Temperature composting

For best results temperature should he maintained hetween 322 and 327 K (130 and 140°F) for the first few days and hetween 327 and 333 K (130 and 140°F) for the remainder of the active composting period. If temperature goes beyond 339 K (150°F), biological activity is reduced significantly... 

If the process is properly conducted, it is possible to kill all the pathogens, weeds, and seeds during the composting process. To do this, the temperature must be maintained between 333 and. 344 K (140 and 160°F) for 24 h. 

Although very good rates of biodegradation have been claimed in composting tests it is stated that biodegradation will only occur where there is sufficient moisture and concentration of soil bacteria and fungi and somewhat elevated temperatures. 

Degradation products of LDPE/(BHT, Chimassorb 944) after long-term exposure to compost, water and air (chemical hydrolysis at pH 5 and pH 7) at room temperature were examined by GC-MS [277] the structural changes in the LDPE film were monitored by DSC and SEC. Among the 79 low-MW degradation products identified by GC-MS the main components were... 

During the aerobic thermophilic treatment of sludge, ibuprofen and galaxolide were removed, respectively, 95% and more than 75% of initial concentrations after 20 days of incubation. However, even after 45 days incubation no complete elimination was observed [61]. Observations in composted sludge, which is considered to be an aerobic treatment, showed that several pharmaceuticals, including carbamazepine, diphenhydramine, fluoxetine, and triclosan, were not significantly removed by composting at mesophilic or thermophilic temperatures [148]. 

Several researchers emphasized that compost is also an excellent material to use to prevent the acidification and the deterioration of soil productivity [8, 51-54]. Several factors including moisture content, temperature, aeration rate, and carbon to nitrogen ratio have direct influence on composting process, which has been reviewed in detail in the past. 

Irradiation shortens the composting period, because it is not necessary to keep an elevated fermentation temperature to reduce the pathogens in the sludge. 

Self-heating is quite common, yet it receives attention only when it causes economic losses or leads to fires. Fresh grass clippings in garbage cans and plastic bags heat within an hour or so. Piles of manure and compost always seem to self-heat, as the steam rising from opened piles indicates. Farmers have cause to be alarmed when temperatures rise in hay, silage, straw, cotton,... 

Compost must be cured for a minimum of 21 days, and must not reheat upon standing to greater than 20°C above ambient temperature. 

Eklind Y, Sundberg C, Smars S, Steger K, Sundh I, Kirchmann H, Joensson H (2007) Carbon turnover and ammonia emissions during composting of biowaste at different temperatures. J Environ Qual 36 1512-1520... 

Streger K, Jarvis A, Vasara T, Romantschuk M, Sundh I (2007) Effects of differing temperature management on development of Actinobacteria during composting. Res Microbiol 158 617-624 The Composting Council of Canada the composting process - compost maturity. http //www. 

Worms work best at temperatures between 50 and 77°F (12-25°C). They will survive considerably lower temperatures, but their rate of producing compost will slow down. Keep a worm bin where temperatures do not fluctuate widely—out of direct sunlight in summer. Bring the bin into a garage or warm greenhouse in winter, or insulate it well before the cold weather starts. A worm bin with an integral drainage sump can be kept indoors, in a shed or porch, for example, and moved out in the summer. Other bins may need to be set on bare soil to absorb any excess liquid produced. 

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