Evaluation of integrated ammonia recovery technology and nutrient status with an in-vessel composting process for swine manure.

The study investigated the effect of different initial moisture (IM) content (55, 60, 65, and 70%) of composting mixtures (swine manure and sawdust) for the production of nutrient rich manure, and the recovery of ammonia through a condensation process using a vertical cylindrical in-vessel composter for 56days. The composting resulted in a significant reduction in C:N ratio and electrical conductivity (EC), with a slight increase in pH in all products. The NH3 were emitted notably, and at the same time the NO3--N concentration gradually increased with the reduction of NH4+-N in the composting mixtures. The overall results confirmed, the 65% IM showed the maximum nutritional yield, maturity and non-phytotoxic effects (Lycopersicon esculentum L.), with the results of ideal compost product in the following order of IM: 65%>60%>70%>55%. Finally, the recovered condensed ammonia contained considerable ammonium nitrogen concentrations and could be used as fertilizer.

Evaluation of pilot-scale in-vessel composting for Hanwoo manure management.

The study investigated the effect of in-vessel composting process on Hanwoo manure in two different South Korea regions (Pyeongchang and Goechang) with sawdust using vertical cylindrical in-vessel bioreactor for 42days. The stability and quality of Hanwoo manure in both regions were improved and confirmed through the positive changes in physico-chemical and phytotoxic properties using different commercial seed crops. The pH and electrical conductivity (EC, ds/m) of composted manure in both regions were slightly increased. At the same time, carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratio and ammonium nitrogen:nitrate nitrogen (NH4+-N:NO3--N) ratio decreased to 13.4-16.1 and 0.36-0.37, respectively. The germination index (GI, %) index was recorded in the range of 67.6-120.9%, which was greater than 50%, indicating phytotoxin-free compost. Although, composted manure values in Goechang region were better in significant parameters, overall results confirmed that the composting process could lead to complete maturation of the composted product in both regions.

Microbial community distribution and extracellular enzyme activities in leach bed reactor treating food waste: effect of different leachate recirculation practices.

This study aimed at understanding the relationship between microbial community and extracellular enzyme activities of leach bed reactor (LBR) treating food waste under different leachate recirculation practices (once per day and continuous) and liquid to solid (L/S) ratios (1:1 and 0.5:1). Microbial community analysis using PCR-DGGE revealed that Lactobacillus sp., Bifidobacter sp., and Proteobacteria were the most abundant species. Number of phylotypes was higher in LBRs with intermittent recirculation; whereas, lower number of phylotypes dominated by the key players of degradation was observed with continuous recirculation. The L/S ratio of 1:1 significantly enhanced the volatile solids removal compared with 0.5:1; however, this effect was insignificant under once a day leachate recirculation. Continuous leachate recirculation with 1:1 L/S ratio significantly improved the organic leaching (240 g COD/kgvolatile solid) and showed distinct extracellular enzyme activities suitable for food waste acidogenesis.

Responses of microbial community and acidogenic intermediates to different water regimes in a hybrid solid anaerobic digestion system treating food waste.

This study investigated the effects of different water regimes in an acidogenic leach bed reactor (LBR) during 16-day batch mode food waste digestion. LBRs were operated under five water replacement ratios (WRRs) (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 5% in LBRs R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5, respectively) and methanogenic effluent (ME) addition with two leachate recirculation frequencies (once in 24 h and 12 h in LBRs R6 and R7, respectively). Results showed that 50-100% WRRs accelerated the hydrolysis and acidogenesis with butyrate as the dominant product (∼35% of COD); whereas 5-25% WRRs promoted propionate production. The ME recirculation enhanced protein decomposition and reduced ethanol production. Lactobacillus dominated in LBRs with water addition (R1-R5), while Clostridium and hetero-fermenting lactic acid bacteria dominated in LBR with ME addition (R7). The highest volatile solid degradation (82.9%) and methane yield (0.29 L-CH4/g VS) were obtained with ME addition at 0.7 d hydraulic retention time.

Effect of C/N ratio and ammonia-N accumulation in a pilot-scale thermophilic dry anaerobic digester.

The effect of ammonia-N accumulation in a dry anaerobic digestion was studied effectively using pilot-scale thermophilic reactor. Two simulations were prepared to attain C/N ratio 27 and C/N ratio 32 using bio-degradable feedstocks such as food waste, fruit and vegetable waste, green waste and paper waste. Organic loading rates and digestate recirculation rates were varied during different time intervals and the performance was evaluated using parameters like pH, VFA, Alkalinity, ammonia-N and biogas yield. Results showed that the simulation with C/N ratio 32 had about 30% less ammonia in digestate as compared to that with C/N ratio 27. The system performed well up to organic loading rate (OLR) 7-10 kgVS/m(3)d and retention time up to 19 days, with surplus energy production of 50-73%. Moreover, a free ammonia accumulation/inhibition effect was documented and methods to overcome the adverse effects were discussed.

Effect of inoculum to substrate ratio on the hydrolysis and acidification of food waste in leach bed reactor.

The aim of present study was to determine an appropriate ISR (inoculum to substrate ratio) to enhance the hydrolysis rate and reduce the solid retention time of food waste in hydrolytic-acidogenesis leach bed reactor (LBR). LBR 1-4 were inoculated with 0%, 5%, 20% and 80% (w/w basis) of anaerobically digested sludge, respectively, using artificial food waste as substrate. Experiments were conducted in batch mode at mesophilic condition (35 °C) for 17 days. Higher ISR resulted in 4.3-fold increase in protein hydrolysis; whereas, only a modest increase in the decomposition of carbohydrate. Two kinetic models for carbohydrate and protein degradation were proposed and evaluated. The differences among four ISRs in volatile solids removal efficiencies were marginal, i.e. 52.4%, 62.8%, 63.2% and 71.7% for LBR 1-4, respectively; indicating that higher ISR was insignificant in enhancing the overall hydrolysis rate in LBR. Therefore, a lower ISR of 20% was recommended in the hydrolytic-acidogenic process.

Sustainable landfilling in tropical conditions: comparison between open and closed cell approach.

Two landfill test cells were constructed in a tropical climate using locally available low-cost materials. One cell was operated without a cover on the municipal solid waste to simulate 'open landfill' conditions and the other cell was covered to create 'closed landfill' conditions. Both test cells were monitored over a period of 290 days under rainy, dry and artificial wetting conditions. Due to the relatively high compaction density of waste in the closed test cell, the substrate settlement was gradual and comparatively lower than in the open test cell. Multiple top covers in the closed test cell resulted in significant run-off of incident precipitation during the rainy season, which delayed the waste stabilization and subsequently produced a lesser volume of leachate. On the other hand, operation of the open test cell was found to be advantageous in terms of leachate management and substrate settlement along with waste stabilization pattern. Infiltration of rain-water into the waste mass leached out the maximum organic pollutants and oxidized the nitrogen content, which is deemed to be a benefit of operating an open cell landfill under tropical conditions. Artificial wetting during dry periods by recirculation of stored leachate notably accelerated the waste stabilization and secondary substrate settlement in the open test cell. The continuous monitoring of ground-water quality from the site showed only seasonal variations.

Co-disposal of electronic waste with municipal solid waste in bioreactor landfills.

Three pilot scale lysimeters were adopted to evaluate the stability pattern and leaching potential of heavy metals from MSW landfills under the E-waste co-disposed condition. One lysimeter served as control and solely filled with MSW, whereas the other two lysimeters were provided with 10% and 25% of E-waste scraps (% by weight), respectively. The reactors were monitored over a period of 280 days at ambient settings with continuous leachate recirculation. Stabilization pattern of carbon appears to be more than 50% in all the three lysimeters with irrespective of their operating conditions. Iron and zinc concentrations were high in leachate during bioreactor landfill operation and correlating with the TCLP leachability test results. In contrast, Pb concentration was around <0.6 mg/L, but which showed maximum leaching potential under TCLP test conditions. But, no heavy metal accumulation was found with leachate recirculation practices in lysimeters. Mobility of the metal content from the E-waste was found to be amplified with the long term disposal or stabilization within landfills. The results showed that the TCLP test cannot be completely reliable tool for measuring long-term leachability of toxic substances under landfill condition; rather landfill lysimeter studies are necessary to get the real scenario.

Biological stability of municipal solid waste from simulated landfills under tropical environment.

Biological stability of the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is assessed under tropical climatic condition using landfill lysimeters. Various landfill operating conditions and two different substrates were employed. Solid waste samples collected during different time intervals of landfill operation assessed for volatile solids (VS), organic carbon (OC), specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR), and water extractable components. Organic carbon achieved faster stabilization than the nitrogen content in MSW within the various landfill operating conditions. At the end of 960days of lysimeter operation, the MSW from different landfills were aerobically and anaerobically stable and results comparable with compost. Further, bioreactor landfill given better biological stability and high methane content than other landfill operating conditions with continuous leachate treatment is compelling benefit.

Performance of bioreactor landfill with waste mined from a dumpsite.

Emissions from landfills via leachate and gas are influenced by state and stability of the organic matter in the solid waste and the environmental conditions within the landfill. This paper describes a modified, ecologically sound waste treatment technique, where municipal solid waste is anaerobically treated in a lysimeter-scale landfill bioreactor with leachate recirculation to enhance organic degradation. The results demonstrate a substantial decrease in organic matter (BOD 99%, COD 88% and TOC 81%) and a clear decrease in nutrient concentrations especially ammonia (85%) over a period of 1 year with leachate recirculation.