Influence of different co-substrates biochemical composition on raw sludge co-composting
Ruggieri, Luz (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental)
Gea Leiva, Teresa (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental)
Artola Casacuberta, Adriana (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental)
Sanchez, Antoni (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental)

Date:	2008
Abstract:	The influence of biochemical composition of different co-substrates added to raw sludge during co-composting process was studied. The physical properties of the composting mass and their influence on the biological activity were also investigated. Three treatments composed of mixtures of raw sludge and co-substrate (commercial fats, protein, and cellulose) were carried out and compared to a control composed of raw sludge. Mixture conditioning was performed on the basis on air filled porosity (40%). The results obtained in the co-composting processes reflected a higher biological activity and higher degradation percentages of dry and organic matter when compared with control. Higher temperatures (60, 67 and 62°C for fats, protein and cellulose, respectively) were also achieved in all co-composting experiments as compared to the control test (55°C). Biological activity was measured using both Static and Dynamic Respiration Indices obtaining higher values in co-composting experiments compared to the control test. Fats content reduction was higher (66%) at higher fats content in the initial mixture (10. 6%). The addition of fats seems also to promote the degradation of cellulose and lignin. Co-composting experiments with fats and cellulose presented higher initial C/N ratio and lower nitrogen losses, 27. 5 and 34. 2% compared to 40% for raw sludge. It has been demonstrated that the addition of an adequate co-substrate to raw sludge leads to a higher degradation percentages of the different biochemical fractions and higher nitrogen conservation.
Note:	Altres ajuts: MMA/185/2006/3-4.3
Rights:	Tots els drets reservats.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió sotmesa a revisió
Subject:	Air filled porosity ; Biochemical composition ; Co-composting ; Respiration indices ; Sludge
Published in:	Biodegradation, Vol. 19, Issue 3 (June 2008) , p. 403-415, ISSN 0923-9820

DOI: 10.1007/s10532-007-9146-2

Pre-print 38 p, 972.3 KB

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Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Engineering > Composting Research Group (GICOM)
Articles > Research articles
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