Author(s): R. BERA, A. DATTA, S. SAHA, A. K. DOLUI, A. K. CHATTERJEE, R. K. SARKAR, K. SENGUPTA, P. BHATTAC

Abstract: A study was conducted during 2010-2011 at Garulia municipality in coordination with North Barrackpore Municipality, West Bengal to evaluate a new biodegradation process called \'Novcom composting method\' for management of municipality solid waste (MSW). Raw municipality solid waste and final compost samples collected on the 30th day of composting were analyzed for physicochemical properties, microbial status, stability and maturity/phytotoxicity parameters. During the composting process high temperature generated (>65°C) within compost heap for more than three consecutive days ensures the absence of any pathogenic microorganisms. As per the analysis report, final compost samples were stable (CO2 evolution rate 2.15 mg CO2 - C/g OM/day), mature and free from any phytotoxic effect (germination index varied within 0.76-0.94). Moderately high nutrient content (mean N, P and K status 1.38, 0.79 and 0.67 percent respectively) with moderately tow C:N ratio (ranged from 13:1 to 16:1) and high microbial population in terms of total bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes (in the order of 1012 to 1016 c.f.u.) of the final compost sample conclusively proved that good quality compost can be generated from municipality solid waste using this composting method.

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