Sewage sludge composting simulation as carbon/nitrogen concentration change

Kabbashi, Nassereldeen Ahmed (2011) Sewage sludge composting simulation as carbon/nitrogen concentration change. Journal of Environmental Sciences-China, 23 (11). pp. 1925-1928. ISSN 1001-0742

PDF (Sewage sludge composting simulation as carbon/nitrogen concentration change) - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (105kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Available composting models do not describe accurately the dynamics of composting processes. Difficulty in modeling composting processes is attributed mainly to the unpredicted change in process rate caused by change in activation energy value (E). This article presented the results of an attempt made to utilize patterns of change in carbon, nitrogen and temperature profiles to model sewage sludge composting process as a multi-stage process. Results of controlled sewage sludge composting experiments were used in the study. All the experiments were carried out as batch experiments in a 300-liter Horizontal Drum Bioreactor (HDB). Analysis of the profiles of carbon, nitrogen and temperature has indicated that there were clear patterns that could be used to develop simple models of the process, the initial C/N ratio was between 7–8 and the final C/N ratio of the compost in most experiments were found to be around 15.0, indicating the compost was fully matured and could be used safely for agricultural purpose. Electrical conductivity of composting material decreased from 1.83 to 1.67 dS/m, after a period, it increased gradually from 2.01 to 2.23 dS/m and remained at around 2.33 dS/m till the end of composting. It is found that change in the concentration of total carbon can reasonably be described by three constant process rate coefficients (k1, k2, k3). It is found that the process starts with a certain process rate coefficient (k1) and continues until peak temperature is reached, then it reaches lower process (k2) in the declining phase of the thermophilic stage, and finally it proceeds with a faster process rate (k3) when maturation is reached. Change in the concentration of total nitrogen has shown to have the same patterns of change as carbon.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	4286/8126
Uncontrolled Keywords:	composting; sewage sludge; HDB; modeling; reaction rate
Subjects:	T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD511 Sewage collection and disposal systems. Sewerage
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Biotechnology Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr Nassereldeen Kabbashi
Date Deposited:	30 Nov 2011 23:26
Last Modified:	25 Jun 2013 12:19
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/8126

Actions (login required)

View Item