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Composting process control based on interaction between microbial heat output and temperature.

S T Macgregor1, F C Miller, K M Psarianos

  • 1Department of Environmental Science, Cook College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|June 1, 1981
PubMed
Summary
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Effective composting control balances heat, temperature, ventilation, and water removal. Maintaining optimal temperatures (<60°C) promotes microbial activity and efficient decomposition, unlike self-limiting systems that exceed inhibitory levels.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Waste Management

Background:

  • Composting process control is complex, involving interconnected factors like heat output, temperature, ventilation, and water removal.
  • Microbial activity drives heat generation, influencing temperature, which in turn affects microbial activity and decomposition rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To implement and evaluate a temperature feedback control system for field-scale composting.
  • To investigate the dynamics between heat output, temperature, ventilation, and water removal in composting systems.

Main Methods:

  • A static-pile composting process using a mixture of sewage sludge and wood chips was employed.
  • A temperature feedback control system was utilized to match heat removal with heat output, maintaining biologically favorable temperatures.

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Main Results:

  • Two distinct composting system types were identified: temperature self-limiting and non-self-limiting.
  • Self-limiting systems exceeded 60°C, inhibiting microbial activity, decomposition, heat output, and water removal.
  • Non-self-limiting systems maintained temperatures below 60°C, supporting robust microbial communities and efficient decomposition.

Conclusions:

  • Temperature control is crucial for optimizing composting efficiency and microbial health.
  • Maintaining temperatures below 60°C is key to preventing microbial inhibition and ensuring effective organic matter decomposition.