This diploma paper deals with contemporary practice in dispose of biodegradable waste, especially biodegradable communal waste (biowaste) in the Czech Republic. It explains fundamental terms, points out relevant legal rules and describes methods of biowaste handling. It evaluates collection and utilization systems in two cities in the way of comparison method. It compares them from cost and benefits (economic, environmental) points of view. The main purpose of the diploma paper is general introduction into the issue, pointing out negative effect of biowaste landfilling and presentation of actual systems of utilization. Also the work points out contemporary trend consisting in raising separation and reducing biodegradable communal waste landfilling.

This thesis covers the design of an automated multiunit composting system (AMUCS) that was constructed to meet the experimental apparatus requirements of the ASTM D5338 standard. The design of the AMUCS is discussed in full detail and validated with two experiments. The first experiment was used to validate the operation of the AMUCS with a 15 day experiment. During this experiment visual observations were made to visually observe degradation. Thermal properties and stability tests were performed to quantify the effects of degradation on the polymer samples, and the carbon metabolized from the degradation of samples was measured. The second experiment used the AMUCS to determine the effect of synthetic clay nanofiller on the aerobic biodegradability behavior of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate).

O presente trabalho, na área das Ciências Ambientais, estudou a compostagem de resíduos sólidos provenientes da indústria de celulose e papel. Partindo-se da hipótese que a compostagem é resultado da ação de microorganismos e a aeração é um dos fatores principais para o desenvolvimento de suas atividades, o objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar qual a melhor composição de resíduos (lodo primário, lodo secundário, rejeitos de depuração, casca de eucalipto, dregs, grits e cinza) e a eficiência da biodegradação das leiras de compostagem submetidas à duas metodologias de aeração: revolvimento mecânico e aeração passiva. O revolvimento mecânico foi realizado semanalmente com o auxílio de uma pá carregadeira e a aeração passiva foi proporcionada pela presença de tubos flexíveis perfurados no interior da leira, onde por conseqüência da diferença de temperatura entre a parte interna e externa, possibilitou a inserção de oxigênio no material. Para alcançar os objetivos foram montadas nove leiras com misturas diferentes de resíduos, sendo que seis eram periodicamente revolvidas e três eram estáticas e montadas com tubos em seu interior. Ao longo de 120 dias foram monitoradas temperatura, umidade, microorganismos patogênicos, relação C/N e metais pesados. Os resultados indicaram que: a) No final do processo todos os compostos atenderam os limites estipulados pelo CONAMA 375/2006; b) Houve redução de Salmonellas e Coliformes Termotolerantes; c) A metodologia de aeração passiva foi eficiente na aeração das leiras; d) O composto atingiu o grau de maturação. A leitura dos resultados obtidos permitiu concluir que para os resíduos da industria de celulose e papel a compostagem pelo método de aeração passiva foi eficiente e não é necessário a incorporação do lodo primário no material a ser compostado. / Through this work, in the area of Environmental Science, it was studied the composting of solid waste from pulp and paper industry. Based on the hypothesis that composting is a result of the action of microorganisms and the aeration is one of the major factors for the development of its activities, the objective of this study was to determine which is the best waste composition ( primary sludge, secondary sludge, tailing sludge, bark from eucalyptus, dregs, grits and ash) and efficiency of biodegradation of the compost piles subjected to two methods of aeration: mechanical tillage and passive aeration. Mechanical tillage was done weekly using a front loader and the passivity was proposed in this work provided by the presence of drilled flexible pipes inside the windrow, where consequently the temperature difference between the internal and external areas enabled the insertion of oxygen in the material. Achieving the objectives it has been set up nine piles with different mixtures of waste, providing that six were periodically tilled and three were static and had drilled flexible pipes inside then. During 120 days it was monitored temperature, humidity, pathogenic microorganisms, C / N ratio and heavy metals. The results showed that: a) all piles met the criteria set by CONAMA 375/2006, b) there was a reduction of Salmonellas and fecal coliforms c) the methodology for passive aeration was effective in the plowing of windrows process, d) the compound reached the degree of maturation. The reading of the results enables us to draw the conclusion that for the waste from pulp and paper industry the composting of treatment was effective in piles that used the method for passive aeration and those ones which did not have in their composition any primary sludge.

Orientador: Jorge de Lucas Júnior / Banca: Mario Benincasa / Banca: Roberto Alves de Oliveira / Banca: Edson Aparecido Abdul Nour / Banca: Simone Damasceno / Resumo: Com o objetivo de caracterizar quantitativa e qualitativamente os dejetos produzidos em um sistema de confinamento para criação de novilhos superprecoces e avaliar o desempenho de processos biológicos de reciclagem de nutrientes: compostagem, vermicompostagem e biodigestão anaeróbia, conduziu-se esta pesquisa. O trabalho foi dividido em quatro ensaios: caracterização dos dejetos, compostagem, vermicompostagem e biodigestão anaeróbia. O ensaio de caracterização dos dejetos teve como objetivo principal determinar o coeficiente de resíduo para o período de confinamento. Nos ensaios de compostagem e vermicompostagem objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho dos processos utilizando-se dejetos produzidos por animais que receberam três dietas (dieta 1: 65% concentrado + 35% volumoso; dieta 2: 70% concentrado + 30% volumoso e dieta 3:75% concentrado + 25% volumoso), oferecidas aos animais durante o período de engorda. No ensaio de biodigestão anaeróbia, foram avaliados os efeitos de duas dietas (dieta 1: 65% concentrado + 35% volumoso e dieta 2: 80% concentrado + 20% volumoso), uso de inóculo e três níveis de temperatura (40º C, 35º C e 25º C) sobre a produção de biogás. O coeficiente de resíduo encontrado, considerando todo o período de engorda, foi de 3,03, ou seja, para cada quilo de animal produzido, gerou-se 3,03 kg de dejeto (matéria seca). Considerando todo o período de confinamento, 154 dias, cada animal gerou 515,4 kg de dejeto (matéria seca) ou 2577 kg (fezes + urina), os quais em termos de nutrientes produzidos por animal representam 12,4 kg de N; 8,8 kg de P2O5; 6,7 kg de K2O; 397,0 kg de MO; 219,6 kg de C; 13,9 kg de Ca; 2,6 kg de Mg; 1,6 kg de S; 2,2 kg de Na; 0,05 kg de Cu; 1,0 kg de Fe; 0,06 kg de Mn; 0,11 kg de Zn. Os valores dos componentes da análise bromatológica dos dejetos foram 14% de PB; 20,7% de FB; 2,2% de EE; 51,9% de FDN; 33,3% de FDA; ...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The present study aimed to quantify wastes produced in a confined system for steers breeding and to evaluate the performance of biological process such as nutrient recycling, composting, vermicomposting and anaerobic biodigestion. Four trials were performed: wastes characterization, composting, vermicomposting and anaerobic biodigestion. The waste characterization trial aimed to determine the residual coefficient while animals were confined. The composting and vermicomposting trials were conducted in order to evaluate the process performance by using wastes products from animal fed three differents diets (diet 1: 65% concentrated + 35% voluminous ; diet 2: 70% concentrated + 30% voluminous; diet 3: 75% concentrated + 25% voluminous). The effect of two different diets (diet 1: 65% concentrated + 35% voluminous and diet 2: 80% concetrated + 20% voluminous), inoculum and three temperatures rates (40º C, 35º C e 25º C) influence all over biogas production were evaluated during the biodigestion trial. The residue coefficient found during all confined period was 3.03, whereas, to produce one kilogram body weight, 3.03 kg of waste (dry matter) was produced. During all confined period (154 days), each animal produced 515.4 kg of waste (dry matter) or 2577 kg (feces + urine), wich represents in terms of nutrients produced per animal a total of: 12.4 kg of N; 8.8 kg of P2O5 ; 6.7 kg of K2O ; 397.0 kg of OM ; 219.6 kg of C; 13.9 kg of Ca; 2.6 kg of Mg; 1.6 kg of S; 2.2 kg of Na; 0.05 kg of Cu; 1.0 kg of Fe; 0.06 kg of Mn; 0.11 kg of Zn. Bromatological analysis values of waste were: 14% of PB; 20,7% of FB; 2,2% of EE; 51,9% of FDN; 33,3% of FDA; 48,2% of ENN e 63,16% of NDT. Percentage of dry matter redution during composting trial were: 44.5%; 40.5% and 43.8% for waste produced by animals that received diets 1, 2 and 3, respectively...(Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

La valorisation des déchets par le compostage et la méthanisation est encouragée par les politiques de l'UE. Cependant, ces technologies de recyclage des déchets sont confrontées à un défi crucial en matière de libération et de contrôle des émissions de gaz odorants. En effet, la pollution par les odeurs est la principale cause d'opposition du public au traitement des déchets, ce qui a entraîné la fermeture et des poursuites en justice pour les unités de traitement des déchets. À l'heure actuelle, les inventaires des émissions d'odeurs et de produits chimiques pour appuyer les plans de gestion des odeurs et de la pollution atmosphérique font défaut, en raison de la complexité des évaluations des odeurs, impliquant généralement des analyses sensorielles et chimiques. L'objectif de cette thèse était donc de caractériser de manière détaillée les émissions de gaz et les odeurs lors du processus de compostage. À cette fin, les émissions d’odeurs et de polluants ont tout d’abord été étudiées au cours des différentes étapes opérationnelles du processus de compostage, à savoir le stockage, la phase active, le retournement et la maturation. Les résultats ont montré que la phase active et le retournement jouent un rôle essentiel dans les générations de nuisances olfactives causées principalement par les composés soufrés volatils (CSV). Des efforts supplémentaires ont ensuite été consacrés à la caractérisation des émissions de gaz au cours de la phase active de compostage de quinze déchets solides et du digestat, permettant ainsi de corroborer l’importance des CSV sur la production d’odeurs lors du compostage et de différencier l’impact des émissions de gaz sur les odeurs en fonction des matières premières des déchets. La dernière partie de ce travail de recherche a été consacrée à la corrélation des mesures sensorielles et chimiques, par le biais de méthodes de régression simple et multiple visant à faciliter et à renforcer le contrôle des odeurs dans les unités de traitement des déchets. Notamment, un modèle des moindres carrés partiels améliore la prévision de la concentration d'odeurs grâce à la composition chimique des gaz émis. / Waste valorization through composting and methanization are actively promoted by the EU policies. However, these waste recycling technologies face a crucial challenge regarding the release and control of odorous and hazardous gas emissions. Indeed, odor pollution is the principal cause for public opposition to waste processing, leading to the closure and lawsuits for waste treatment units. Currently, there is a lack of odor and chemical emissions inventories to support odor and air pollution management plans due to the complexity of odor assessments, generally involving sensory and chemical analysis. Hence, the aim of this PhD thesis was to characterize extensively the gas emissions and odors released during the composting process. To this end, the patterns of odor and pollutant emissions were first traced throughout different operational stage of composting process, namely, storage, active phase, turning and curing. The results showed that the active phase and turning played a pivotal role in odor nuisance generations which were mainly caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). Then, further efforts were focused on characterizing the gas emissions released along the composting active phase of fifteen solid wastes and digestate. The results corroborated the relevance of VSC on odors production during composting and enabled to differentiate the odor impact of gas emissions as a function of the wastes’ feedstock. The last part of this research work was devoted to correlate both, sensory and chemical measurements, through univariate and multivariate regression analysis to ease and strength odor monitoring in waste treatment units. Notably, a partial least squares model improved odor concentration prediction based on the chemical composition of emitted gases.

Abstract The management and handling of organic waste in primarily low-income developing cities, due to high urbanization has become a global problem. The main form of waste handling in these cities are landfilling, due to it being the cheapest and easiest option. Not only are nutrients wasted, but landfills of mixed waste create strong emission of greenhouse gasses and a leachate that affects groundwater quality. This major problem in addition to a higher demand for food due to the increase of the world population leaves us two problems to solve; to handle waste and produce food. The Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) and its larvae can solve both of these problems in one. The organic waste is fed to the fly larvae and the larvae produce biomass (larval weight) and a residue similar to un-mature compost. The larvae can then be fed live to animals or made into pellets to feed animals such as fish, and the residue can be used as fertilizer. However, in order for the larvae to be able to be extruded into pellets or fed live to ex. hens, an optimal protein and fat content of the larvae is needed. A higher protein and lower fat content of the larvae is optimal for both pellet production and to feed to animals. It has previously been found that an inclusion of mussels can lower the fat content and increase the protein content of the larvae. In this article, different amounts of mussels are included in the larvae diet apart from bread and cabbage to see if it has an effect on the compost process efficiency. The experiment is done by larvae being added to different ratios of bread: cabbage: mussels. The larvae are then harvested and process efficiency parameters; BCE (biomass conversion efficiency), survival percentage, material reduction and respiration are calculated. It was found that mussel inclusion was equivalent to a higher feeding load per larva. The BCE of the treatment with a higher feeding load and the treatment with the highest mussel inclusion were the same, meaning that mussel inclusion is equivalent to a diet with high amounts of carbohydrates. Mussel inclusion in the larva diet seems to be beneficial from a BCE standpoint and suits as a substrate as pH and survival was not negatively affected by the mussels.

The majority of organic waste globally is either dumped or placed on landfills, which can result in spreading of disease and pests, methane gas emissions, the deterioration of landscapes and odour pollution. One of the solutions to poor organic waste management is to create value from waste. A way to do this is with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) composting. The interest for BSFL composting has increased the past 10 years mainly because it is a technology with relatively low investment costs. The part of the process where the seed larvae that are used in the treatment are produced is called BSF-colony. Producing seed larvae in an efficient way is an important part of the technology’s feasibility. However, there is limited research published on BSF-colony management, especially on a larger scale. The aim of the study was to investigate the factors that impact the efficiency of the BSF-colony on a large scale BSFL composting company in Kenya in a semi-open setting. The efficiency of the BSF-colony management was assessed in terms of emergence rate (percentage of pupa that emerge as flies), hatching rate (percentage of eggs that hatch and survive to 5 day old larva) and number of eggs laid per female BSF. The result of the study suggests that parasitic wasps (Dirhinus giffardii) can reduce the emergence rate significantly, and high temperatures and water shortage for the adult BSF can reduce the egg production. Observations made during the study indicate that personnel routines and how the BSF-colony is arranged also could affect the egg production significantly. The overall variation in the results suggests that other factors, beyond the ones investigated in the study, impact the efficiency of the BSF-colony, and further research regarding BSF-colony management is recommended / Merparten av det organiska avfallet i världen dumpas eller läggs på deponier, vilket kan leda till spridning av sjukdomar och skadedjur, utsläpp av metangas, förstörelse av landskap och luktföroreningar. En av lösningarna på bristfällig hantering av organiskt avfall är att skapa värde av avfallet. Ett sätt att göra det är med hjälp av fluglarvskompostering med amerikansk soldatfluga (Hermetia illucens). Intresset för fluglarvskompostering har ökat under de senaste tio åren, främst på grund av att det är en teknik som inte behöver innebära höga investeringskostnader. Flugkolonin är den del av processen där sättlarverna som användes i komposteringen produceras. Att sättlarver produceras på ett effektivt sätt är en viktig del av teknikens genomförbarhet. Det finns dock begränsad forskning publicerad om effektivisering av flugkolonier, speciellt sådan som berör storskaliga kolonier. Syftet med studien var att undersöka vilka faktorer som påverkar flugkolonins effektivitet på ett storskaligt fluglarvskomposteringsföretag i Kenya i en halvöppen miljö. Flugkolonins effektivitet bedömdes i termer av metamorfosfrekvens (den andel av pupporna som blir flugor), antalet lagda ägg per fluga och kläckningsfrekvens (den andel ägg som kläcks och överlever till 5-7 dagar gamla larver). Resultatet av studien tyder på att parasitsteklar kan minska metamorfosfrekvensen avsevärt, och att höga temperaturer samt vattenbrist kan minska äggproduktionen. De observationer som gjordes under studien tyder på att personalens rutiner och hur flugkolonin är anordnad också kan påverka äggproduktionen avsevärt. Den relativt stora variationen i alla resultat tyder på att andra faktorer än de som undersökts i studien påverkar flugkolonins effektivitet, fortsatta studier inom effektivisering av flugkolonier rekommenderas

Ettsyfte med denna uppsats är jämförelsen mellan två behandlingsalternativ för matavfall, hemkompostering eller biogasproducering sett från klimatperspektivet. Koldioxidekvivalenter har beräknats för de två alternativen. Ett annat syfte har varit att studera den politiska processen för att förstå varför det först under 90-talet uppmuntras till att hushållen ska hemkompostera för att sen under början av 2000-talet förespråka rötning av matavfallet. Mina uträkningar och jämförelser visar att det är mer fördelaktigt för klimatet att röta matavfallet, koldioxidutsläppet blir mindre än vid hemkompostering. Mitt andra syfte visar att det kan finnas en klimatvinst genom att låta politiken fatta besluten men det kan även finnas en risk att det egentliga syftet med hemkompostering glöms bort och att hushållen måste betala för något som de egentligen inte behöver (matkärl) eller som inte kanske finns (tillsynen). / One purpose of this study is to compare two treatment options for food waste. Home composting or biofuel production, seen from the climate perspective. The carbon dioxide equivalent has been calculated for the two options. The second purpose was to study the political process with regard to food waste to understand why Swedish households were encouraged to home compost food waste during the nineties only to early twenties advocate biofuel production. My calculations and comparisons shows that it is more beneficial for the climate to digest the food waste then composting since the carbon dioxide emissions is less. My second analysis indicates that while the political reorientation has led to environmental improvements, the effect has also been that to gain control of the food waste stream, waste management organisations effectively provide customers with no choice and economically punish households that have no food waste to collect since they have effective home composting.

This study evaluated physical and biological treatments of bio-oil process water to decrease organic contaminants. A three-sequential-column filtration system compared four treatments: three columns filled with kenaf only; three columns filled with wood shavings only; first column filled with wood shavings and two with kenaf; and first column filled with kenaf and two with wood shavings. The kenaf and wood shavings were composted after filtration. The filtrate water underwent further bio-treatment by adding aeration and selected bacteria. After filtration and bio-treatment, oil and grease concentrations were reduced over 80 percent and toxicity reduced over 90 percent. There were no significant differences among filtration treatments. Most of the oil and grease was removed by the first column. Aeration significantly decreased the concentration of oil and grease and toxicity in the filtrate water. Composting of the bioiltration matrices significantly reduced the oil and grease concentrations at day 45 by 80 percent.

Waste minimisation is implemented worldwide and has become an urgent priority in South Africa as evidenced in the promulgated National Environmental Management Waste Act (2008). The most common waste disposal method in South Africa is by landfill, which is unacceptable. Local municipalities have made little progress towards waste minimisation. The aim of this study was to present a solution to waste minimisation for the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) by determining the feasibility of establishing composting facilities on landfill sites. One third of all municipal waste consists of green waste, which is compostable and can be converted on landfill sites. Nine municipal landfill sites were screened. The four most feasible sites were evaluated further by applying identified parameters that address physical, social and operational requirements. It is a possible to establish composting facilities on all four sites investigated, with Hatherley ranking as the most suited. The findings of this study clearly provided the basic parameters and requirements for constructing a composting facility and practical procedures applicable within a South African context. The evaluation method used can be applied as a model to evaluate similar studies in other municipalities to aid them in the decision-making process for waste minimisation. / Environmental Management / M.A. (Environmental Management)