Biodegradable solid waste management by microorganism: Challenge and potential for composting

Abstract

Purpose Composting is known since long for reducing the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. These fertilizers are applied to the crops for the supply of required macro/micronutrients. The present study describes how to decompose biodegradable solid wastes quickly into compost without harming the environment.Method The microbial inoculums were developed from cow dung concentrate. The cow dung concentrate was mixed with water. The cow dung concentrates, and water mixture was then mixed with another water solution containing Jiggery. After a week, a creamy layer was observed to have formed. This confirms the development of microbial inoculum.Results After 2-3 days, temperature started to increase slowly. On the 15th day, temperature of the compost pile was 40 °C. At this temperature, the waste changed its colour and showed rapid decomposition. On the 25th day, temperature was noted to be around 60 °C. This showed the completion of the process. After 30 days, the compost was ready and showed signs of the process of maturation. Decrease in temperature confirmed completion of maturation process and complete conversion into compost.Conclusion The cow dung microbial inoculum consists of decomposing bacteria, protozoa and fungi which are effective to convert biodegradable waste into bio-fertilizer. The regular application of synthetic fertilizers causes adverse effect on greenhouse, environmental pollution, killing of earthworms and other beneficial micro-organisms of the soil, marine inhabitants, depletion of ozone layer, increase of toxicity among human beings due to excessive heavy metals, spoilage of soil fertility, and change in the soil pH.

Keywords

• compost
• biodegradable
• waste-management
• cow-dung
• microbial inoculum
• synthetic fertilizer