In-vessel aerobic composting with leachate recirculation and biochar for enhanced compost quality
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: . The increasing generation of municipal solid waste emphasizes the critical necessity for effective waste management strategies, particularly given that a significant fraction of municipal solid waste comprises biodegradable materials that are amenable to composting. The study investigated the potential impact of leachate recirculation, preheating, and biochar as a bulking agent on in-vessel aerobic composting efficiency. Four setups (T1 to T4) were tested over 30 days: T1 (control), T2 (with bulking agent), T3 (bulking agent + preheating), and T4 (bulking agent + preheating + leachate recirculation). The results revealed that T4 significantly enhanced the composting process, leading to a 45% reduction in Total Organic Carbon and a decrease in the C/N ratio from 28:1 to 17:1. Additionally, T4 maintained an optimum pH of 7.6 and moisture content of 55%, conditions favourable for microbial activity. Leachate recirculation in T4 also minimized phosphorus loss (40.75%) and potassium loss (63.31%) compared to the control. These studies show the effectiveness of integrating leachate recirculation, preheating, and biochar as bulking agents to accelerate organic matter degradation and produce nutrient-rich, stable compost.
Source: Materials research proceedings
Author: Amit Dharnaik
Institution: MIT Art, Design and Technology University
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4407394395