Title: Effects of C/N ratio on mixed organic waste composting in a rotary drum composter

Authors: Ajay S. Kalamdhad, A.A. Kazmi

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR), Roorkee 247667, India. ' Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR), Roorkee 247667, India

Abstract: Effects of Carbon to Nitrogen (C/N) ratio on the rotary drum composting of organic waste were examined by measuring changes in various parameters. It was observed that time courses of four C/N ratios: 16, 22, 30 and 38 were different. Initial C/N ratio 22 produced high-quality compost (total nitrogen-2.1%, total phosphorus-4.3 g/kg) within 20 days. While in case of C/N 16, compost yields 1.8% total nitrogen and 6.4 g/kg total phosphorus but, it showed higher NH⁺₄-N and moisture content. C/N 30 and 38 showed lower amounts of total nitrogen and phosphorus and higher final coliform bacteria. Therefore, mixed organic waste composting in rotary drum at an initial C/N ratio of 22 can produce quality compost.

Keywords: solid waste management; rotary drum composting; C/N ratio; temperature; biological waste treatment; mixed organic waste; carbon; total nitrogen; total phosphorous; coliform bacteria.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2009.027314

International Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2009 Vol.1 No.2, pp.187 - 207

Published online: 19 Jul 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article