Abstract

Inhibition of the degradation during low pH conditions has been observed in fed-batch composting systems. To analyse this phenomenon, fed-batch composting of food waste with different amounts of starting culture was examined in laboratory reactor experiments. Changes in temperature, carbon dioxide evolution, pH, solids, ash and short chain organic acids were measured. In reactors with a daily feed rate of 24% or less of the starting culture, thermophilic temperatures occurred and the pH and carbon dioxide evolution were high and stable after a starting period of 4-5 days. In reactors with a daily feed rate of 48% or more of the starting culture the composting process failed, as the pH dropped below 6 and remained there and the temperature and carbon dioxide evolution were low. It was concluded that the use of adequate amounts of starting culture consisting of active compost can efficiently prevent low pH conditions and process inhibition in fed-batch composting of food waste

Keywords

aerobic decomposition - organic waste - pH

Published in

Biodegradation
2005, Volume: 16, number: 3, pages: 205-213
Publisher: SPRINGER

SLU Authors

• Sundberg, Cecilia

  • Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Jönsson, Håkan

  • Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10532-004-0628-1

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/5559