Composting other tests

In the absence of other tests, 6 months under proper conditions to promote effective composting is considered sufficient to achieve maturity. 

In Europe, there is currently no standard test method [41 -43 ]. The technical committee 261, which has been operating since 1991, is setting up the standardization of bio degradability testing methods in the field of packaging and the environment. The European Committee of Normalization (ECN) has written a draft about the evaluation of the ultimate bio degradability under controlled composting conditions (Table 2). Other tests are in preparation in different environmental conditions aerobic and anaerobic environment, freshwater, etc. 

Table 2 presents the results of tests to measure the calorific power, ash content, and chlorides concentration of some of the materials obtained from the separation process, such as polystyrene, aluminum foil, plastic foam, and other plastics (general, clear, colored, black, and vinyl). Polystyrene and clear plastic have very high calorific power and low levels of chlorides, but polystyrene has very high ash content. Figures 10-17 present the samples of waste components from the separation and composting plant of Cantagalo. 

Other Uses. Rapeseed or canola meal has been used as a fermentation substrate. It has been included as an additive in compost for commercial button mushroom Agaricus bisporus) production with good success (32). Canola meal has also been tested as a substrate for xylanase production by Trichoderma reesei. Results from this work indicate that the hydrolysis of canola meal by this enzyme system might be useful in converting this material to fermentable sugars that could be further processed to expensive end products such as solvents and chemicals (33). 

Prevention and Control Soil tests can alert you to deficiency problems before they become serious. Regular applications of compost or other organic fertilizers will help to maintain an even potassium supply. Sources of potassium include kelp meal, granite dust, greensand, and wood ashes. Use wood ashes sparingly, as they can raise the soil pH. 

Chemical and toxicological testing showed that nonaerated windrow composting can rapidly reduce extractable explosives, extractable mutagenic activity, and leachable toxicity of explosives-contaminated sediments. It is at least as efficient as the best static pile or mechanically stirred composting methods, based on results of other studies conducted at the same site, and thus is an excellent candidate for remediation of explosives-contaminated soils and sediments. 

Few methods have been established in solid media. Two types of test can be distinguished, one dealing with model solid media (Petri disk screen), the other, closer to real conditions, dealing with soil or compost. 

The basic ammonia detection test has always been The sense of smell. The odor of ammonia must be completely gone from The compost before it can be spawned. Odors are always good indicators of compost suitability. However, to be absolutely certain, other methods are also used. 

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