Influence of temperature and time on phosphorus removal in swine manure during batch aeration

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of temperature and time on the mechanisms of phosphorus removal in swine manure during aeration. Removal of soluble orthophosphates significantly increased with aeration time and temperature. Successive significant ortho-P removals were observed between days one and nine but no significant additional removals were recorded thereafter. Removals were significantly higher at temperatures of 20 and 25 degrees C than at temperatures of 5, 10, and 15 degrees C and ranged between 22.9 to 31.0%. Insoluble inorganic phosphorus also changed significantly with aeration time and temperature and with a similar trend as soluble orthophosphates. The pH of the manure explained 92 and 87% of the content of insoluble inorganic phosphorus at lower temperatures (5, 10, 15 degrees C) and at higher temperatures (20, and 25 degrees C), respectively. Organic phosphorus and aerobes growth patterns were similar to that of soluble orthophosphates removal. The rapid growth of aerobes was most probably the principal factor behind a rapid soluble ortho-P removal above 15 degrees C. The contribution of inorganic phosphates to the removal of soluble orthophosphates was approximately 61% while that due to organic P was approximately 35%. Precipitation was found to be the principal mechanism governing removal of soluble ortho-P in swine manure during aeration treatments.