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Co-composting of municipal solid waste with activated biochar: A promising approach to improve the quality of compost
Kamal Khalkhal1 , Adel Reyhanitabar * 2, Shahin Oustan1 , Nasser Aliasgharzad1
1- Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
2- Soil Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture,University of Tabriz , areyhani@tabrizu.ac.ir
Abstract:   (137 Views)
Biochar reduces composting issues and improves compost quality. However, activated biochar (AB) and its size are often overlooked. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of co-composting of municipal solid waste (MSW) with different-sized biochar and AB on the quality of the resulting co-compost. The MSW were mixed thoroughly with different-sized (B2-4mm, B1-2mm and B0.5-1mm) and activated biochars (H2SO4-AB0.5-1mm and NaOH-AB0.5-1mm) and co-composted for 90 days until compost maturity. The results revealed that the activation of biochar with NaOH and H2SO4 caused the appearance of a mesh structure on the biochar surface, leading to improved stability and maturity, enhanced biodegradation and humification indices. Specifically, NaOH-AB (5%, w/w) showed the highest temperature (71.5°C), germination index (130.9%), and total nitrogen content (1.37%) and the longest thermophilic period (7 days). The highest organic matter content (OM) (37.9%) and the lowest electrical conductivity (7.4 dS/m) were recorded in B1-2mm (10%, w/w). Furthermore, the lowest nitrate concentration (254.4 mg/kg) and the highest C/N ratio (18.1) were achieved in H2SO4-AB (10%). Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted the critical role of the C/N ratio and OM content during the composting. The study recommends the addition of biochar to MSW to achieve an appropriate C/N ratio and prevent nitrogen loss. Overall, incorporating NaOH- and H2SO4-activated biochars was found to be a valuable strategy for the composting of municipal solid wastes and the findings provide valuable insights into the potential of biochar in optimizing the composting process.

 
Keywords: Biochar activation, Co-composting, Humification, Municipal solid wastes.
Full-Text [PDF 703 kb]   (106 Downloads)    
Article Type: Original Research | Subject: Soil Chemistry, Fertility, Plant nutrition
Received: 2024/06/4 | Accepted: 2024/01/11
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