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Mathematical model of organic substrate degradation in solid waste windrow composting
Bunrith Seng1,2, Risky Ayu Kristanti3, Tony Hadibarata4,5
1Department of Rural Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Russian Federation Blvd, PO BOX 86, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. seng.bunrith@gmail.com.
Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering
|November 3, 2015
Summary
A new mathematical model simulates organic solid waste composting, tracking substrate degradation. This biomass-dependent model accurately predicts changes in slowly degradable material, aiding composting plant design and management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Organic solid waste composting involves complex physical, chemical, and biological processes.
- Mathematical modeling is crucial for understanding and optimizing composting plant design and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a biomass-dependent mathematical model for simulating organic substrate degradation in windrow composting.
- To evaluate the performance of the developed model using laboratory-scale composting data.
Main Methods:
- A biomass-dependent model was created, considering biological growth limited by moisture, oxygen, substrate, and temperature.
- The model categorizes substrate into slowly and rapidly degradable fractions.
- Validation was performed using a 3-week laboratory-scale windrow composting experiment with wood chips and dog food.
Main Results:
- The model demonstrated good agreement with experimental results for moisture content and temperature.
- The simulation accurately predicted changes in slowly degradable substrate content.
- Limitations were observed in modeling rapidly degradable substrates, particularly under anaerobic conditions.
Conclusions:
- The developed mathematical model is a valuable tool for estimating substrate changes during composting.
- Further incorporation of anaerobic degradation is needed for long-term static pile composting simulations.
- The model serves as a foundation for more sophisticated composting process models.
Keywords:
Composting simulationMathematical modelOrganic solid wasteStatic pile compostingWindrow compostingMore Related Videos
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