Department Of Environmental Science And Technology

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Author: search.filters.author.Garg, V.K.Subject: search.filters.subject.Composting

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    Spectroscopic, thermogravimetric and structural characterization analyses for comparing Municipal Solid Waste composts and vermicomposts stability and maturity
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2017) Soobhany, N.; Gunasee, S.; Rago, Y.P.; Joyram, H.; Raghoo, P.; Mohee, R.; Garg, V.K.
    This is the first-ever study of its kind for an extensive assessment and comparison of maturity indexes between compost and vermicompost that have been derived from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). The spectroscopic (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and structural characterization (scanning electron microscope: SEM) were recorded. FT-IR spectra showed an increase in conversion of polysaccharides species and aliphatic methylene groups in vermicompost compared to compost as depicted from the variation of the intensity of the peaks. TG curves of final vermicompost showed a much lower mass loss when compared to compost, indicating higher stability in feedstock. SEM micrographs of the vermicompost reflected strong fragmentation of material than composts which revealed the extent of intra-structural degradation of MSW. These findings elucidate on a clear comparison between composts and vermicomposts in terms of maturity indexes for soil enhancement and in agriculture as organic fertilizer. - 2017 Elsevier Ltd
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    Management of food and vegetable processing waste spiked with buffalo waste using earthworms (Eisenia fetida)
    (Springer Verlag, 2017) Sharma, K.; Garg, V.K.
    The present investigation was focused on the vermicomposting of food and vegetable processing waste (VW) mixed with buffalo dung (BW) under laboratory condition employing Eisenia fetida earthworm species. Four different proportions of VW and BW were prepared and subjected to vermicomposting after 3?weeks of pre-composting. After vermicomposting, nitrogen (7.82?20.73?g/kg), total available phosphate (4.80?11.74?g/kg) and total potassium (7.43?12.75?g/kg) content increased significantly as compared to initial feed stocks. Significant reduction was observed in pH (7.56 to 6.55), total organic carbon (48.25?23.54%) and organic matter (83.18?40.68%). Metal content (Fe, Cu, Zn and Ni) was higher in all the vermicomposts than feedstocks. Data on growth and reproduction of earthworm revealed that the highest biomass gain and fecundity of worms were attained in 100% BW followed by [BW75%?+?VW25%]?>?[BW50%?+?VW50%]?>?[BW25%?+?VW75%] feedstocks. Results evidenced the suitability of VW (up to 50%) spiked with BW for increasing earthworm population and in providing potent organic manure for agricultural applications. ? 2017, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
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    Inactivation of bacterial pathogenic load in compost against vermicompost of organic solid waste aiming to achieve sanitation goals: A review
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2017) Soobhany, N.; Mohee, R.; Garg, V.K.
    Waste management strategies for organic residues, such as composting and vermicomposting, have been implemented in some developed and developing countries to solve the problem of organic solid waste (OSW). Yet, these biological treatment technologies do not always result in good quality compost or vermicompost with regards to sanitation capacity owing to the presence of bacterial pathogenic substances in objectionable concentrations. The presence of pathogens in soil conditioners poses a potential health hazard and their occurrence is of particular significance in composts and/or vermicomposts produced from organic materials. Past and present researches demonstrated a high-degree of agreement that various pathogens survive after the composting of certain OSW but whether similar changes in bacterial pathogenic loads arise during vermitechnology has not been thoroughly elucidated. This review garners information regarding the status of various pathogenic bacteria which survived or diffused after the composting process compared to the status of these pathogens after the vermicomposting of OSW with the aim of achieving sanitation goals. This work is also indispensable for the specification of compost quality guidelines concerning pathogen loads which would be specific to treatment technology. It was hypothesized that vermicomposting process for OSW can be efficacious in sustaining the existence of pathogenic organisms most specifically; human pathogens under safety levels. In summary, earthworms can be regarded as a way of obliterating pathogenic bacteria from OSW in a manner equivalent to earthworm gut transit mechanism which classifies vermicomposting as a promising sanitation technique in comparison to composting processes. ? 2017 Elsevier Ltd