Process Safety and Environmental Protection, Vol.121, 229-238, 2019
Utilization of Biochar as an amendment during lignocellulose waste composting: Impact on composting physics and Realization (probability) amongst physical properties
The lower moisture content and bulk densities characterize the Biochar. It is rich in carbon and possesses higher porosity. Utilization of Biochar during composting of various organic wastes successfully improved the efficacy of the composting process, degradation rate, and final product quality. However, the composting physics during the composting of lignocellulose aquatic waste is rarely studied. Hence the objective of this research is to assess the impact of biochar addition (0 and 2.5% w/w) to a mixture of Eicchornia Crassipes, cow dung, and sawdust. The study provides an insight of composting physics, percentage improvement rate of degradation of organic matter, and the cation-exchange capacity. As a result of Biochar addition, the thermophilic (57.3 degrees C) temperature lasted for more than three days. The Biochar addition decreased the bulk density by 7% in the initial feedstock. It also aided in increasing the initial value of the free air space and porosity of the mixture. The study noted a strong relationship amongst physical parameters and the significant correlation of degradation of organic matter with moisture content and bulk density (p <0.05). This study would provide valuable information for improving physical properties during application of compost to the soil. (C) 2018 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.