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Optimization of process parameters for kitchen waste composting by response surface methodology
Iqbal, M.K.; Nadeem, A.; Sherazi, F. & Khan, R.A.
Abstract
The optimization of process parameters for
decomposition of kitchen waste into mature, stable compost
was investigated using response surface methodology
(RSM). RSM and central composite designs were applied
to evaluate and optimize the key factors namely fly ash,
bulking agent for moisture optimization and temperature,
inoculum size and lime concentration for C/N optimization,
which affect the stability of compost. Moisture and
C/N ratio were selected as response variables. The experimental
data of response variables were fitted into quadratic
polynomial model using the multiple regression analysis
and found it was statistically significant quadratic model.
Box–Behnken design under RSM was used to optimize
their interaction between bulking agent (40 %) and fly ash
(15 %) has significant effect on moisture optimization and
temperature (35 °C), lime (3 %), and inoculum size (10 %)
were the best for C/N ratio optimization and compost
maturity. These optimized conditions were used and
recorded the 50 % moisture reduction, and 8.43 C/N was
achieved; indicates the stable and mature compost in
minimum time. A significant correlation was also found
between C/N ratio, humic acid, fulvic acid and degree of
polymerization during compost formation. It was fleetingly
concluded that optimization of compost parameters promote
the decomposition rate and humification process.
Keywords
Compost; Decomposition; Humification; Inoculum; Moisture; C/N
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