High-rate composting of barley dregs with sewage sludge in a pilot scale bioreactor.
The feasibility of high-rate composting of barley dregs and sewage sludge was examined using a pilot scale bioreactor. A central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize the mix ratio of barley dregs/sewage sludge and moisture content. The performance of the bioreactor was monitored as a function of carbon decomposition rate (CDR) and total volatile solids (TVS) loss rate. The optimum range of mix ratio and moisture content was found to be 35-40% and 55-60%, respectively. High CO2 evolution rate (CER) and TVS loss rate were observed after 3 days of the composting and the compost was matured/stable after 7 days. Cardinal temperature model with inflection (CTMI) was used to analyze the compost stability with respect to CER as a parameter of composting efficiency. After examining the phytotoxicity, the compost can be promoted for land application.
Lu
Li-An
LA
Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, 75 Po-Ai Street, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
Kumar
Mathava
M
Tsai
Jen-Chieh
JC
Lin
Jih-Gaw
JG
D019149:Bioreactors; D001467:Hordeum / Q000737:chemistry*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012722:Sewage
D012722:Sewage