Dynamics of maturity and stability indices during decomposition of biodegradable city waste using rapo-compost technology

Expeditious growth of population and urbanization has led the global challenge for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management. An investigation on rapid composting of biodegradable city waste was carried out with three treatments, two on a rapo-composter with and without consortia of thermophilic ligno-cellulolytic microbes and third is the common practice of compost producer. The quality of compost i.e. the maturity and stability index was tested at four different stages of decomposition. After 30 days of decomposition it was elucidated that rapo-composter with consortia (Bacillus sps., Streptomyces sps., Rhizomucor pusillus and Aspergillus flavus) fasten the decomposition time. This paper finds uniqueness in deriving 10 maturity parameters, 6 stability parameters with one parameter as confirmatory test of compost toxicity. It was concluded from the study that the Water Soluble Carbon (WSC) and Organic Nitrogen (Org. N) ratio is the key regulator of maturity parameter and the dehydrogenase (DHA) activity is important factor for compost stability. [Display omitted] •Novel consortia of thermophilic ligno-cellulolytic microbes identified for rapid composting•Advanced Rapo-composter has been designed, fabricated and standardized•Assessed dynamics of 10 maturity and 6 stability indices at different stages of composting•Derived novel key maturity and stability indicators of rapid compost quality