Biological Waste Management

The public lecture entitled “Biological Waste Management – Anaerobic Digestion, Composting and Vermicomposting” presented by Professor Eliot Epstein on 11 March 2008 at 6:30am in Hong Kong Baptist University.

He introduces 3 types of biodegradable methodology for waste management and analysis the advantage and disadvantage in each method.

Anaerobic digestion is a process in which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. The process is widely used to treat wastewater sludges and organic wastes because it provides volume and mass reduction of the input material.

Composting is the aerobic decomposition of biodegradable organic matter, producing compost. The decomposition is performed primarily by facultative and obligate aerobic bacteria, yeasts and fungi, helped in the cooler initial and ending phases by a number of larger organisms, such as ils, and other families representing ants, nematodes and oligochaete worms.

Vermicompost (also called worm compost, vermicast, worm castings, worm humus or worm manure) is the end-product of the breakdown of organic matter by some species of earthworm. Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich, natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. The process of producing vermicompost is called vermicomposting .

Conclusion:
He does not believe that any one technology should be used by HK to solve the solid waste problem. But he believe the potential solutions are:
i) initiating an aggressive recycling program;
ii) using composting to recycle food waste from markets;
iii) considering anaerobic digestion and waste to energy before considering incineration;
iv) No consider and waste money on vermiculture.