title: Application of PVA-derived porous media to accelerate biodegradation (composting) of organic solid substrates.
abstract: Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-derived cubes with fine pores and high water-binding and microbial adhesion capacities, enhanced the biodegradation of organic solid substrates with the temperature of the mixture increasing to over 65°C on the second day and being maintained ~60°C for the following 3 days, averaging at least 15°C higher than the control. The amount of CO(2) evolved also reflected a higher level of biodegradation. The compost made with PVA porous cubes for 2 weeks improved lettuce cultivation and crop losses decreased by at least 10% compared with the control. Thus PVA porous cubes can facilitate the production of mature compost for plants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, Ming-Chi University of Technology, Taishan, Taipei, 24301, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Hsiao-Dao
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Chao-Ying
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D001711:Biotransformation; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D006358:Hot Temperature; D018545:Lactuca / Q000254:growth & development; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000378:metabolism*; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000737:chemistry*; D012987:Soil; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D009930:Organic Chemicals; D012987:Soil; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol