Abstract |
The purpose of the research investigation was to determine the optimum environmental conditions for the degradation of refuse using the composting process. Shake flasks and Warburg studies were used to scan wide ranges of environmental parameters to locate optimum conditions for continuous studies in three bench scale composters of 1.5 cubic feet capacity each. Close control of the following parameters was maintained: temperature, air, moisture, pH, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Temperature and residual oxygen were monitored electronically while other analyses were performed periodically. Optimum values of various environmental parameters are given. Free air space is suggested as a universal parameter for composting solid wastes from various sources. The use of recycle especially under winter conditions, is recommended. Due to its resistance to biological degradation, cellulose, a major component of paper, should be recovered rather than composted. (Author) |