Performance evaluation of gaseous emissions and Zn speciation during Zn-rich antibiotic manufacturing wastes and pig manure composting

•The effect of AMW on composting performance was studied.•The emissions of CH4 and N2O decreased, but NH3 increased during AMW composting.•The exchangeable faction of Zn significantly reduced during AMW composting.•The AMW compost was free of phytotoxicity and residual antibiotic after composting. In this study, the co-composting performance of Zn-rich antibiotic manufacturing wastes (AMW) and pig manure (PM) was evaluated. Four treatments, representing 2.5%, 5%, 10% and 20% of AMW (of PM dry weight) and control without AMW, were established during composting. Results suggested that the temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, NH4+-N and germination index in end product met the maturity and sanitation requirement. More than 99% of residual antibiotic was removed. Compared with PM composting alone, the cumulative CH4 and N2O emissions in AMW composting increased by 13.46–79.00% and 10.78–65.12%, respectively. While the higher mixing ratios of AMW (10% and 20%) presented a negative impact on composing by inhibiting organic matter (OM) degradation and higher NH3 emissions. The AMW had highly bioavailable Zn, but the exchangeable faction of Zn significantly decreased with the composting progress.