Title: Mixed organic waste composting using rotary drum composter

Authors: Ajay S. Kalamdhad, A.A. Kazmi

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IITR), Roorkee – 247667, India. ' Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IITR), Roorkee – 247667, India

Abstract: A combination of vegetable waste, cattle manure and saw dust was utilised for high rate composting in a household rotary drum composter. It was found that temperature remained above 55°C for a period of two days, Faecal Coliforms and Faecal Streptococci decrease from 7.5 × 10⁸ to 5 × 10² and 1.5 × 10⁷ to 5 × 10³ bacteria/g, respectively. Negligible VFAs production indicated full aerobic conditions. Nitrification occurred after sixth day i.e., when temperature dropped below 40°C. BOD/COD ratio decreased up to 12 days and remained stable thereafter, indicating the stability of compost in terms of biodegradation.

Keywords: decentralised composting; rotary drum composters; solid waste management; mixed organic matter; cattle manure; C:N ratio; temperature; aerobic condition; organic waste; vegetable waste; cattle manure; sawdust; nitrification; biodegradation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2008.016989

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2008 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.24 - 36

Published online: 03 Feb 2008 *

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