Experimental study on nitrogen components during composting process of feces.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Soil Science

Background:

• Composting feces with sawdust is a common waste management practice.
• Understanding nitrogen and carbon dynamics is crucial for optimizing composting efficiency.
• Fecal organic matter decomposition and nitrogen mineralization are key processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify decomposition rates of fecal nitrogen and carbon during composting.
• To evaluate the biological response of organic matter and nitrogen.
• To analyze the relationship between CO2 and ammonia production.

Main Methods:

• Batch tests using sawdust as a matrix for feces composting.
• Measurement of oxygen consumption (OUR) to assess organic matter decomposition.
• Quantification of ammonia production (volatilized and remaining) for nitrogen mineralization.
• Calculation of fecal contribution to OUR and ammonia production by subtraction.

Main Results:

• Fecal organic matter decomposition rates were approximately 83% and 70% at different loading rates.
• Ammonia production rates from fecal nitrogen were approximately 73% and 58%.
• A time lag was observed between peak CO2 and ammonia volatilization rates.

Conclusions:

• Sawdust effectively facilitates the decomposition of fecal organic matter and mineralization of fecal nitrogen.
• The study provides quantitative data on decomposition and mineralization rates under varying conditions.
• Understanding the temporal dynamics of CO2 and ammonia release is important for process control.