Elemental and Spectroscopic Analysis of Organic Matter Transformation during Forced Aeration of In-Vessel Composting

This work examines the spectral, elemental and SEM images of compost from different blends obtained from food waste. Four composting bins, each of 100 L capacity, were installed with holes at various depths for probes and leachate collection system. The bins (length 50 cm, width 40 cm, height 50 cm) were placed horizontally with a slight inclination to permit the collection of leachate. The blends were prepared from food waste, cow dung and saw dust as bulking agent. The evaluation studies included the operational indices such as temperature, pH, moisture content, compost maturity indices like carbon, nitrogen, C/N ratio, sulphur, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images. SEM images revealed a reduction in the easily assimilated peptide and carbohydrate components. The germination index for tomato seed was above 60% after dark room studies, showing that the final compost was not phytotoxic.