Progettazione e utilizzazione di un bioreattore da laboratorio per il compostaggio
Author(s)
Rosati, Laura
Date Issued
November 20, 2010
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
The most common olive oil extraction technologies are based on three-and two-phase centrifugation
systems. The more recent two-phase system is considered to be an extraction system with a lower
environmental impact as it produces olive oil and a single by-product in the form of humid olive
husks. The high moisture content however leads to a reduced economical value for this kind of
husks and their disposal has become a new problem for the oil extraction industry.
Composting is one of the possible and promising technologies to obtain a stable and mature soil
amender. The application of compost to agricultural land is a practice which is gaining importance
particularly due to its beneficial properties in improving soil fertility and plant growth and reducing
the potential of erosion and desertification.
The aim of the work was to evaluate the feasibility of the composting of two different three-and
two-phase husks, by the incorporation of different agricultural organic residues. The composting
were performed in a laboratory scale composter, specially deigned and carried out, equipped with a
forced aeration system.
The results of this study demonstrate that the composting of olive oil wastes in aerated piles is
feasible and complete in about 4 months. This result was achieved despite the very hard conditions,
particularly of the experimental husks used, that had a high humidity, a very high content of water
soluble organic matter, phenolic compounds, and an extreme initial phytotoxicity.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Meccanica agraria
Subjects
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