dal, and the aqueous media, Dakshineshwar Ganga Water (DGW) was used to provide the optimum 60% moisture content. From the literature survey it was found that the C:N ratio less than 15 may be good for final compost product and hence the proportions of the three substrates were determined a priori to achieve a final C:N ratio of 10. This study provides an effective methodology for determining the rate and extent of biodegradation of individual OFMSW and how this knowledge can be used to optimize the composting process. The initial TOC of the reactor was 36.18 ± 0.12% and after 81 days of composting, it was reported as 31.08 ± 0.72%. Similar pattern was followed by C:N ratio. Total percent of nitrogen content increased due to decomposition of amino acids and proteins and mineralization of carbon. The initial content of Total Nitrogen in the reactor was reported as 3.7 ± 0.17% and at the last day of decomposition it was recorded as 4.41 ± 0.69. Various macro and micronutrients like, Total Phosphate, Total Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Manganese increased during the process of composting were also measured in the experiment.