Decomposition of food waste using bulking agent and bio-drying technology

¹ Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Semarang - Indonesia
² The State Islamic Institute of Surakarta - Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: badruszaman2@gmail.com

Abstract

Technology to process food waste should be easy maintenance, fast, economical, affordable, environmentally friendly, and socially acceptable. Processing food waste according to the principle is biological decomposition. Biological processes usually take quite a long time (30 days). This study aims to accelerate the process of decomposition of food waste and produce a quality fertilizer products. Bulking agent (biofilm), bio activator (microorganism from cassava), and bio-drying technology are used to accelerate the decomposition process. The ratio of food waste and bulking agent is 7:3 (v/v). Mature product serves as a bulking agent and additive microorganisms. Additive microorganisms are also done by adding microorganism derived from cassava with a ratio of 10ml/500 g (Ml); 20 ml/500 g (M2); and 10ml/500 g of food waste (M3). The results showed the temperature of the food waste reached 50 ? at first. The addition of bulking agent and Additive microorganisms causes the thermophilic phase to occur early. This shows the thermophilic phase being achieved in a short period. Based on testing of compost maturity parameters, food waste has matured within 3 days. The C-Organic Concentration was 27.57%, N-total 1.98%, C/N ratio of 13.92, P-Total 0.23% and K-total 0.83%. In conclusion of this study, mature compost can be used as bulking agent with mature compost ratio and 7: 3 (v/v) bulking agent. Processing food waste is quite effective using a combination of bulking agent (mature compost), additive microorganisms and bio-drying technology.