1. Composting paper and grass clippings with anaerobically treated palm oil mill effluent.
- Author
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Zahrim, A., Leong, P., Ayisah, S., Janaun, J., Chong, K., Cooke, F., and Haywood, S.
- Subjects
COMPOSTING ,SEWAGE ,PALM oil industry ,ELECTRIC conductivity ,HYDROGEN-ion concentration ,ZETA potential ,PHYTOTOXICITY - Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the composting performance of anaerobically treated palm oil mill effluent (AnPOME) mixed with paper and grass clippings. Methods: Composting was conducted using a laboratory scale system for 40 days. Several parameters were determined: temperature, mass reduction, pH, electrical conductivity, colour, zeta potential, phytotoxicity and final compost nutrients. Results: The moisture content and compost mass were reduced by 24 and 18 %, respectively. Both final compost pH value and electrical conductivity were found to increase in value. Colour (measured as PtCo) was not suitable as a maturity indicator. The negative zeta potential values decreased from −12.25 to −21.80 mV. The phytotoxicity of the compost mixture was found to decrease in value during the process and the final nutrient value of the compost indicates its suitability as a soil conditioner. Conclusions: From this study, we conclude that the addition of paper and grass clippings can be a potential substrate to be composted with anaerobically treated palm oil mill effluent (AnPOME). The final compost produced is suitable for soil conditioner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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