Strategic Action Plan - International Environmental Technology Centre

Strategic Action Plan Report
• Rapidly disperses metabolic end products and any toxic chemicals entering the digester.
• Prevents formation of surface scum.
4. Nutrient requirement
A sufficient amount of nutrient such as Nitrogen and Phosphorous must also be available to ensure the
proper growth of the biological community.
5. Anaerobic condition
The reactor should devoid of dissolved oxygen. O 2 is detrimental and reduce the efficiency.
6. Loading rate
Loading rate is the amount of raw material fed per unit volume of digester capacity per day. If the plant is
overfed, it will result in more acid production, lowering the pH in the digester which is harmful to the
methane formers.
7. Retention time
Retention time is the average period that a given quantity of input remains in the digester to be acted upon by
the methanogens. The retention time is also dependent on the temperature, higher the temperature, lower the
retention time.
8. Toxicity
Mineral ions, heavy metals and detergents are some of the toxic materials that inhibit the growth of bacteria
in the digester.
5.3.3 Vermi-Composting
Vermi compost is the dropping of the earthworm after the intestinal digestion of the organic matter. These
dropping are high in nutritive value and high-grade organic fertilizer. This helps in growth and multiplication
of beneficial microorganism by creating favourable environmental conditions.
Vermi composing is a bio-oxidation and stabilization process of organic matter that involves the joint
action of earthworms and bio-organism. In his process the organic waste gets breakdown and fragmented by
earthworms resulting in a stable non-toxic material with good humus material that can be used as a soil
conditioner. The earthworms are in fact, used in this process as the agents for turning fragmentation by
earthworms resulting in a stable non toxic material that can be used as a soil conditioner. The earthworms are
in fact used in this process as the agents for turning fragmentation and aeration. In this process it is absolutely
necessary to segregate the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Earthworms require moist conditions and hence a
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