An Effective Road Map Through Resource Recovery Output Approach for Municipality Solid Waste...

Top Sheet

1

i

SustainableWaste

Management

ii

SustainableWaste Management

EditorDr. Sadhan K Ghosh

Coordinator, Centre for Quality Management System Jadavpur University,

President, International Society of Waste Management, Air and Water, Kolkata, India

Associate Editors Dr. Rainer Stegmann, Professor, Hamburg University of Technology, Germany

Chair, International Waste Working Group, Padova, Italy

Dr. Jonathan Wong, Director, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta EnvironmentProfessor, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, P R China

Jeffry C. Muffat, President, Air & Waste Management Association and Manager for Environmental Regulatory Affairs at 3M, United States

Dr. P. Agamuthu, Professor, Solid Waste Management,

Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Dr. Wang JingYuan, Asso. Professor and Director, RRRC, School of Civil & Env Engg, Nanyang Tech University, Singapore

ByCentre for Quality Management System,

Jadavpur University &

International Society of Waste Management, Air and Water

Proceeding of the 2nd International Conference on Solid Waste Management November 09 – 11, 2011, Kolkata

Oxford Publishing House Kolkata

iii

© 2011, Oxford Publishing House

No part of this publication can be reproduced in any from or by any means without the prior Written Permission of the publisher.

Due care has been taken to ensure that the information provided in this book is correct. However, the editor and publisher bear no responsibility for any damage resulting from any inadvertent omission or inaccuracy in the book. The author/s is / are held responsible for the contents in the same.

This edition can be exported only by the publishers, Oxford Publishing Housing or its authorised representatives.

Centre for Quality Management System Jadavpur University, Blue Earth W/S, Kolkata 700 032 Website : www.iconswm.com / www.iswmaw.com; www.jadavpur.edu E.Mail. [email protected] / [email protected]

Price: Rs. 2,000/

ISBN: 8186862 41 2

Published by: Oxford Publishing House, 185 (old 39) M.G. Road, Kolkata –700 082,Ph. 033 2402 0954/ 9433857588/ 9836993335

iv

PREFACE

Waste management in the globe is the very important issue to have sustaibnable resource management. The consumption patter has reached to a very high level in certain countries where as some countries are

prone to poverty all the time. The imballancnce in socio economic condition amongst the countries raise debate while implementing global schemes and treaties for protection of environment. But the nature and the environment will not be able to wait for resolving the debates in the world. The environment will be

affected due to our debate and in turn we all are affected.

Traditionally most of the countries who are in the stage of developing or underdeveoloed countries have a culture of recycle and reuse of material in the house holds. In India from the very ancient age, the innovative ideas of recycling and reuse of materials for sustainable resource consumption has been

encouraged and practiced in the country. The socio economic condition of India does not permit the citizen to sustain a high level of consumption pattern in comparison to the developed countries. But the municipal

solid waste did not get much attention. Traditionally municipal solid wastes are dumped either on roadside or in open ground and in some times filling of low land and water bodies. There was a tradition of using the vegetable and kitchen wastes for preparation of manure. Traditionally Cow dung is used as manure and

fuel for decades in rural India. C&D Wastes have also been reused and some times recycled by 50 % of the wastes generated. Plastics wastes in municipal stream are a nuisance for last couple of decades. Social and

economic factors play a pivotal role in developing comprehensive policies. These policies are starting to become global and a highly integrated global economy will have effects on how we manage our hazardous wastes.

In recent past for last decade, due to several global and local issues for the protection of environment,

focus has been given on the municipal solid wastes. It has now been realized that the waste generated in different forms have value which may be converted into usable products even in the form of energy recovery. Waste management rule in India was enacted in the year 2000 with some amendment. Recently

in 2008 the hazardous waste rule has been enacted. Many of the urban local bodies do not have nor either implemented or initiated effective SWM. Government has released tied funds for the purpose in last

decade and has planned for the next five year plan. Many foreign countries are now showing interest in putting up their business for SWM in India.

Solid Waste management in India has just started its journey towards sustainable resource management. It is a movement in India. To move forwards, some of the salient features have to be implemented carefully soon, Capacity building in ULBs in respective areas, Building in depth understanding on SWM to the city

managers including elected representatives, Solving land allocation problems, Developing effective service providers and their motivation. The terms and conditions with the service providers have to be thoroughly

understood by the city managers for sustainable operation of SWM, Encourage PPP model implementation at reasonable sustainable terms, Overall change of legislation on Municipal Waste Management, Encouragement in using bio fertilizer and compost, Standardization of the quality of compost and release

of standard by BIS, and Encourage Research and Innovation on SWM and technologies.

The conference will discuss on many issues on SWM. There are valuable 132 technical papers in the proceedings which will enrich the knowledge of implementers and resecarchers. I thank the reviewers of the papers, associate editors and the authors who contributed effectively for the publication of this book

ontime. I thank all the delegates from foreign countries and India, sponsors, exhibitors, organizing partners and the organizing committee members awho added value to the conference. This volume on Sudstainable

Waste Management focused on implementation and best practices will definitely be of great help to the urban local bodies, researchers and related industries.

9th November, 2011 Prof. Sadhan K Ghosh

Kolkata Editor

337

An Effective Road Map Through Resource Recovery Output Approach forMunicipality Solid Waste Management A Success Story from NorthBarrackpore & Garulia Municipalities, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India

R. Bera1, A. Datta1, S. Saha1, A.K Dolui2, A.K Chatterjee3, R.K Sarkar4, D. Majumdar5,P. Bhattacharyya6, A. Seal1,*1Inhana Organic Research Foundation, Kolkata, India2Dept. of Soil Science, Calcutta University, India3Dept. of Soil Science, Visva Bharati University, India4Dept. of Agronomy, Calcutta University, India5Dept. of Agricultural Statistics, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, India6Dept. of Environmental Science, University of California, Riverside, USA*Corresponding Author

ABSTRACT A conscious effort has been initiated by North Barrackpore municipality in coordination with Garulia municipality for management of municipality solid waste, under

‘Waste to Wealth’ Programme during 2010-2011. A new biodegradation method called ‘Novcom composting method’ of Inhana Biosciences (R & D Organization based in Kolkata,

India), which is being widely practiced in several certified organic tea estates of Darjeeling and Assam for production of more than 8000 tons annually, was adopted for achieving the

objectivity. A pilot scale study was done in the year 2010 and after successful completion of the study, large scale composting activity was initiated in April, 2011. Under the composting

process, segregated municipality solid waste and cow dung were used in 90:10 ratio and final compost was ready in 30 days after two turning on 10th and 20th day. At present 20 to 25 % of

the waste dumped at the landfill site are taken for the ‘Waste to Wealth’ Programme and about 18 to 20 ton compost are being generated every month and packed in 5, 10 and 50 kg bags for

commercial purpose.

One sample/20 ton of raw material, 10th and 20

th day samples and final compost (30

th day) were

regularly collected for the analysis of physicochemical properties, fertility status, microbial

potential, stability and maturity/ phytotoxicity parameters. During the composting process high temperature generated (> 650C) within compost heap for more than three consecutive days

ensured the absence of any pathogenic microorganisms, larva of house fly and other insects. Final compost samples were found to be porous, light weight, darkish brown in colour with

earthy smell. Presence of earthworm in the final compost heap also indicated completion of biodegradation process and absence of any toxic environment.

As per the analysis report, final compost samples were stable (CO2 evolution rate 2.14 mgCO2

– C/g OM/day), mature and free from any phytotoxic effect (germination index varied within 0.80 – 0.91). Nutrient content (mean N, P and K status) of the final compost samples were 1.36,

0.76 and 0.68 percent respectively with moderately low C : N ratio (ranged from 13:1 to 16:1) and high microbial population in terms of total bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes (in the order

of 1012

to 1016

c.f.u.). Total heavy metal content i.e. As, Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn and Cu in the final sample was also well within the maximum permissible limit indicating Novcom composting

method as a suitable option for generation of good quality compost for agricultural use

utilizing municipality solid waste.

Key Words : Novcom composting method, municipality solid waste, stability, phytotoxicity.

© 2011 Oxford Publishing House. All Rights Reserved.

Waste Management Homepage: www.iswmaw.com & iconswm.org

International Society of Waste

Management, Air and Water IconSWM

Sustainable Waste Management (2011) 337 - 345

338

1.0 Introduction

The management of municipality solid waste (MSW) is an area of concern for both the developed and developing countries. Goethe said in the 19th century

“let every one sweep in front of his house and the world will be clean”. This is relevant even for 21st

century but we have run out of backyard space for solid waste disposal. In India it is a major problem in cities and towns with the urban areas producing

about 40 million tons of solid waste from household and commercial activities every year (Joseph, 2007).

Increasing levels of municipal solid waste (MSW) has long posed serious threat to local environmental quality and human health (NEERI 1994; CPCB,

2000; UN 2000). Majority (more than 90%) of these wastes are used for unscientific land filling or

uncontrolled dumping in the outskirts of towns and cities, which have serious environmental implications (through green-house gas emission) in

terms of global warming (Sharholy et al., 2008; Narayana, 2009). When not managed adequately,

solid waste also generates several public health and environmental hazards.

Land application of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost could be one of the most economical and

attractive methods of solving two problems; i.e. waste disposal and the necessity to increase the organic matter content of soil (Gautam et al., 2010).

However, phytotoxicity of MSW compost in various degrees of maturity has been extensively reported

(Gautam et al., 2010). Hence, safety, stability and maturity of MSW compost should be necessarily ensured before any agricultural use as also reported

by Mathur et al., 1993).

In India the vast agricultural lands are excellent sites for beneficially using MSW as an organic soil amendment (Elfving, 1981), however; most of the

MSW is dumped and only a fraction (less than 10%) is intermittently processed in mechanical compost

plants (Shekdar, 1999). Presently, a very small part (8–9%) of the MSW generated is used for compost production by various public or private enterprises.

Lack of commercial viability of compost plants is primarily due to the absence of effective and economical composting technology (Das et al., 2008)

as well as routine standard for rapidly evaluating final product quality.

North Barrackpore and Garulia Municipalities of 24 Parganas (North) district of West Bengal, were

facing similar bottleneck towards effective management of the waste load.

After failure of the previous composting venture

they tried out a new composting process called ‘Novcom Composting Method’. Once the initial pilot project was successful, they ventured into a

large scale initiative. The present study was taken up to scientifically document the entire exercise and

evaluate the compost quality produced under Novcom composting method, in terms of agricultural use.

2.0 Materials and Methods

2.1 MSW Management Activity in North

Barrackpore and Garulia Municipality

Municipality solid waste management under ‘Waste

to wealth’ programme was initiated in the year 2006-07 with the funding from JNNURM and the infrastructure required for a modern landfill site

covering 16 acre was completed in 2007-08. However, due to lack of proper composting

technology, successful bio-conversion of waste was not possible until adoption of Novcom composting method in the year 2010. At the beginning, a pilot

scale study was initiated in the month of October, 2010 during which detailed analysis of raw

materials and final compost samples were done. The convenient composting method along with production of good quality end product propelled

the initiation of large scale composting activity during April, 2011. During the past five months

post initiation about 620 tons of MSW were taken under the composting programme, which was about 20 to 25 percent of total MSW dumped at the

landfill site. After segregation of non-biodegradable parts, the waste was composed in heaps. About 18

to 20 ton compost is generated every month and is packed in 5, 10 and 50 kg bags for commercial purpose (Picture 2). About 20 percent of the

produce has already been marketed for use in agricultural field of nearby villages by the common farmers.

2.2 Steps of Municipality Solid Waste

Composting Using Novcom Composting Method

2.2.1 Raw Materials

The MSW used for composting is a heterogeneous

mixture of different waste materials comprising about 40 to 50 percent biodegradable part the rest

being non-biodegradable/hazardous toxic material (Table 1).


339


Table 1: Composition of raw MSW used for composting at landfill site of North Barrackpore

and Garulia Municipality.

Component Percent(Approx. by wt.)

Component Percent(Approx. by wt.)

Food waste 20 to 25 % Ash and earth 8 to 12

%Agricultural

waste24 to 30 %

Plastic/electronics items 4 to 6 %

wood 3 to 4 %

Paper, Cloths, rubber etc 3 to 5%

Greencoconut shell

4 to 6 % Metal 2 to 3 %

Stone and brick

10 to 16 % Others 6 to 8 %

2.2.2 Quantity of Raw Materials required for

making a Novcom Compost Heap

There is absolute flexibility in terms of the quantity of raw materials that can be used for erection of Novcom compost heap. The compost heap can be

of different length and breadth. However, at North Barrackpore and Garulia Municipality, for

convenience purpose, 4 tons of MSW and 500 kg of fresh cow dung were used for erection of a single Novcom composting heap of dimension 8 ft.

(length) x 6 ft. (breadth) x 5.5 ft. (height).

2.2.3 Novcom® (MSW) Solution

Novcom®

(MSW) solution is a research product of

Inhana Biosciences, (R&D organization based in Kolkata, India). The solution contains biologically

activated and potentized extract of Bambusa

bambos Druc, Sida cordifolia L. and Ocimumbascilicum.

2.2.4 Role of Cowdung in Novcom composting

method

Cow dung @ 20 % is recommended under

Novcom method as the best receptor of solar energy and not as a source of nutrient. In case of

scarcity, the amount can be reduced up to 10 % or in case of extreme scarcity, cow dung slurry can be used.

2.2.5 Steps of MSW Novcom Composting

Programme

Activity on Day 1 : At the selected, flat upland,

MSW was spread to make the base layer of heap, measuring about 8 ft. in length, 6ft. in breadth and 1 ft. – 1.5 ft. in thickness. The layer was

thoroughly sprinkled with diluted Novcom solution (5 ml/ litre water). A layer of cow dung, 1 to 2

inches in thickness, was made over the 1st

layer and the cow dung layer was again followed by a second layer (1 ft-1.5 ft high) of MSW. The layer was

again sprinkled with diluted Novcom solution (5 ml/ litre water) and the process was repeated till the

heap attained a height of about 5.5 ft. The top most layer of the heap remained of MSW. The heap was made compact by pressing downwards from top and

inward from the sides.

Activity on Day 10 : The Novcom heap was demolished, upturned, mixed properly and thoroughly moistened by spraying Novcom solution

(5 ml/ litre water). The volume of the partially decomposed composting material decreased due to

progress in decomposition. However, by adjusting the surface area, height of Novcom composting heap was maintained at about 5.25 ft. The heap was

made compact as before.

Activity on Day 20 : The process was repeated as on day 10 and the composting material was again moistened by spraying Novcom solution (5 ml/ litre

water). Height of Novcom heap was maintained at 5.0 ft. by adjusting surface area and the heap was

made compact as before.

Picture 1: Mature Novcom MSW compost heaps and sieving of final compost before packing in

different bag size.

340


Activity on Day 30 : Composting process is complete and the material thereafter is taken into the

processing site. There it is run through a sieving machine having different mesh size. Here the compost is separated into finer particle size to make

this convenient for application. Then the finer material goes for bagging and the large particle

fractions are given another treatment with Novcom (MSW) solution (Picture 1).

2.3 Research Methodology

Physicochemical properties of compost viz. moisturecontent, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total ash content and total volatile solids were

analyzed according to the procedure of Trautmann and Krasny (1997). Total N, P and K content in

compost was determined by acid digestion method (Jackson, 1973). Estimation of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were done using Thornton’s media,

Martin’s media and Jensen’s media respectively according to procedure outlined by Black (1965).

Stability test of compost (viz. CO2 evolution rate and phytotoxicity bioassay test) were performed according to the procedure suggested by Trautmann

and Krasny (1997). Wheat (Triticum aestivum) as test seed was used for phytotoxicity bioassay test.

Total heavy metals viz. As, Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn and Cu were done per standard procedure (Black, 1965). Statistical Analysis in terms of standard error (±S.E.)

was performed with SPSS software (version 7.2).

Picture 2: Ready to use Novcom MSW compost in 5, 10 and 50 kg packs.

3.0 Results and Discussions

Physical changes were observed and temperature (measured at 1.5 ft depth from the outer surface of the composting heap) record of compost heap was

maintained on regular basis, to assess the speed of the biodegradation as well as for identification of

the compost maturity stage.

3.1 Physical changes observed during

biodegradation process.

After erection of MSW composting heaps using Novcom solution, the first change observed within 48 hours was the minimization of foul odour and

flies around the heaps. The observation indicated initiation of aerobic biodegradation process within

the heap, because once aerobic conditions are established, the bacteria will “eat” the odorous compounds (Cooperband, 2002). Temperature of

compost heaps were also found to increase and recorded more than 600C 72 hours onwards after

erection of heaps. On the 30th day i.e. after

completion of the composting process, the compost samples were visually more light weight and

porous, darkish brown in colour with earthy smell which is necessary for mature compost, as

suggested by Epstein (1997). Presence of earthworm in the final compost heap also indicated completion of biodegradation process and absence

of any toxic environment.

3.2 Variation in temperature during

biodegradation process.

Generation of temperature within composting heaps under aerobic composting process indicated

the activity of good non pathogenic organisms. This is of special relevance where MSW is used as raw materials, since it is one of the potential

sources of deadly human pathogens of different nature (De´portes et al, 1998). The temperature

variation curve (Fig. 1) showed that there was steady rise of temperature within composting heap from day 2, which reached the peak (70.00 C) on

5th

day. The steep rise of temperature indicated initiation of prolific microbial activity (de Bertoldi et al., 1983), which might be under the influence

of energized Novcom solution. Maintenance of a stable temperature of more than 1450F (> 62.8 0C)

within the compost heap, for more than three consecutive days has been found which is effective for destruction of most of the human

pathogens, insect larvae and weed seeds within the compost heap (Rynk et al . , 1992). Af ter

restructuring of heap on 10th

day, again the temperature rose steadily to approximately 610 C

341

Fig. 1: Temperature variation within the Novcom MSW compost heaps during the biodegradation process.

Table 2. Changes in compost parameters at different stages of biodegradation

Novcom Treated Municipality Solid Waste Age of the compost samples Parameters Raw Materials 10th Day 20th Day 30th Day

Physico-chemical properties and nutrient status Moisture (%) 30.45 58.34 54.70 48.72

pH (H2O) 6.64 5.35 6.10 7.64 EC (dSm-1) 1.41 1.50 1.65 1.90

Ash Content (%) 47.04 55.50 61.77 64.08 Organic carbon (%) 29.42 24.72 21.24 19.96

Total N (%) 0.84 1.02 1.14 1.36

y = -0.01x6 + 0.00x5 - 0.03x4 + 0.66x3 - 7.17x2 + 35.97x + 2.14

R2 = 0.61

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Days >

Day 1Day 10 (After Turning)

Day 10 (Before Turning)

Day 20 (After Turning)


Day 4 Day 30Day 19 Day 22 Day 28Day 14

Polynomial trend line

y = -0.01x6 + 0.00x5 - 0.03x4 + 0.66x3 - 7.17x2 + 35.97x + 2.14

R2 = 0.61

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Days >

Day 1Day 10 (After Turning)


Day 20 (After Turning)


Day 4 Day 30Day 19 Day 22 Day 28Day 14

Polynomial trend line

but the average temperature rise between 1st

turning (10th day) and 2nd turning (20th day) was lower than

the initially recorded data. After 2nd

turning i.e. on 20

th day, steady rise of temperature was again noted

but once again the average temperature variation

during this quarter (21st day to 30

th day) was lower

than the previously recorded (before and after 1st

turning) data. After 27th

day the temperature within the composting heap was below 45

0C and the

temperature curve was almost parallel to X axis,

which confirmed the completion of composting process or simultaneously compost maturity

(Tchobanglous, 1977).

gradually from 58.34 % at day 10 of composting to 48.72 % at completion. A significant change in the

per cent moisture during composting might be due to the structural breakdown of organic material. Moisture per cent recorded on days 10, 20 and 30 of

composting suggested its conduciveness for (Table 2) biodegradation, and the pH of the compost

sample increased with the progression of biodegradation, which may be due to volatilization loss of organic acids due to increase in temperature

with progress in composting (Fang and Wong 1999). Electrical conductivity values increased with

progress in biodegradation, which might be due to an increase in salt concentration following degradation of organic matter (Campbell et al.

1997).


342

Novcom Treated Municipality Solid Waste Age of the compost samples Parameters Raw Materials 10th Day 20th Day 30th Day

Physico-chemical properties and nutrient status Total P2O5 (%) 0.38 0.45 0.62 0.76 Total K2O (%) 0.40 0.53 0.63 0.68

C : N 35 : 1 24 : 1 19 : 1 14 : 1 Compost Mineralization Index 1.60 2.25 2.91 3.21

Microbial parameters (c.f.u. per gm moist compost) Total bacterial count 39 x 106 69 x 1014 39 x 1016 28 x 1016

Total fungal count 20 x 104 19 x 1012 28 x 1014 13 x 1014

Total actinomycetes count 11 x 103 6 x 1010 4.2 x 1012 6.4 x 1012

Stability parameters CO2 evolution rate

(mgCO2 – C/g OM/day) 3.42 10.42 6.26 2.14


Variation in organic matter content in 10th, 20

thand

30th day compost samples indicated the speed of

biodegradation during composting (Dell’Abate et al.

2000; Mondini et al. 2006). The change in organic carbon content from 29.42% in raw material to

19.96% in the final compost (i.e. on day 30 of composting) indicated faster biodegradation and simultaneously pointed to compost maturity within a

short time frame. The total nitrogen content in the compost sample increased from 0.84 to 1.36 % during

the biodegradation process (days 0 to 30) which might be due to fixation of atmospheric N within the compost heap by the autotrophic micro organisms

generated during the composting process (de Bertoldi et al. 1983). The change in the C:N ratio of the

composting material was considered in terms of stability (Bishop and Godfrey 1983). This compost samples also met the additional criteria for compost

stability, i.e. C:N ratio of <20 and C:Nfinal/C:Ninitial

ratio <0.75 (Jime´nez and Garcia 1989), confirming

that it attained maturity within 30 days. The C:N ratio of the day 30 compost samples ranged between 13:1 to 16 :1, which is within the reference range of 20:1

(Fertiliser Association of India, 2007) suggested for well-matured compost. The compost mineralization

index expressed as ash content/oxidizable carbon (Rekha et al. 2005) increased from 1.60 in raw material to 3.21 in final compost samples indicated

enhancement of mineralization potential with biodegradation.

The self generated microbial populations within compost heaps are the key players, which controls

the entire biodegradation process. Lynch and Wood (1985) observed that the microbial flora built up rapidly with composting initiation and, in the case of

the Novcom composting process, the population of total bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes built up in an

exponential manner. It has been established that the diversity of micro organisms contributing to organic

matter decomposition changes with composting

progresses (Nakasaki et al. 2005). The total count for bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in cfu g

-1moist

compost sample increased from 39 x 106, 20 x 104

and 11 x 103 on day 0 to 69 x 10

14, 19 x 10

12and 6 x

1010, respectively, on day 10. Such high microbial

generation could be possible only because of generation of an ideal micro-atmosphere within the compost heap influenced by application of Novcom

solution. In day 30 compost, the sample average populations of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes

were 28 x 1016

, 13 x 1014

and 6.4 x 1012

cfu g-1

moist compost sample, respectively.

However, among the methods used to evaluate compost stability, respirometric techniques based on

CO2 production are more widely accepted (Francou et al. 2005). Mean respiration rate (CO2 evolution) in the day 30 Novcom compost sample was 2.14 mg

CO2-C g-1

OM day-1

, well within the stipulated range (2–5 CO2-C g-1OM day-1) proposed for stable

compost by Trautmann and Krasny (1997).

3.4 Quality of the final compost

Qualitative evaluation of compost was done for

assessment of the potential of the composting method towards production of high quality and mature compost. Under this study, compost samples

collected on the 30th

day of composting were analyzed for physicochemical, microbial, stability

and maturity/ phytotoxicity parameters (Table 3).

3.4.1 Physicochemical parameters of compost

Average moisture content varied from 43.40 to 54.20 percent, which was conducive for microbial

proliferation (Rahman, 1993).pH value of the compost samples ranged between 7.31 to 8.18 with

mean .64, which was well within the stipulated range for good quality and mature compost

(Jime`nez and Garcia, 1989).

343

Table 3 : Analysis of Novcom treated municipality solid waste compost samples.

Novcom Treated Municipality Solid Waste Final Compost Sample Parameters

Range Value Mean ± Std. Error Physico-chemical properties and nutrient status

Moisture (%) 43.40 – 54.20 48.72 ± 1.04 pH (H2O) 7.31 – 8.18 7.64 ± 0.21

EC (dSm-1) 1.54 – 2.46 1.90 ± 0.18 Ash Content (%) 58.24 – 68.48 64.08 ± 1.98 Volatile Solids (%) 31.52 – 41.76 35.92 ± 2.10

Organic carbon (%) 17.51 – 23.20 19.96 ± 2.14 Total N (%) 1.12 – 1.61 1.36 ± 0.05

Total P2O5 (%) 0.44 – 1.16 0.76 ± 0.04 Total K2O (%) 0.62 – 0.82 0.68 ± 0.09

C : N 13 : 1 – 16 : 1 14 : 1 ± 0.50 Compost Mineralization Index 2.95 – 3.33 3.21 ± 0.11

Microbial parameters (c.f.u. per gm moist compost) Total bacterial count (18 –60) x 1016 28 x 1016 ± 4.3x1016

Total fungal count (10 – 24) x 1014 13 x 1014 ± 2.3x1014

Total actinomycetes count (7 – 18) x 1012 6.4 x 1012 ± 1.4x1012

Stability parameters CO2 evolution rate

(mgCO2 – C/g OM/day) 1.46 – 2.86 2.14 ±0.12

Phytotoxicity Bioassay (Triticum aestivum as test seed)Seedling emergence ( %) 86.24 – 94.54 89.64 ±2.60

Root elongation ( %) 88.20 – 96.42 94.68 ±2.52 Germination index ( %) 0.80 – 0.91 0.85 ±0.09


Electrical conductivity value of the compost samples ranged between 1.54 – 2.46 with mean 1.90,

indicating its high nutrient status at the same time being safely below (< 4.0) the stipulated range for saline toxicity (Evanylo, 2006) with few exceptions.

Organic carbon content in the final compost samples ranged between 17.51 to 23.20 percent with mean

value of 19.96 which was well within the standard reference range (16 to 38 percent) as suggested by Evanylo, (2006).

3.4.2 Nutrient content & microbial status of

Compost

The total nitrogen content in the compost samples

ranged between 1.22 to 1.61 percent, which was well above the Indian Standard (FAI, 2007) of 0.5

percent as well as and average value obtained for MSW (Average 0.63 percent) compost produced in different cities of India (Saha et al, 2010).

Mean value of total phosphate (0.76 percent) were also higher than the minimum suggested standard of

0.22 percent (FAI, 2007) where as mean potash percent (0.68 percent) is slightly lower than FAI standard ( 0.83 percent) which might be due to

low potash content (mean 0.40 percent) in the raw materials. However, the value was once again well

above the average status as recorded in general for MSW compost (Average 0.46 percent) produced in different cities in India (Saha et al, 2010).

In open-air composting processes, colonization of

microbes in compost material occurs naturally during heap construction as well as turning of heap (Wallace et al., 2004). Total count of bacteria, fungi

and actinomycetes in final compost samples varied in between (18 – 60) x 1016, (10 – 24) x 1014 and (7

– 18) x 1012

c.f.u. respectively in final compost indicated its high quality and post soil effectivity potential.

344


3.4.3 Stability, Maturity and Phytotoxicity

parameters of compost

Stability, maturity and phytotoxicity rating of compost are the most important criteria for

qualifying for field/ landfill application. Immature compost may contain high level of free ammonia,

organic acids or other water soluble compounds, which can limit seed germination and root development (Thompson et al, 2002). Respiration

rate (CO2 evolution) in final Novcom compost samples varied within 1.46 – 2.86 indicating mature

and stable compost as suggested by Thompson et al.(2002).

The phytotoxic effect of organic wastes are the result of a combination of several factors, like presence of

heavy metals, ammonia, salts and low molecular weight organic acids (Zucconi et al., 1985). The bioassay test of final Novcom MSW compost

samples using Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) as test seed revealed that percent seed germination and root

elongation ranged from 86.24 to 94.54 and 88.20 to 96.42 respectively, over control. The results were above the U.S. Composting Council guideline (> 90)

for ‘very mature compost with no phytotoxic effect’. The germination index value of Novcom MSW

compost ranged between 0.80 to 0.91 with mean value of 0.85 indicating not only the absence of phytotoxicity (Tiquia et al., 1996) but also confirmed

that the compost did not impair germination and radical growth (Trautmann and Krasny, 1997).

3.4.4 Heavy metal content of compost

Presence of toxic heavy metals is one of the most limiting factors towards use of MSW as a source of

raw material for composting. Total heavy metals viz.As, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cu and Zn in the final compost sample were analyzed and found to be well within

the maximum permissible range (5.69, 0.77, 22.6, 53.0, 45.4 and 205 mgkg

-1 respectively for As, Cd,

Ni, Pb, Cu and Zn) indicating that the compost was absolutely safe for agricultural use (Fig 2.).

50

100

300

22.653.0 45.4

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Nickel Lead Copper

Maximum permissible l imit Heavy metal present

Fig. 2: Content of heavy metals i.e. As, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cu and Zn in Novcom compost as compared to

their maximum permissible limit for safe soil application.

The major limiting factor behind effective management of MSW is the absence of suitable

composting methods, which can provide a simple way out for effective biodegradation of toxic and hazardous materials into a standard quality end

product. However, biodegradation of MSW using Novcom composting method could provide an easy

and scientific solution to this unresolved area. The convenience and short biodegradation period of Novcom composting method makes it suitable for

large scale adoption at the producer level. At the same time high quality of Novcom MSW compost

in terms of high self-generated microbial population and absence of phytotoxicity assure its safe and effective usage in organic soil management as well

as production.

4.0 Acknowledgement

The authors are thankful to North Barrackpore and

Garulia Municipalities for providing infrastructural support and to State Pollution Control Board for

conducting heavy metal analysis of final compost, that were essential for scientific conclusion of the study.

345


5.0 Reference

1. Bishop PL, Godfrey C. (1983). Nitrogen transformation during sludge composting. Biocycle.24 : 122-127.

2. Black, C.A., 1965. Methods of soil analysis, Part 1 and 2 (American Society of Agronomy Inc.:

Madison, Wisconsin, USA). 3. Campbell AG, Folk RL, Tripepi R. (1997). Wood ash as amendment in municipal sludge and yard

waste composting processes. Compost Sci Util. 5(1):62–63.

4. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 2000. Status of Municipal Solid Waste Generation, Collection Treatment, and Disposable in Class 1

Cities. Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environmental and Forests, Governments of India,

New Delhi. 5. Cooperband, L., 2002. The Art andScience of Composting-A resource for farmers and compost

producers. Leslie University of Wisconsin-Madison. Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems.

6. Das, S., Birol, E., Bhattacharya, RN., 2008. Informing efficient and effective solid waste management to improve local environmental quality

and public health: application of the choice experiment method in West Bengal, India

Environmental Economy and Policy Research Discussion Paper Series. 7. de Bertoldi M, Vallini, G, Pera A. (1983). The

biology of composting: a review. Waste Manage. Res. 1:157–176.

8. De´portes, I., Benoit-Guyod, J.L., Zmirou, D., Bouvier, MC., (1998). Microbial disinfection capacity of municipal solid waste (MSW)

composting. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 85: 238–246.

9. Dell’Abate MT, Benedetti A, Sequi P. (2000). Thermal methods of organic matter maturation monitoring during a composting process. J Therm

Anal Calorimetry. 61(2):389–396. 10. Elfving, DC., CA, Bache, WH, Gutemann, DJ. Lisk. (1981). Analyzing crops grown on waste

amended soils, Biocycle., 22:-44-47. 11. Epstein E., 1997. The science of composting.

Technomic Publishing Company, USA. 383 – 415. 12. Evanylo G., 2006. Compost Maturity and Indicators of Quality: Laboratory Analyses and On-

Farm Tests. http://www.mawaterquality.org /industry_change / compost_school /

Compost%20quality_Evanylo.pdf 13. FAI, 2007. The Fertiliser (Control) Order 1985. The Fertiliser Association of India, 10, Shaheed Jit

Singh Marg, New Delhi, India. 14. Fang M, Wong JWC. (1999). Effect of lime

amendment on availability of heavy metals

15. Francou C,. Poitrenaud M, Houot S. (2005). Stabilization of organic matter during composting:

Influence of process and feedstocks. Compost Sci. Util. 13 : 72–83. 16. Gautam SP., Bundela PS., Pandey AK.,

Awasthi MK., Sarsaiya S.(2010). Evolution of the municipal solid waste compost phytotoxicity and

maturation for eco-friendly organic farming systems. Journal of Applied Sciences in Environmental Sanitation, 5 (4): 397-402.

17. Jackson ML. 1973. Soil chemical Analysis. Prentice Hall of India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.

18. Jime`nez IE, Garcia PV. (1989). Evaluation of city refuse compost maturity: A Review. Biological Wastes. 27: 115-42.

19. Joseph K., 2007. Lessons from municipal solid waste processing initiatives in India. International

Symposium MBT 2007. Available in www.wasteconsult.de 20. Lynch, JM, Wood DA. 1985. Controlled

microbial degradation oflignocellulose: the basis for existing and novel approaches to composting.

In Gasser JKR, editor. Composting of agricultural and other wastes. London (UK): Elsevier Applied Science. p. 183–193.

21. Mathur SP, Owen G, Dinel H, Schnitzer M. (1993). Determination of compost biomaturity.

Biological agriculture and horticulture. 10: 65 – 85. 22. Mondini C, Sa´nchez-Monedero MA, Sinicco T, Leita L. (2006). Evaluation of extracted organic

carbon and microbial biomass as stability parameters in ligno-cellulosic waste composts. J

Environ Qual. 35:2313–2320. 23. Nakasaki K, Nag K, Karita S. (2005). Microbial succession associated with organic

matterdecomposition during thermophilic composting of organic waste. Waste Manage

Res.23:48–56. 24. Narayana, T. (2009). Municipal solid waste management in India: from waste disposal to

recovery of resources? Waste Management. 29: 1163–1166. 25. National Environmental Engineering Research

Institute (NEERI) 1994. Solid Waste Management in Greater Bombay: Final Report.

26. Rahman, M. H. (1993). Recycling of solid waste in Bangladesh. The International Journal of Environmental Education & Information.UK. 12(4)

: 337-342. 27. Rekha P, Suman-Raj DS, Aparna C, Hima-

Bindu V, Anjaneyulu Y. (2005). Bioremediation of contaminated lake sediments and evaluation of maturity indicies as indicators of compost

stability. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2(2):251–262.

An Effective Road Map Through Resource Recovery Output Approach for Municipality Solid Waste...

Documents

Transcript of An Effective Road Map Through Resource Recovery Output Approach for Municipality Solid Waste...