Wastewater treatment sludge and agricultural wastes: Management by composting process

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the compostability of wastewater treatment sludge and evaluate the effects on compost quality of adding cotton gin waste and peanut shell. For this purpose, treatment sludge was mixed with cotton gin waste in the ratios of 60:40 in M1 reactor and 80:20 in M2 reactor, while in M3 and M4 reactors, treatment sludge was mixed with peanut shell in the same proportions. The highest temperatures were reached in reactors M2 (65.2 degrees C) and M4 (68.7 degrees C) where 80% treatment sludge was added. These reactors also experienced the highest organic matter losses of 42.2% and 31.5%, respectively. It can be stated that a faster microbial decomposition and stabilization occurred in these reactors. It can be said that the composting process may be a preferable method for the management of treatment sludge and agricultural wastes. Furthermore, the outcomes of the study can serve the food industry and agriculture sector through effective bioconversion of organic waste.