To study the optimum conditions of composting with industrial wastewater sludge, the variations of temperature and CO_2 generation amount during the composting periods were investigated. The conditions were that industrial wastewater added to bulking agents such as sawdust and rice hull was used, and differently treated with microorganism seeding or not, initial C/N ratios, air flow rate and initial moisture contents, respectively. The results were summarized as follows ;
Seeding 5% of microorganism was higher the temperature than not seeding. And using sawdust as bulking agents, and adjusting 30∼40 of initial C/N ratio, 200㎎/ℓ·min. of air flow rate and 67∼68% of initial moisture contents were higher the temperature than any other conditions.
Seeding 5% of microorganisms was higher CO_2 generation amount than not seeding. And that was much in the order of 7∼40, 30∼34 and 22∼23 of initial C/N ratio.
Judging from the results, it should be considered that the optimum conditions in the composting of industrial wastewater sludge were seeding of 5% microorganisms, and adjusting 30∼34 of initial C/N ratio, 200㎎/ℓ·min. of air flow rate and 67∼68% of initial moisture contents.
The contents of inorganic matters and C/N ratio during the composting periods at optimum condition were a little increased, and heavy metals contents after composting were lower than standard for fertilizer.