Title: Composting of washed Ulva reticulata seaweed: process parameter variations and compost quality

Authors: Romeela Mohee; Ackmez Mudhoo; Chetan Peryagh; Geeta D. Somaroo

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius ' Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius ' Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius ' Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius

Abstract: Co-composting process of unwashed (Run A) and washed (Run B) seaweed Ulva reticulata with bagasse and broiler litter was studied. Peak temperatures of 48.9°C and 55.2°C were recorded for Runs A and B, respectively. For Run A, the starting wet bulk density was 43.31 kgm^-3 and increased by 5.2 times on day 23. Net biodegradable Volatile Solid (VS) reductions were 2.19 and 11.44% for Runs A and B, respectively. Beyond day 37, the respiration rate of both composts had decreased to 8.87 mg CO₂.C day^-1g^-1 VS and 8.09 mg CO₂.C day^-1g^-1 VS (Runs A and B, respectively). Washing treatment lowered the chloride content by 3-5 times in Run B. Final compost from Run B had a better fertilising capacity with its higher N, P and K contents.

Keywords: composting; washing treatment; compost quality; Ulva reticulata seaweed: process parameters; bagasse; broiler litter; chloride content; fertilising capacity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2013.054781

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2013 Vol.12 No.1, pp.89 - 111

Published online: 20 Sep 2014 *

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