Kitchen waste is characterized by a high moisture content (typically over 70%), a significant amount of organic material, and a low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, usually around 13. During the composting process, microorganisms break down the organic matter within a thin liquid film that forms on the surface of the waste particles. If the moisture level is too high, it can lead to poor aeration, creating anaerobic conditions that hinder microbial activity and result in unpleasant odors. On the other hand, if the C/N ratio is too low, the composting system may accumulate ammonia or other nitrogenous compounds, which not only cause nitrogen loss but also contribute to bad smells that negatively affect the composting environment.
Due to the high organic content, kitchen waste requires a substantial amount of oxygen for decomposition. Oxygen is supplied through the pores between the compost materials, and its diffusion rate in the gas phase is about 10,000 times faster than in liquid. Therefore, maintaining proper porosity, moisture levels, and an optimal C/N ratio during the composting process is crucial for successful operation. The addition of a bulking agent can significantly enhance the structure of the compost pile, improve its water retention, increase porosity, and help balance the C/N ratio, thus creating a favorable environment for microbial growth.
From the test results, dry horse manure and sawdust were found to be the most effective bulking agents. They not only improve the structure of the pile but also absorb excess moisture, ensuring that the pile maintains good aeration and supports microbial activity. Straw can also help increase porosity, but it has limited water-absorbing capacity. As the composting process continues, the pores may become filled with water from the breakdown of organic matter, which can reduce oxygen supply efficiency and slow down the process.
Therefore, adding the right bulking agent is essential for successful composting. Incorporating a bulking agent into the kitchen waste improves the composting environment, enhances the structural integrity of the pile, absorbs excess moisture, increases porosity, and helps regulate the C/N ratio. This creates a more favorable habitat for microorganisms, leading to a more diverse and stable microbial population. As a result, organic matter is broken down more efficiently, composting is accelerated, and the formation of foul-smelling gases like Hâ‚‚S is effectively reduced.
In particular, when using dry horse manure and sawdust as bulking agents, the compost pile exhibits higher temperatures, longer residence time, greater oxygen consumption, and increased COâ‚‚ production compared to the control group. Additionally, the concentration of Hâ‚‚S at the outlet was very low. Adding a bulking agent to kitchen waste composting is a promising method worth further research and application.
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