Organic Waste Composting through Nexus Thinking


Book Description

Organic waste composting is another excellent example to demonstrate the power and the benefits of nexus thinking. Even though organic waste composting itself is not a new topic, those who want to start a new project or align an ongoing project with nexus thinking, find it difficult to gather the necessary information. With nine case studies from four continents, this book aims to fill above gap in literature. While current literature on composting is often found to be limited to either soil/agriculture sector or waste management sector, this book presents a combined point of view. This open access book starts with an introductory chapter that describes the need to bring the waste management aspects and soil nutrient management aspects of compost production into one integrated theme. The relevance of nexus thinking and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are also presented in this introduction. The first three chapters after the introduction covers composting from the solid waste management and its policy aspects, taking examples from three developing countries. The next three examples are mostly about the benefits composting can provide to the soil and agriculture. These examples are also from three developing countries, but with a mixture of urban as well as rural settings. Last three chapters present more insight into the latest developments taking examples from Europe, as well as new methods adapted from the traditional styles from Africa.




Co-composting of solid waste and fecal sludge for nutrient and organic matter recovery


Book Description

Biological treatment, composting, in particular, is a relatively simple, durable and inexpensive alternative for stabilizing and reducing biodegradable waste. Co-composting of different waste sources allows to enhance the compost nutrient value. In particular, integration of ‘biosolids’ from the sanitation sector as potential input material for co-composting would provide a solution for the much needed treatment of fecal sludge from on-site sanitation systems, and make use of its high nutrient content. This research paper elaborates in detail the main parameters that govern the co-composting process as well as factors that control the production of a safe and valuable quality compost. It further explains technological options to tailor the final product to crop and farmer needs.




Progress in Nitrogen Cycling Studies


Book Description

This book contains the proceedings of the `8th Nitrogen Workshop' which was held at the University of Ghent, Belgium, from 5 to 8 September 1994. Although nitrogen dynamics in different ecosystems have been studied for several decades, new orientations and other emphases have recently emerged. Previously, nitrogen was considered as an essential element mostly in terms of productivity, but now, more emphasis is attached to environmental consequences. More than 100 contributions in this book tackle recent developments within the fields of nitrogen advice systems, plant response to fertilization, immobilization and mobilization, nitrification, denitrification, leaching, ammonia volatilization and biological nitrogen fixation. A large number of papers is devoted to the formation of gaseous nitrogen compounds, while mineralization-immobilization is another topic of important interest. The book also contains the reports of discussion groups on different aspects of the nitrogen cycle.




The Practical Handbook of Compost Engineering


Book Description

The Practical Handbook of Compost Engineering presents an in-depth examination of the principles and practice of modern day composting. This comprehensive book covers compost science, engineering design, operation, principles, and practice, stressing a fundamental approach to analysis throughout. Biological, physical, chemical, thermodynamic, and kinetic principles are covered to develop a unified analytical approach to analysis and an understanding of the process. A brief history of the development of composting systems, which leads to descriptions of modern processes, is presented. The Practical Handbook of Compost Engineering also discusses the elements of successful odor management at composting facilities, including state-of-the-art odor treatment and enhanced atmospheric dispersion. The book is excellent for all engineers, practitioners, plant operators, scientists, researchers, and students in the field.




Olive Mill Waste


Book Description

Olive Mill Waste: Recent Advances for Sustainable Management addresses today's most relevant topics in olive oil industry sustainable management. Emphasizing recent advisable practices, the book explores the potential of reutilizing OMW to power the mill itself, the reuse of OMW as soil amendment, aerobic biological treatment of OMW and compost production, the case study of OMW within the biorefinery concept, the recovery of bioactive compounds from OMW, and their applications in food products and cosmetics. Recent research efforts have concluded that the successful management of OMW focuses on three main routes: (a) reuse of water, (b) reuse of polyphenols, and (c) reuse of nutrients. Following this consideration, the book covers sustainable practices in the olive oil industry, revealing opportunities for reutilizing the water of OMW within the process or as s soil amendment. At the same time, it explores all the possibilities of recovering polyphenols and reutilizing them in target products, such as foods and cosmetics. In addition, the book presents successful cases of industrial OMW valorization through real world experiences. - Covers the most recent advances in the field of olive mill waste management following sustainability principles - Fills the gap of transfer knowledge between academia and industry - Explores the advantages, disadvantages and real potential of processes and products in the market







Humic Substances


Book Description

Present in soil and water, humic substances are the most widespread organic compounds, naturally occurring from a physical, chemical, and microbiological transformation of biomolecules. They represent about 25% of the total organic carbon on the Earth and comprise up to 75% of the dissolved organic carbon in water, making them important for multiple environmental processes in both soil and aquatic systems. Despite many decades of extensive study, the formation mechanisms of humic substances are still a subject of discussion and controversy. This book examines the dynamics of humic substances, their physicochemical and biological properties, and methods for their extraction and characterization. The book also sheds light on recent advances and applications of humic substances in agriculture, environment, industry, and medicine.




Biotechnology for Zero Waste


Book Description

Biotechnology for Zero Waste The use of biotechnology to minimize waste and maximize resource valorization In Biotechnology for Zero Waste: Emerging Waste Management Techniques, accomplished environmental researchers Drs. Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain and Ravi Kumar Kadeppagari deliver a robust exploration of the role of biotechnology in reducing waste and creating a zero-waste environment. The editors provide resources covering perspectives in waste management like anaerobic co-digestion, integrated biosystems, immobilized enzymes, zero waste biorefineries, microbial fuel cell technology, membrane bioreactors, nano biomaterials, and more. Ideal for sustainability professionals, this book comprehensively sums up the state-of-the-art biotechnologies powering the latest advances in zero-waste strategies. The renowned contributors address topics like bioconversion and biotransformation and detail the concept of the circular economy. Biotechnology for Zero Waste effectively guides readers on the path to creating sustainable products from waste. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to modern perspectives on zero waste drives, including anaerobic co-digestion as a smart approach for enhancing biogas production Comprehensive explorations of bioremediation for zero waste, biological degradation systems, and bioleaching and biosorption of waste Practical discussions of bioreactors for zero waste and waste2energy with biotechnology An in-depth examination of emerging technologies, including nanobiotechnology for zero waste and the economics and commercialization of zero waste biotechnologies Perfect for process engineers, natural products, environmental, soil, and inorganic chemists, Biotechnology for Zero Waste: Emerging Waste Management Techniques will also earn a place in the libraries of food technologists, biotechnologists, agricultural scientists, and microbiologists.




Compost Science and Technology


Book Description

Composting is a widely used biological process for the management of some wastes produced in communities and agricultural activities, which have experienced substantial growth during the last few years. Because this and the knowledge of composting has increased, the number of composting facilities has increased tremendously, especially in some European countries. Interest has also increased in several countries in other regions of the world. Compost Science and Technology attempts to summarize some of the most important work conducted during the last few years under one cover. The contributions to the publication are made by some of the most qualified professionals in the world and present the information in a clear and objective manner. The readers will find the information very useful and will be helpful in the design of new facilities and organic recycling programs. The manager or interested member of the community does not have to have a rigorous training in science or technology. - Up-to-date contributions by some of the most knowledgeable and respected leaders in the field - Clear and objective presentations, which are arranged in such a way that it is not necessary to read the entire book - Information is supported by data, tables and references - Covers most important aspects of the process including a brief historical review - May be used by teachers as well as practicioners in the field




Composting Municipal Sludge


Book Description

A guide to the technologies involved in composting sludge from municipal waste facilities, including case studies from small municipalities and metropolitan areas. "From the Introduction" Widespread interest in composting as a means of municipal sludge treatment in the United States began in the early 1970s. At that time, the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts initiated windrow composting of sewage sludge at the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant in Carson, California, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture investigated large-scale studies of static pile composting at the Agricultural Research Station in Beltsville, Maryland. Since that time, interest and activity in municipal sludge composting has increased dramatically. In 1984, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated a technology evaluation of municipal sludge composting practice based on investigations at five operating facilities. The results of the technology evaluation are presented in this report. Objectives Objectives of the municipal sludge composting technology evaluation were as follows: 1. To investigate aerated static pile and windrow composting technologies based on experience at operating facilities. 2. To compare and contrast features of the aerated static pile and windrow technologies based on this experience. 3. To assess operating, performance, and cost features. 4. To identify key problems associated with municipal sludge composting using these technologies. 5. To define methods which have been used or are being considered to resolve these problems. The technology evaluation focused on three composting processes: the extended aerated static pile process, the conventional windrow process, andthe