Enhancing composting efficiency and heavy metal stabilization through thermophilic microbial inoculation

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Soil Science

Background:

• Agricultural waste management is crucial for environmental protection and soil health.
• Organic waste often contains heavy metals requiring effective treatment.
• Composting is a key process for managing agricultural waste.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of mesophilic and thermophilic microbial inoculation on composting.
• To assess the impact on organic degradation, humification, and heavy metal stabilization.
• To analyze microbial community structure and function in response to inoculation.

Main Methods:

• Composting of rice straw and swine manure with mesophilic or thermophilic inoculants.
• Control group with no inoculation.
• Analysis of organic matter, heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cr), microbial communities, and metabolic pathways.

Main Results:

• Thermophilic inoculation significantly enhanced organic degradation and humification.
• Efficient stabilization of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cr) was observed with thermophilic inoculation.
• Thermophilic inoculation fostered a more connected microbial network and boosted functionality, reducing metal bioavailability.

Conclusions:

• Thermophilic microbial inoculants are effective for sustainable agricultural waste management.
• This method enhances composting efficiency and heavy metal stabilization.
• Findings support the use of thermophilic inoculants for environmental protection and soil remediation.