Assessing consistency in the aerobic co-composting of faecal sludge and food waste in a municipality in Ghana

Background: A faecal sludge (FS) co-composting study assessed the extent of consistency in compost characteristics between and within batches. The study focused on the consistency of the co-composting process by measuring the variability of key parameters. Method: The set up consisted of 12 FS and...

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Main Authors: Nartey, Eric Gbenatey, Sakrabani, R., Tyrrel, S., Cofie, Olufunke O.
Format: Journal Article
Language:Inglés
Published: Springer 2023
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/139769
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author Nartey, Eric Gbenatey
Sakrabani, R.
Tyrrel, S.
Cofie, Olufunke O.
author_browse Cofie, Olufunke O.
Nartey, Eric Gbenatey
Sakrabani, R.
Tyrrel, S.
author_facet Nartey, Eric Gbenatey
Sakrabani, R.
Tyrrel, S.
Cofie, Olufunke O.
author_sort Nartey, Eric Gbenatey
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description Background: A faecal sludge (FS) co-composting study assessed the extent of consistency in compost characteristics between and within batches. The study focused on the consistency of the co-composting process by measuring the variability of key parameters. Method: The set up consisted of 12 FS and food waste (FW) co-composting piles in three successive batches (1, 2 and 3). Consistency was assessed in the three successive batches of co-composted FS and food waste (FW). Within batches, consistency was assessed in each of them by dividing it into four separate replicate piles. Characteristics of interest were E. coli, as well as selected physico-chemical parameters (pH, EC, Mg, Ca, N, NH4-N, NO3-N, P, avail. P, and K) and heavy metals (Se, Fe, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Cr). Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS. Result: Results show that, E. coli levels were not consistent between the successive batches during the entire co-composting process. While variations between batches were only observed for EC and nutrient parameters, variations were evident for several measured characteristics within batches. The measured coefficient of variations (CVs) within batches ranged between 0–125% and 3–111% for heavy metals and nutrients, respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, there was less consistency in nutrients between successive batches and CV within batches was wide. Consistency levels for E. coli may not be an issue if pathogen inactivation is complete. Recommendation: It is recommended that a threshold value be created for determining what is an acceptable level of variation in FS co-composting.
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spelling CGSpace1397692025-12-08T10:11:39Z Assessing consistency in the aerobic co-composting of faecal sludge and food waste in a municipality in Ghana Nartey, Eric Gbenatey Sakrabani, R. Tyrrel, S. Cofie, Olufunke O. faecal sludge composting aerobic treatment food waste escherichia coli traceability consistency feedstocks Background: A faecal sludge (FS) co-composting study assessed the extent of consistency in compost characteristics between and within batches. The study focused on the consistency of the co-composting process by measuring the variability of key parameters. Method: The set up consisted of 12 FS and food waste (FW) co-composting piles in three successive batches (1, 2 and 3). Consistency was assessed in the three successive batches of co-composted FS and food waste (FW). Within batches, consistency was assessed in each of them by dividing it into four separate replicate piles. Characteristics of interest were E. coli, as well as selected physico-chemical parameters (pH, EC, Mg, Ca, N, NH4-N, NO3-N, P, avail. P, and K) and heavy metals (Se, Fe, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Cr). Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS. Result: Results show that, E. coli levels were not consistent between the successive batches during the entire co-composting process. While variations between batches were only observed for EC and nutrient parameters, variations were evident for several measured characteristics within batches. The measured coefficient of variations (CVs) within batches ranged between 0–125% and 3–111% for heavy metals and nutrients, respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, there was less consistency in nutrients between successive batches and CV within batches was wide. Consistency levels for E. coli may not be an issue if pathogen inactivation is complete. Recommendation: It is recommended that a threshold value be created for determining what is an acceptable level of variation in FS co-composting. 2023-10-30 2024-02-29T19:34:53Z 2024-02-29T19:34:53Z Journal Article https://hdl.handle.net/10568/139769 en Open Access Springer Nartey, Eric Gbenatey; Sakrabani, R.; Tyrrel, S.; Cofie, Olufunke. 2023. Assessing consistency in the aerobic co-composting of faecal sludge and food waste in a municipality in Ghana. Environmental Systems Research, 12:33. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40068-023-00319-2]
spellingShingle faecal sludge
composting
aerobic treatment
food waste
escherichia coli
traceability
consistency
feedstocks
Nartey, Eric Gbenatey
Sakrabani, R.
Tyrrel, S.
Cofie, Olufunke O.
Assessing consistency in the aerobic co-composting of faecal sludge and food waste in a municipality in Ghana
title Assessing consistency in the aerobic co-composting of faecal sludge and food waste in a municipality in Ghana
title_full Assessing consistency in the aerobic co-composting of faecal sludge and food waste in a municipality in Ghana
title_fullStr Assessing consistency in the aerobic co-composting of faecal sludge and food waste in a municipality in Ghana
title_full_unstemmed Assessing consistency in the aerobic co-composting of faecal sludge and food waste in a municipality in Ghana
title_short Assessing consistency in the aerobic co-composting of faecal sludge and food waste in a municipality in Ghana
title_sort assessing consistency in the aerobic co composting of faecal sludge and food waste in a municipality in ghana
topic faecal sludge
composting
aerobic treatment
food waste
escherichia coli
traceability
consistency
feedstocks
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/139769
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