[USCC] Compost Digest, Vol 59, Issue 3
Craig Coker
cscoker at verizon.net
Mon Feb 9 08:25:24 CST 2009
Traditional composting of non-toxic organic materials is based on proper
recipe formulation, thorough mixing, aerobic composting and curing to
produce a stable and mature compost for product markets in the shortest
possible time at the least possible cost. Composting of contaminated soils
has a different endpoint (the degradation of the contaminant), and product
marketability is not an issue, so temperatures, time, C:N ratios, moisture
content and porosity are somewhat less important considerations.
Thermophilic temperatures have been shown to greatly accelerate the
degradation of some contaminants (like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs)), but at a greater risk of gaseous volatilization. In some cases,
anaerobic conditions may be needed to degrade highly chlorinated compounds,
a step which is then followed with aerobic treatment to degrade the
partially dechlorinated compounds as well as the other constituents.
Moisture levels in the range of 20% to 80% are considered suitable for the
bioremediation of soils, but the microbes in composting thrive best between
40% and 60% moisture. Nutrient process design is focused on C:N:P ratios,
in which ratios of 120:10:2 are not uncommon. Each remediation project is
different, due to differences in the nature of the contaminant, the initial
concentration of that contaminant, the desired endpoint (often influenced by
risk assessments), the degradation rate (dependent on both the nature of the
contaminant and the energy level of the compostable feedstocks), concerns
over volatilization and leaching, and available space.
Composting can be done with aerated static piles, with in-vessel systems, or
with windrows. Windrow composting is considered to be the most
cost-effective alternative, but it may also have the highest levels of
fugitive emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Composting with
aerated static piles, also known as biopiles, is an effective means of
remediating petroleum contamination.
Remediation composting can be accomplished by mixing contaminated soils with
fresh, high-energy feedstocks or by simply adding a mature, finished compost
to contaminated soils. A mix ratio of 30% soil and 70% feedstocks has been
observed to reach thermophilic temperatures. A mix of 18% soil and 82% yard
trimmings remediated 40% of the PCBs in the soil over a period of 370 days.
A mature six-month old compost mixed with petroleum contaminated soils was
observed to degrade petroleum at a rate eight times faster than with in-situ
bioremediation (natural attenuation).
I hope this helps.
Craig Coker
Coker Composting & Consulting
1213 Spradlin Rd.
Vinton, VA 24179
Tel.: (540) 890-1086
Fax: (540) 890-1087
Cell: (540) 874-5168
Email: cscoker at verizon.net
Web: www.cokercompost.com
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-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of
Maduka.Agbeze-Onuma at corusgroup.com
Sent: Monday, February 09, 2009 4:13 AM
To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
Subject: Re: [USCC] Compost Digest, Vol 59, Issue 3
Please I plan to compost oily contaminated soil, compost, and urea
fertilizer.
Please can you assist me with a formular to calculate the quantities of
each of this materials for the composting mix.
Regards
Maduka Agbeze-Onuma
Geo-Environmental Engineer
Corus Research, Development and Technology
Moorgate,
Rotherham,
South Yorkshire,
S60 3AR
Tel: 01709 825521
Fax: 01709 825400
maduka.agbeze-onuma at corusgroup.com
P Consider the environment, please think before printing this email
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Compost Digest, Vol 59, Issue 3
06/02/2009 18:17
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Today's Topics:
1. Re: Neisseria sicca bacteria in compost? (Nadja)
2. Re: Neisseria sicca bacteria in compost? (Lowell Prag)
----- Message from Nadja <galadram at yahoo.com> on Thu, 5 Feb 2009 11:07:30
-0800 (PST) -----
To: Compost Discussion List
<compost at mailman.cloudnet.com>
Subject: Re: [USCC] Neisseria sicca bacteria in compost?
Dear Craig,
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