The Application Potential of Hop Sediments from Beer Production for Composting

Michał Kopeć, Monika Mierzwa-Hersztek, Krzysztof Gondek, Katarzyna Wolny-Koładka, Marek Zdaniewicz and Aleksandra Suder
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Michał Kopeć: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Monika Mierzwa-Hersztek: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Krzysztof Gondek: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Katarzyna Wolny-Koładka: Department of Microbiology and Biomonitoring, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Marek Zdaniewicz: Department of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, ul. Balicka 122, 30-149 Krakow, Poland
Aleksandra Suder: Department of Microbiology and Biomonitoring, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-10

Abstract: The chemical composition of hop sediments from beer brewing and fermentation gives them the potential for further use. These wastes are not generated in large amounts, but the absence of proper characteristics may lead to processing errors. This study examines the possibility of using hop waste for aerobic biological transformation processes (composting). The study was carried out on two hop sediments from two different technological stages of beer production: hot trub and spent hops. Chemical, microbiological, and biochemical analyses were performed in the composted hop sediments, as was the assessment of phytotoxicity to Lepidium sativum L. The tested feedstocks were partially inhabited by microorganisms and thus safe from an epidemiological point of view, and they were not a source of microbial contamination. Inhibitory properties for plant development were found for hot trub, which most likely result from the organic compound content. If it is only a small portion of its biomass, the mineral composition of hot trub does not exclude the possibility of its composting. Spent hops were characterized by a significant total nitrogen content, which affected the composting process. Composting this sediment required the selection of substrates with a widely C:N ratio.

Keywords: hop sediments; respiratory activity; compost; brewing; phytotoxicity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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