Further Curing Of Lebanese Compost Improving Quality And Stability

Abstract Assessment of compost quality from municipal solid waste MSW in a country like Lebanon where national standards and quality assurances are still primitive is an arduous task. Based on this fact the present study was undertaken to determine the quality and stability of the compost produced in Ain Baal compost plant in south Lebanon. Screened Samples were taken and divided into two categories. The first category was left without any interference as taken from the source termed non-cured whereas the second was further cured termed cured. Analysis of both the cured and non-cured samples showed a great variation based on the chemical and physical properties metal content and stability tests. The control and enhancement of the curing period aeration and moistening of the starting feedstock greatly improved the quality of the resulted compost. pH value moisture content CN ratio and mineral nitrogen ammonia fitted the acceptable range after treatment. This fact reveals that with proper care and organization of the entire composting process it is possible to improve the quality of the final product and thus use it as agricultural supplements as a final objective. This report aims to demonstrate the current status of produced compost from Ain-Baal facility as well as to highlight on the possible enhancement of its quality.