An enhanced composting process with bioaugmentation: Mathematical modelling and process optimization

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Waste Management

Background:

• Biowaste composting is crucial for sustainable waste management.
• Optimizing composting processes can enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Bioaugmentation offers a potential strategy to improve composting performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of biowaste composting with and without bioaugmentation.
• To develop and validate a mathematical model for optimizing the composting process.
• To identify key parameters influencing composting efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Two composting processes were conducted in an adiabatic reactor over 14 days: one without and one with bioaugmentation.
• A mathematical model was developed to estimate process parameters and simulate outcomes.
• A Box-Behnken experimental design was used to determine optimal process conditions.

Main Results:

• Bioaugmentation led to earlier achievement of the thermophilic phase and shorter composting times.
• Processes with bioaugmentation showed higher substrate conversion rates.
• Air flow rate and substrate mass fraction were identified as the most significant factors affecting the composting process.

Conclusions:

• Bioaugmentation is an effective strategy for enhancing biowaste composting efficiency.
• Mathematical modeling and experimental design are valuable tools for process optimization.
• Adjusting air flow rate and substrate mass fraction can further improve composting outcomes.