The Development of Anammox and Chloroflexi Bacteria during the Composting of Sewage Sludge

Sylwia Stegenta-Dąbrowska, Karolina Sobieraj, Joanna Rosik, Robert Sidełko, Marvin Valentin and Andrzej Białowiec ()
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Sylwia Stegenta-Dąbrowska: Department of Applied Bioeconomy, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 37a, Chełmońskiego Str., 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
Karolina Sobieraj: Department of Applied Bioeconomy, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 37a, Chełmońskiego Str., 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
Joanna Rosik: Department of Applied Bioeconomy, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 37a, Chełmońskiego Str., 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
Robert Sidełko: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Environmental and Geodetic Sciences, Koszalin University of Technology Poland, Sniadeckich Str. 2, 75-453 Koszalin, Poland
Marvin Valentin: Department of Applied Bioeconomy, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 37a, Chełmońskiego Str., 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
Andrzej Białowiec: Department of Applied Bioeconomy, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 37a, Chełmońskiego Str., 51-630 Wrocław, Poland

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 16, 1-10

Abstract: The C/N ratio is an extremely important parameter in the composting process and is directly responsible for the growth of microorganisms. A low C/N ratio contributes to higher emissions of greenhouse gases and odorous substances, such as ammonia (NH 3 ), which is formed by nitrogen mineralization. Due to the highly toxic effects of ammonia, it is a particularly unwanted by-product that can disrupt the composting process since it poisons microorganisms and causes environmental issues. The activity of anammox bacteria, so far analyzed only in wastewater treatment processes, is a particularly efficient method of nitrogen removal, having an advantage over the conventional methods used previously. This study shows the presence of anammox bacteria during composting, which allows for an opportunity to improve the process and reduce its impact on atmospheric pollution. Despite the aerobic nature of this process, the composted mass of waste presents conditions conducive to the development of these ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, as well as the other strains of microorganisms cooperating with them. This makes it possible to compost at a low C/N ratio; in addition, there is no need for an additional energy supply through aeration, as the processes carried out by anammox bacteria do not require oxygen. Therefore, more in-depth research is necessary to evaluate the low C/N effect on anammox and Chloroflexi bacteria growth and its effect on nitrogen balance during composting.

Keywords: anammox bacteria; composting; sewage sludge; low C/N ratio; nitrogen balance; ammonia emissions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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