Spectroscopic and microscopic characterization of humic acids from composts made by co-composting of green waste, spent coffee and OMWW sludge

Due to its important role in the formation of humic acids (HA), improving lignin degradation during composting has usually been considered a challenge. One practice that could stimulate the biodegradation of this recalcitrant molecule is inoculation with exogenous lignolytic fungal strains. Two composts (C1) and (C2) from piles (H1) and (H2) were evaluated. H1 was the control pile and H2 was inoculated at maturity with Trametes trogii, resulting in a 35% increase in lignin degradation rate compared to H1. The aim of this study was to show the main effects of this increase on the humification process in the co-composting of green waste, coffee grounds and olive mill wastewater sludge (OMWWs). Microstructure of HA1 and HA2 extracted from C1 and C2, respectively, was also investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and SEM coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (X-EDS). The results showed that there were several similarities between the compost samples tested. These included the mineral content, the degree of polymerization (PD)> 1 and the compact and rigid surface of the extracted HA. However, C2 was characterized by a higher humic content (HC), degree of polymerization (PD), humification index (HI) and percentage of humic acids (PHA) than C1. Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) and Fourier transmission-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that aliphatic groups such as hydroxyls, alcohols and carboxyls were predominant in both composts. SEM analysis in conjunction with X-EDS analysis of HA2 showed a higher proportion of carbon and potassium (18 and 7.93%) than in HA1 (14 and 0.95%).

Exploration for Thermostable β-Amylase of a Bacillus sp. Isolated from Compost Soil to Degrade Bacterial Biofilm

In an attempt to explore biofilm degradation using extracellular amylase, a potent amylase-producing bacterium of compost origin, B. subtilis B1U/1, was found to grow suitably in a simple medium of pH 7.5 for 48 h at 37°C under agitation of 140 rpm. This bacillary amylase was recovered by ammonium sulfate precipitation and purified to near homogeneity by membrane filtration and DEAE cellulose column chromatography. The amylase was purified to 4.5-fold with almost 50% yield and 26 kDa of molecular weight. Stable enzyme activity was found in a pH range of 5.2 to 9.0, while 90% residual activity was recorded at 90°C, indicating its thermostable nature. In the presence of 1 mM Fe++ and Ca++, the activity of amylase improved; however, it is inhibited by 1 mM Cu++. In the presence of 5% NaCl concentration, amylase showed 50% residual activity. The end product analysis identified the enzyme as β-amylase, and a crystal violet assay ensured that it can degrade Pseudomonas aeruginosa (78%) and Staphylococcus aureus biofilm efficiently (75%). The experiments carried out with the compost soil isolate were promising not only for biotechnological exploitation due to its pH flexibility during growth but also for high efficiency in the degradation of biofilms, which makes the organism a potent candidate in the fields of food industries and biomedical engineering, where it can be used as a prosthetic and hip joint cleaner. The β-amylase is highly thermostable since it withstands an elevated temperature for a prolonged period with a minimum loss of activity and is also moderately salt and metal tolerant. IMPORTANCE More than 85% of nosocomial infections are due to the development of bacterial biofilms. Recent research proposed that biofilm-like structures are not only visible in autopsies, biopsies, patients with chronic wounds, and exudates in animal models but are also present in biomedical devices, implants, prosthetic valves, urinary catheters, etc. Because complete eradication of biofilm is highly challenging, alternative methods, such as enzymatic damage of extracellular matrix and mechanical removal, are being implemented due to their easy availability, low cost, and high yield. Organisms from compost piles are rich sources of diverse extracellular enzymes with a high level of stability, which makes them able to withstand the different conditions of their environments. Under diverse environmental conditions, the enzymes are active to continue degradation processes, making them potential candidates in waste management, medicine, and the food and agriculture industries.

Bio-process performance, evaluation of enzyme and non-enzyme mediated composting of vegetable market complex waste

Vegetable Market have become major sources of organic waste. Some of such waste when being diverted to landfills not only increase the landfill loading but also contribute to increase greenhouse gas emission. Of the many technologies available in handling such hugely generated waste, composting has proven very effective for decades. Enzyme and non-enzyme mediated aerobic composting of vegetable market complex waste (VMCW) have been investigated. Conventional composting technique though being capable of handling large quantum of waste are found to consume more time. Proven to be disadvantages factor. In the present investigation, the pre-cultured seed inoculums used for vegetable market complex waste, shortened the typical composting period from 45 to 9 days for the first time. Also, rapid size and volume reduction of VMCW was witnessed. The organic degradation of VMCW was observed as 42% (82 ± 2.83% to 40.82 ± 0.61%), with a volume reduction from 0.012m³ to 0.003 m³ within 9 days. An enriched nutrients NPK level of compost bio-fertilizer was recorded as 0.91% w/w, 0.5% w/w and 1.029% w/w respectively. Compost maturity observed through the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the manure confirmed the conversion of the crystal structure of the compost particle to amorphous form and the mineralization of organic matter during the composting. Thus, the fermented pre-cultured seed inoculums favored an enhanced nutrients level with shortened composting time.

Communities of arthropods associated with the composting process of the organic solid waste produced in a landfill in Brazil

Composting is a process recommended as a way to recycle the organic part of the solid waste in which several micro and macroorganisms act as decomposers of the organic matter, in a process that takes around 120 days and faces roughly three different phases. Because we do not know the community of arthropods associated with the compost produced in one of the biggest landfills placed in Brazil, here we collected and identified the community of arthropods present in each phase of the organic compost. Our hypothesis is that the abundance and diversity of arthropods are different within each phase of the compost and we hope to find particular groups of arthropods that can be used as indicator of specific phases. In total, we identified the taxa of 1204 arthropods (insects, arachnidan and diplopods). We found that diversity and abundancy of arthropods were indeed different for each maturation phase of the compost, but we did not find families that are good indicators of each phase. In addition, to be certain about the safety of the compost produced, we investigated the presence of microorganisms in the final product and we found considerable levels of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis in some samples. Finally, we argue that the presence of these macro and microorganisms during the process may be beneficial or harmful. Since their presence decreased greatly by the end of the process, we acknowledge that composting works efficiently as a way to recycle the organic part of the waste generated in Brazil.