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Related Concept Videos

Volatilization01:10

Volatilization

Volatilization gravimetry is an analytical technique that measures the mass lost due to the volatilization of the substance. This technique is used to estimate the amount of volatile material in a sample. To perform this method, heat a known amount of the sample to a high temperature in a crucible or other suitable vessel. The volatile substance in the sample evaporates, and the vapor is completely expelled from the crucible either by heating the sample or bubbling a stream of inert gas through...
Biodeterioration01:28

Biodeterioration

Biodeterioration refers to the unwanted alteration of materials caused by microorganisms—especially fungi—which damage both organic substrates (paper, wood, textiles) and inorganic ones (stone, plaster, glass). Unlike abiotic decay, biodeterioration results from biological activity that produces physical disruption and chemical degradation.Physical deterioration occurs as fungal hyphae penetrate pores, cracks, and surface irregularities. Hyphal turgor pressure, thigmotropic growth along...
Bioplastics01:27

Bioplastics

Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...
Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides01:28

Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides

Pesticides often feature structurally complex chemical architectures, incorporating halogen groups and multiple aromatic rings. These characteristics confer high chemical stability, rendering many pesticides resistant to natural degradation processes. This resistance poses significant environmental concerns, as persistent pesticide residues can accumulate in ecosystems and affect non-target organisms.Despite the inherent stability of many pesticides, certain microorganisms possess the metabolic...
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons01:26

Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons

Bioremediation is an environmentally sustainable process that employs living organisms—primarily microorganisms—to degrade or neutralize pollutants from contaminated environments. In oil spills and hydrocarbon pollution, bioremediation involves the use of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria to transform toxic compounds into less harmful substances. This approach leverages natural microbial metabolic processes and is considered both cost-effective and ecologically favorable compared to physical or...
Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics01:28

Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a synthetic polymer widely utilized in the packaging industry, particularly for bottles and containers. Due to its chemical stability and durability, PET accumulates in the environment, contributing significantly to plastic pollution. It comprises repeating units of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, resulting in a semi-crystalline structure that is resistant to natural degradation processes.A notable breakthrough in plastic biodegradation came with the...

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An evaluation of substrate degradation patterns in the composting process. Part 1: profiles at constant temperature.

Waste management (New York, N.Y.)·2007
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Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
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Predicting biodegradable volatile solids degradation profiles in the composting process.

I G Mason1

  • 1Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. ian.mason@canterbury.ac.nz

Waste Management (New York, N.Y.)
|June 24, 2008
PubMed
Summary

This study introduces a new method to predict biodegradable volatile solids (BVS) degradation in composting by analyzing heat balance. The model accurately predicts degradation patterns, aiding in optimizing composting processes.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical Engineering

Background:

  • Composting is a vital process for waste management and resource recovery.
  • Accurate prediction of biodegradable volatile solids (BVS) degradation is crucial for optimizing composting efficiency.
  • Existing models may not fully capture the complex dynamics of BVS degradation under varying conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a novel method for predicting the pattern of BVS degradation during composting.
  • To numerically solve for the rate of BVS carbon (BVS-C) disappearance using a heat balance approach.
  • To assess the influence of temperature correction on the shape of degradation profiles.

Main Methods:

  • A heat balance rearrangement was used to numerically solve for BVS-C disappearance rate.
  • Laboratory-scale composting experiments in a constant temperature difference (CTD) reactor were conducted.
  • Simulated feedstock included ostrich feed, shredded paper, compost, and woodchips.
  • Exit gas CO(2) carbon (CO(2)-C) profiles were used for validation.
  • Temperature correction using Rosso et al.'s function was applied to analyze profile shapes.

Main Results:

  • The model successfully predicted the generic shape of experimental substrate degradation profiles.
  • Quantitative differences were observed, with the model initially overestimating BVS-C.
  • Both measured and predicted profiles fitted a single exponential function.
  • Temperature correction revealed multi-phase profiles, suggesting a dependence on cardinal temperatures.
  • Adjusting cardinal temperatures led to exponential profiles and excellent fits with a double exponential function.

Conclusions:

  • The developed method shows promise for predicting BVS degradation patterns in composting.
  • Accurate cardinal temperatures are essential for precise substrate degradation profile prediction.
  • The findings support the potential for accurate temperature profile prediction using heat and mass balance.
  • Further research is needed to refine the model with experimental data under mixed conditions and accurate parameters.