title: Spectroscopic, thermogravimetric and structural characterization analyses for comparing Municipal Solid Waste composts and vermicomposts stability and maturity.
abstract: This is the first-ever study of its kind for an extensive assessment and comparison of maturity indexes between compost and vermicompost that have been derived from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). The spectroscopic (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and structural characterization (scanning electron microscope: SEM) were recorded. FT-IR spectra showed an increase in conversion of polysaccharides species and aliphatic methylene groups in vermicompost compared to compost as depicted from the variation of the intensity of the peaks. TG curves of final vermicompost showed a much lower mass loss when compared to compost, indicating higher stability in feedstock. SEM micrographs of the vermicompost reflected strong fragmentation of material than composts which revealed the extent of intra-structural degradation of MSW. These findings elucidate on a clear comparison between composts and vermicomposts in terms of maturity indexes for soil enhancement and in agriculture as organic fertilizer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit, 80837, Mauritius.
authors.forename: Nuhaa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Soobhany
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit, 80837, Mauritius; Department of Process Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, 7602, South Africa.
authors.forename: Sanjana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gunasee
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit, 80837, Mauritius.
authors.forename: Yogeshwari Pooja
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Rago
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit, 80837, Mauritius.
authors.forename: Hashita
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Joyram
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit, 80837, Mauritius.
authors.forename: Pravesh
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Raghoo
authors.affiliation: University of Mauritius, Réduit, 80837, Mauritius.
authors.forename: Romeela
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mohee
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environmental Sciences and Technology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151001, Punjab, India. Electronic address: vinodkgarg@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Vinod Kumar
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Garg
mesh_terms: D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D005308:Fertilizers; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry*; D062611:Solid Waste; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
chemical_list: D005308:Fertilizers; D012987:Soil; D062611:Solid Waste
keywords: Differential scanning calorimetry; FT-IR; Municipal Solid Waste; Scanning electron microscope; Thermogravimetric analysis; Vermicompost