The Practical Handbook of Compost Engineering presents an in-depth examination of the principles and practice of modern day composting. This comprehensive book covers compost science, engineering design, operation, principles, and practice, stressing a fundamental approach to analysis throughout. Biological, physical, chemical, thermodynamic, and kinetic principles are covered to develop a unified analytical approach to analysis and an understanding of the process. A brief history of the development of composting systems, which leads to descriptions of modern processes, is presented. The Practical Handbook of Compost Engineering also discusses the elements of successful odor management at composting facilities, including state-of-the-art odor treatment and enhanced atmospheric dispersion. The book is excellent for all engineers, practitioners, plant operators, scientists, researchers, and students in the field.
Abstract:A landfill biocover system optimizes environmental conditions for biotic methane (CH4) consumption that controls the fugitive and residual emissions from landfills. Research shows that wasted compost material has more (CH4) oxidation potential than other materials. Thus, in this study, the authors investigate the engineering properties of compacted compost to test its suitability for CH4 oxidation capacity. Different laboratory and analytical approaches are employed to attain the set objectives. The biochemical tests show that the studied material indicates the presence of methanotrophs with sufficient organic contents. The compacted compost also shows adequate diffusivity potential to free air space for a wide range of water content. The data also imply that compacting compost to low hydraulic conductivity can be accomplished for a wide range of water content, according to the suggested values for a landfill hydraulic barrier. Furthermore, the low thermal properties of compost as compared to other mineral materials seem more beneficial, as specifically, during the winter season, when the atmospheric temperature is low, low thermal conductivity enables it to sustain a stable temperature for the activities of the microbial organisms, which therefore extends the CH4 oxidation process right through a long period in the winter.Keywords: landfill biocover; compost; methanotrophs; methanogens; hydraulic; thermal; biological; chemical; compaction; water content
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In order to utilize treated cattle manure properly as fertilizer or recycled bedding material, biological stabilization of nutrients and organic materials should be accomplished appropriately. Composting performance is influenced by various factors such as moisture content, aeration, temperature, pH, carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N), bulk density and free air space (FAS). Among those variables, moisture content is considered as one of the key parameters affecting biodegradation process. Many previous studies have suggested proper moisture content to achieve successful composting operation. Haug (1993) recommended maintaining composting pile moisture content between 40% and 60%. Low moisture content (below 40%) limits microbial activity. On the other hand, very high moisture triggers anaerobic conditions because the pore spaces of solid matrices are filled with water rather than air (de Bertoldi et al., 1983; Das and Keener, 1997). However, some studies reported different optimum moisture levels for leading successful composting. Liang et al. (2003) recommended 50% moisture content as the minimal requirement for obtaining adequate microbial activities. Ahn et al. (2008b) suggested that the optimum moisture content of highly stabilized soil compost blend is around 25% (wet basis [wb]). This wide range of optimum moisture content reported by previous studies means that there is no generally applicable optimal moisture level for diverse composting materials.
2. Long Definition: Composting is the biological decomposition and stabilization of organic substrates, under conditions that allow for the development of thermophilic temperatures as a result of biologically produced heat, to produce a final product that is stable, free of pathogens and plant seeds, and can be beneficially applied to land. Thus, composting is a form of waste stabilization, but one that requires special conditions of moisture and aeration to produce thermophilic temperatures. The latter are generally considered to be above 45oC (113oF). Maintenance of thermophilic temperatures is the primary mechanism for pathogen inactivation and seed destruction.
With aerated composting we maintain aerobic conditions throughout the compost pile and are able to control pile temperatures. This, in turn, expedites the composting process and yields a high-quality compost product that is effectively free of pathogens, parasites, and weed seeds. By composting in this manner, we are able to control offensive odors and flies, improve the aesthetics of the waste handling area, quickly produce a superior product and reduce the cost of labor and equipment (i.e., fuel, maintenance, etc.).
Many low molecular weight, odorous intermediates are produced even during aerobic composting. Ammonia (NH3), acetic or pyruvic acid, and citric acid are examples. The aerobic intermediates are generally less obnoxious to humans than their anaerobic counterparts, but they are not odor free. 2ff7e9595c
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