Title: Effect of temperature on composting residual Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) after anaerobic digestion

Authors: Le Thi Hong Tran; Analiza Palenzuela Rollon

Addresses: Faculty of Environment, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, 268 Ly Thuong Ket Str, Dist 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. ' Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the Philippines, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines

Abstract: Aerobic composting is generally considered as a necessary post-treatment for residual solids after anaerobic digestion. This study aimed to determine the effects of temperature on biodegradation, microbial population density in composting residual OFMSW after anaerobic digestion. Four composting runs at different set temperatures were conducted. The rate of CO₂ and NH₃ emissions, moisture content, pH, and cell densities were determined. Microbial population was quantified using dilution plating method while microbial successions and identification were investigated using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis method and band sequencing. This study ascertained that temperature influences the rate, extent of biodegradation and the microbial community.

Keywords: anaerobic digestion; aerobic composting; DGGE; DNA; E. coli; microorganisms; OFMSW; temperature; thermophilic; organic fraction; municipal solid waste; MSW; residual solids; biodegradation; microbial population density; CO2; carbon dioxide; NH3; carbon emissions; ammonia emissions; moisture content; pH; cell densities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2012.044158

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2012 Vol.9 No.1/2, pp.18 - 40

Published online: 13 Dec 2014 *

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