title: Co-composting of green waste and food waste at low C/N ratio.
abstract: In this study, co-composting of food waste and green waste at low initial carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios was investigated using an in-vessel lab-scale composting reactor. The central composite design (CCD) and response surface method (RSM) were applied to obtain the optimal operating conditions over a range of preselected moisture contents (45-75%) and C/N ratios (13.9-19.6). The results indicate that the optimal moisture content for co-composting of food waste and green waste is 60%, and the substrate at a C/N ratio of 19.6 can be decomposed effectively to reduce 33% of total volatile solids (TVS) in 12days. The TVS reduction can be modeled by using a second-order equation with a good fit. In addition, the compost passes the standard germination index of white radish seed indicating that it can be used as soil amendment.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, 1001, University Road, Hsinchu City 30010, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Mathava
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Yan-Liang
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Ou
authors.forename: Jih-Gaw
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D005502:Food; D051639:Gardening; D018525:Germination; D055772:Green Chemistry Technology / Q000379:methods*; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D031224:Raphanus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000379:methods*; D012639:Seeds / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D012987:Soil; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014835:Volatilization
chemical_list: D012987:Soil; D002244:Carbon; D009584:Nitrogen