Abstract
In recent times, municipalities have turned to yard waste composting in an effort to comply with mandated recycling and reduction laws aimed at extending existing landfill capacity. Composting is a biological process whereby decomposition of organic matter occurs under aerobic conditions, producing a stabilized humified material. The objective of the research was to analyze data gathered during pilot yard waste composting operations utilizing the windrow method. The following tasks were accomplished: temperature and oxygen profiles from daily monitoring data were examined and the effect these parameters had on stabilization was determined; stabilization time of varying yard waste matrices was compared and related to compost physical-chemical characteristics; oxygen uptake and aeration mechanisms as a function of waste type were determined, and based upon the preceding items, recommendations were provided on process optimization. The research determined that yard waste composition did not have a significant effect on stabilization time, with the exception of extremely woody wastes. Stabilization occurred in approximately 90 days. Biological activity significantly declined between 40 and 60 days as indicated by the decrease in average windrow temperature and oxygen uptake rate {OUR). Aeration rates within the windrow were estimated using a convection rate model. Convection rates increased with increasing particle size and temperature. As compost age increased, convection rates decreased as particle size and temperature decreased. A comparison of convection and oxygen uptake rates as a function of composting conditions suggested four phases of the composting process. The highest convection rates were found in the early stages of composting of yard wastes with large particle size. Anaerobic conditions were only prevalent in the early stages of composting in windrows containing mostly grass and having the smallest particle radius. At this time oxygen uptake rates were high but lower convection rates resulted due to smaller particle size. As composting progressed and stabilization occurred, OUR declined due to decreased biological activity and oxygen levels increased. Furthermore, convection rates declined as a result of smaller particle size and lower temperatures.
Notes
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Graduation Date
1991
Semester
Spring
Advisor
Reinhart, Debra R.
Degree
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Engineering
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Format
Pages
121 p.
Language
English
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Masters Thesis (Open Access)
Identifier
DP0028044
Subjects
Dissertations, Academic -- Engineering; Engineering -- Dissertations, Academic
STARS Citation
Fleming, Patricia G., "An analysis of the parameters affecting the stabilization rate of yard waste compost" (1991). Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 3829.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/rtd/3829
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