Biotechnology for aerobic conversion of food waste into organic fertilizer.
A biotechnology for aerobic conversion of food waste into organic fertilizer under controlled aeration, stirring, pH and temperature at 55-65 degrees C, is proposed. To maintain neutral pH at the beginning of the bioconversion 5% CaCO3 was added to the total solids of the food waste. The addition of 20% horticultural waste compost as a bulking agent to the food wastes (w.w./w.w.), improved the bioconversion and increased the stability of the final product. No starter culture was needed for aerobic bioconversion of food waste into organic fertilizer for 10 days. The low contents of heavy metals in the raw materials used in the bioconversions ensured the safety of fertilizer from food waste for application in agriculture. The addition of 4% organic fertilizer to the subsoil increased the yield and growth of Ipomoea aquatica (Kang Kong) by 1.5 to 2 times. The addition of phosphorus is required to enhance the positive effect of organic fertilizer on plant growth.
Stabnikova
Olena
O
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. costab@ntu.edu.sg
Ding
Hong-Bo
HB
Tay
Joo-Hwa
JH
Wang
Jing-Yuan
JY
D001420:Bacteria, Aerobic; D001709:Biotechnology; D005308:Fertilizers; D019649:Food Industry; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000379:methods*; D013696:Temperature
D005308:Fertilizers