Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Characterization of organic matter from composting of different residues by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods

Full text
Author(s):
Fialho, Lucimar Lopes [1, 2] ; Lopes da Silva, Wilson Tadeu [1] ; Milori, Debora M. B. P. [1] ; Simoes, Marcelo Luiz [1] ; Martin-Neto, Ladislau [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Embrapa Instrumentacao Agropecuaria, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Quim Sao Carlos, BR-13560250 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Bioresource Technology; v. 101, n. 6, p. 1927-1934, MAR 2010.
Web of Science Citations: 47
Abstract

Chemical and spectroscopic methods were used to characterize organic matter transformations during the composting process. Four different residue mixtures were studied: P1 - garden trimmings (GT) only, P2 - GT plus fresh cattle manure, P3 - GT plus orange pomace and P4 - GT plus filter cake. The thermophilic phase was not reached in PI compost, but the P2, P3 and P4 composts showed all three typical process phases. The thermophilic phase and CEC/C ratio stabilized after 90 days, while C/N ratio and the ash content stabilized after 60 days. The increasing E(4)/E(6) ratio indicated oxidation reactions occurring during the process in the material from P2, P3 and P4. The (13)C NMR and FTIR results suggested extraction of both pectin and lignin in the HA-like fraction. The CEC/C ratio, temperature and E(4)/E(6) ratio showed that within 90 days P2, P3 and P4 composts were humified. However, material from P1 did not show characteristics of humified compost. From these data, it is apparent that C/N ratio and ash content are not reliable methods for monitoring the composting process. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)