Comprehensive analysis of compost maturity differences across stages and materials with statistical models

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Waste Management
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Aerobic composting is a sustainable method for managing organic solid waste.
• Material composition variability complicates the relationship between environmental factors and compost maturity.
• Understanding these interactions is vital for effective waste treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically compare key indicators affecting compost maturity across different organic waste types.
• To develop a high-precision model for predicting compost maturity.
• To identify critical factors influencing composting processes for various materials.

Main Methods:

• Utilized multiple statistical analyses to compare composting indicators.
• Employed a Stacking model for high-precision compost maturity prediction (R² > 0.90).
• Conducted interpretability and partial dependence analyses to identify key influencing factors.

Main Results:

• Material type and composting stage significantly impact compost maturity (p < 0.001).
• Temperature, moisture, and nitrogen content were identified as crucial indicators across all materials.
• Specific interactions were noted: kitchen waste showed complex indicator interplay, while moisture affected decomposition in manure and nitrogen retention in sludge.

Conclusions:

• Compost maturity is a complex outcome of interacting environmental and material factors.
• The Stacking model provides a robust tool for predicting maturity.
• Findings offer a scientific foundation for optimizing diverse composting strategies and improving waste management.