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Optimization of effective composting process of oil palm industrial waste by lignocellulolytic fungi

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Abstract

A batch study was carried out to optimize four process parameters such as particle size (1–5 mm), pH (4–7), mix ratio (1:1–1:3) of substrates (empty fruit bunch, EFB and palm oil mill effluent, POME) and supplementary nutrient as non-food cassava starch (0–2 % w/w). The parameters were evaluated based on the results of electrical conductivity, protein content, organic matter and C/N ratio for an effective composting process. The total period of composting was 35–40 days, a shorter time than the traditional composting process (>60 days). The results showed that the 2-mm particle size of EFB was most suitable to grow microbes, gave the highest protein of 85 g kg−1 and degraded fastest (lowest C/N ratio of 16). Substrate ratio 1:3 (EFB and POME) and pH 5.0 were found to be favorable for mature compost through faster degradation (final C/N ratio almost 17) and microbial growth (around 130 g kg−1 of protein). Moreover, non-food cassava used as supplementary nutrients for initial microbial growth was evaluated and did not significantly affect the results.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the Department of Biotechnology Engineering for laboratory facilities and the Research Management Center (RMC), International Islamic university Malaysia (IIUM) for the financial support, Endowment Grant (Type B: EDW10-110-0449).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bioenvironmental Engineering Research Centre (BERC), International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Gombak, 50728, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Noor Mohammad, Md. Zahangir Alam & Nassereldeen A. Kabashi

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  1. Noor Mohammad
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  2. Md. Zahangir Alam
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  3. Nassereldeen A. Kabashi
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Correspondence to Md. Zahangir Alam.

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Mohammad, N., Alam, M.Z. & Kabashi, N.A. Optimization of effective composting process of oil palm industrial waste by lignocellulolytic fungi. J Mater Cycles Waste Manag 17, 91–98 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-013-0229-3

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