Evolution of process parameters and determination of kinetics for co-composting of organic fraction of municipal solid waste with poultry manure

This study aimed to monitor the process parameters and to determine kinetics in composting of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and poultry manure. The experiments were carried out with three different mixtures. The results showed that the mixture 60% OFMSW, 20% poultry manure, 10% mature compost and 10% sawdust provided the most appropriate conditions for composting process. Using nine kinetic models and nonlinear regression method, kinetic parameters were estimated and the models were analyzed with four statistical indicators. Kinetic models with four measured variables proved to be better than models with less number of measured variables. The number of measured experimental variables influences kinetics more than the number of kinetic parameters. Satisfactory fittings of proposed kinetic model to the experimental data of OM were achieved. The model is more suitable for data obtained from composting of mixtures with much higher percentage of OFMSW than percentage of poultry manure.

► Seven process parameters were monitored in co-composting of OFMSW and poultry manure.
► The mixture of 60% OFMSW/20% manure/10% compost/10% sawdust gave the highest OM degradation.
► Nine kinetic models were analyzed with four statistical indicators.
► Satisfactory fitting of proposed kinetic model to the experimental data of OM was achieved.
► The number of measured variables influences kinetics more than the number of kinetic parameters.