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Role of Vermicomposting Microorganisms in the Conversion of Biomass Ash to Bio-Based Fertilizers

Author

Listed:
  • Güldane Aslı Turp

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Sakarya University, Esentepe, Sakarya 54187, Turkey)

  • Saim Ozdemir

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Sakarya University, Esentepe, Sakarya 54187, Turkey)

  • Kaan Yetilmezsoy

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Davutpasa, Esenler, Istanbul 34220, Turkey)

  • Nurtac Oz

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Sakarya University, Esentepe, Sakarya 54187, Turkey)

  • Ali Elkamel

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
    Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

A high pH, low solubility of bound plant nutrients, and negative impacts on microbial communities are common drawbacks of biomass ash (BA) vermicomposting. In this study, nutrient-rich BA mixed with cow manure was tested at three different application rates to obtain final nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents of 3.5%, 7.0%, and 10.0% for bio-based fertilizers via vermicomposting. The results showed that all BA blends made with cow manure increased fermentation temperatures and allowed successful worm activity during the subsequent vermicomposting phase. The order of indicator enzyme activities in all vermicomposting samples was urease (220 μg NH 4 g −1 h −1 ) > β-glucosidase (95 μg PNP g −1 h −1 ) > alkaline phosphatase (91 μg PNP g −1 h −1 ) > arylsulfatase (83 μg PNP g −1 h −1 ) > acid phosphatase (60 μg PNP g −1 h −1 ). As an indicator of nutrient bioavailability, high correlations were observed between enzyme activities and microbial diversity in vermicompost samples. Determination coefficients ( R 2 ) obtained from multiple linear regressions between enzyme activities and bacterial population for T 0 , T 1 , T 2 , and T 3 were determined as 0.90, 0.65, 0.73, and 0.90, respectively. According to a novel metagenome-based approach proposed within the scope of the present study, the stimulatory effects of Flavobacteriales , Burkholderiales , Saccharimonadales , and Pseudomonadales on enzyme activities for the nutrient solubility were found to be significant and positive. The findings of this study demonstrated that worm composting could be a sustainable bio-based technology for the production of slow-release fertilizer from nutrient-rich waste material.

Suggested Citation

  • Güldane Aslı Turp & Saim Ozdemir & Kaan Yetilmezsoy & Nurtac Oz & Ali Elkamel, 2023. "Role of Vermicomposting Microorganisms in the Conversion of Biomass Ash to Bio-Based Fertilizers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:11:p:8984-:d:1162509
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fiseha Tesfaye & Daniel Lindberg & Mykola Moroz & Leena Hupa, 2020. "Investigation of the K-Mg-Ca Sulfate System as Part of Monitoring Problematic Phase Formations in Renewable-Energy Power Plants," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-12, October.
    2. Celestino Quintela-Sabarís & Luís A. Mendes & Jorge Domínguez, 2022. "Vermicomposting as a Sustainable Option for Managing Biomass of the Invasive Tree Acacia dealbata Link," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-11, October.
    3. Ondrasek, G. & Bubalo Kovačić, M. & Carević, I. & Štirmer, N. & Stipičević, S. & Udiković-Kolić, N. & Filipović, V. & Romić, D. & Rengel, Z., 2021. "Bioashes and their potential for reuse to sustain ecosystem services and underpin circular economy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    4. Martin Dědina & Alice Jarošíková & Petr Plíva & Martin Dubský, 2022. "The Effect of Ash Admixture on Compost Quality and Availability of Nutrients," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-7, January.
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    1. Jingpeng Duan & Jianjun Liao & Jing Liu & Xiaoxuan Gao & Ailin Shang & Zhihuan Huang, 2023. "Evaluating the Spatial Quality of Urban Living Streets: A Case Study of Hengyang City in Central South China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-16, July.

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