Effects of seeding on thermophilic composting of household organic waste

Abstract

The effects of seeding on the thermophilic composting of household organic waste were examined by measuring the changes in CO₂ evolution rate, temperature, conversion of volatile matter, pH, and microbial succession in the composting reaction. The courses of the above values differed substantially between the seeded and nonseeded experiments. The rises in temperature and pH, as well as the appearance of large peaks in the rate of CO₂ evolution occurred at earlier times in the seeded composting than in the nonseeded one. Furthermore, the final conversion of volatile matter was greater in the seeded composting than in the nonseeded one. The analysis of microbial succession indicated that the seeded composting was accelerated both in mesophilic and thermophilic stages.