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Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2004 | Volume: 7 | Issue: 7 | Page No.: 1217-1220
DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2004.1217.1220
Effect of Temperature, Dry Solids and C/N Ratio on Vermicomposting of Waste Activated Sludge
K. Naddafi, M. Zamanzadeh, A. A. Azimi, G. A. Omrani, A. R. Mesdaghinia and E. Mobedi

Abstract: The effect of temperature, dry solids and C/N ratio on the growth of E. fetida and on vermicomposting of waste activated sludge was studied in a small-scale laboratory experiments. The maximum growth rate in 25°C, 15-20% dry solids and a C/N ratio of 15 were 19±1, 21±2 and 20±2 mg/worm/day, respectively. Moreover, changes in the physicochemical properties of the produced vermicasts were assessed. The highest VS reduction (18%) occurred in dry solids of 15% and in a C/N ratio of 25 the maximum VS reduction was 17%. TKN decreased with increase in dry solids by the end of vermicomposting process, while the highest organic to mineral P reduction occurred in the dry solids of 15%. The results for different levels of C/N ratio showed that TKN and organic to mineral P of the worm-worked waste activated sludge decreased with increase in C/N ratio. The pH of the produced vermicompost in different levels of dry solids and C/N ratio increased in all the experiments.

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How to cite this article
K. Naddafi, M. Zamanzadeh, A. A. Azimi, G. A. Omrani, A. R. Mesdaghinia and E. Mobedi, 2004. Effect of Temperature, Dry Solids and C/N Ratio on Vermicomposting of Waste Activated Sludge. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 7: 1217-1220.

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