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Waste disposal and management is an essential part of modern life. The disposal and handling of biodegradable products is an important aspect in waste management. New techniques like composters help in decomposing the bio degradable products. The composters provide a suitable environment to aid quick decomposition of the bio degradable waste. The composting process also aids in preventing global warming.
This article will bring out the salient features and information about composters and how they are effective in disposal and handling of bio degradable waste.
Composting depend on aerobic decomposition of the of bio degradable organic matter.
The decomposition is done with the aid of microorganisms called aerobes. The aerobes primarily used are ants, oligochete worms and nematodes which are effective in aerobic decomposition. The temperature and climate is important for the aerobic decomposition. The aerobic decomposition is affected by cold climate and places where light is not optimum for the decomposition process. The composting process can be classified into to Home based composting and industrial based composting based on the quantum and place of composting. In bothe the types the process is the same however the methods are different. For effective and quick decomposition of the organic bio degradable waste, the compost pile must contain optimum levels of Nitrogen,
Carbon oxygen and water.In the absence of these elements, the non aerobic decomposition occurs which generates foul odor. The aim of an effective composting system is to enable the bacteria and micro organisms to perform decomposition effectively. Also a specific ratio of the elements nitrogen oxygen and water are very effective. These specialized compost material are available commercially.
Composting materials: All biodegradable products can decompose naturally but will take a lot of time. The basic composting material has to reach a temperature such that it kills the germs and worms that cause foul odor. Therefore for composting manures and animal waste, high temperature composting material such as thermopile composters are needed. Composting petroleum products results in non toxic hydrocarbons and the process is called bioremediation. This helps in recycling these products easily.
Composting techniques: There are several composting techniques widely used. The Active composting involves aerobic bacteria generation and helps to kill all pathogens and quickens the composting process. One of the methods of Active composting is called Pasteurization which involves the actinomycetes bacteria for composting The
Passive composting is the natural process which takes more time and may leave pathogens alive. Also this process takes long time and sometimes causes foul odor.
Home composting involves methods such as natural passive composting or using the composting material and performing active composting. The active composting helps in preventing bad odor and killing all pathogens.
Industrial composting systems are one of the advances waste management systems nowadays. The industrial composting primarily involves the process of anaerobic digestion and helps in preventing global warming by treatment of biodegradable waste before dumping in the land fills. All this methods help in preserving the environment and preventing the pathogens from flourishing in the biodegradable waste.
