Investigate biotransformation of green waste during composting by aerated static windrow with GORE(R) cover membrane technology

Abstract

Composting is considered an economic and effective method of recycling green waste (GW), because it helps protect the environment and encourages economic development. However, conventional composting technology is time consuming, generates foul smells, and produces immature compost. The GW composting process was conducted using an aerated static windrow with GORE( R ) cover membrane technology, in combination with an air-floor aeration system at the industrial scale. This study investigated the variation of physico-chemical properties during the green waste composting process. The composting process was monitored through the determination of moisture, dry matter (DM), bulk density, water soluble carbon (WSC), ammonium-N (NH4 + -N), and nitrate-N (NO3 - -N) evolution. The technology greatly improved the composting conditions and compost quality in terms of bulk density, moisture, nitrogen transformation, and WSC. The results obtained in this study indicate that using an aerated static windrow with GORE(R ) cover membrane maintain the moisture in optimal conditions by retaining the water within the compost itself increases the microbial activity and the rate of organic matter (OM) decomposition by microorganisms. Our results support the recent research indicating that nitrification could occur above temperatures of 45 °C and might be caused by the existence of microbial communities that are resistant to high temperatures and have the capability to nitrify. The decreased of NH4 + content and increased of NO3 - in the composting materials indicate that the compost has achieved maturity and is ready for use. The evolution of the GW by using an aerated static windrow with GORE(R ) cover membrane technology produced a mature product that can be used in agriculture.