Related Experiment Videos
Effect of bio-surfactant on municipal solid waste composting process
Bei-Dou Xi1, Hong-Liang Liu, G H Huang
1Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China. xibeidou@263.net
Journal of Environmental Sciences (China)
|August 9, 2005
Summary
Adding bio-surfactant from isolated Strains III (2) during composting improves microbial activity and reduces harmful hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. This bio-surfactant also enhances the removal of toxic substances like mercury (Hg) and PCP-Na.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Waste Management
Background:
- Bio-surfactants, microbial metabolites, offer a promising approach to enhance composting.
- Composting toxic waste presents challenges in managing hazardous substances and gas emissions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and utilize a high-activity bio-surfactant-producing bacterial strain for composting.
- To evaluate the impact of bio-surfactant addition on composting efficiency, gas emissions, and toxic substance removal.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of a bacterial strain (Strains III (2)) with high bio-surfactant production.
- Comparative composting experiments with and without bio-surfactant addition (Run 1 vs. Run R).
- Assessment of surface tension, oxygen uptake, H2S accumulation, and removal rates of Hg and PCP-Na.
Main Results:
- Bio-surfactant addition reduced surface tension from 46.5 to 39.8 mN/m, prolonging stability.
- Oxygen uptake rate and total oxygen consumption increased, while H2S accumulation decreased by approximately 50%.
- Bio-surfactant addition significantly improved the removal rates of mercury and sodium pentachlorophenolate (PCP-Na).
Conclusions:
- Isolated Strains III (2) effectively enhance composting by improving the microenvironment and reaction rates.
- Bio-surfactant application is a viable strategy for improving composting quality and remediating toxic waste.