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Biochar addition accelerates the humification process by affecting the microbial community during human excreta
Yawen Zhou1,2, Yujun Shen1,2, Huihui Wang1,2
1Academy of Agricultural Planning and Engineering, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Environmental Technology
|December 15, 2023
Summary
Biochar addition enhances human excreta composting by improving temperature, extending the thermophilic phase, and accelerating humification. It also positively influences microbial communities, leading to better compost quality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Soil Science
Background:
- Biochar is crucial in manure composting, but its role in human excreta composting remains unclear.
- Understanding biochar's mechanism is vital for optimizing human excreta treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of biochar addition in human excreta aerobic composting.
- To analyze the effects of biochar on humification and microbial succession.
Main Methods:
- Composting human excreta with and without 10% biochar (HF and BHF).
- Analyzing humification processes, microbial community succession, and key environmental parameters.
Main Results:
- Biochar addition (BHF) improved composting temperature and extended the thermophilic phase by 1 day.
- BHF increased germination index (49.03%), humic acid growth rate (17.46%), and the humic acid/fulvic acid ratio (16.19%).
- Biochar modulated bacterial and fungal communities, accelerating humification and correlating with parameters like temperature, total carbon, total nitrogen, HA/FA, and pH.
Conclusions:
- Biochar addition effectively enhances human excreta composting by extending the thermophilic phase and promoting humification.
- Biochar influences microbial succession, contributing to improved compost quality and potentially safer on-site treatment.
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