ASSESSMENT OF AERATED STATIC PILES IN THE COMPOSTING OF POULTRY CARCASSES

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the composting process in aerated static piles with positive aeration for the treatment of poultry carcasses, using cane sugar bagasse, coffee straw and poultry litter as bulking materials and carbono sources. Efficiency indicators used were based on stabilization of organic matter (reduced VS, the C/N ratio and CEC/ TOC) and sanitization (reduction of microorganisms, coliforms and Salmonella). Different treatments were evaluated and compared with regards to efficiency of sanitization of compost and organic matter stabilization, using aerated static piles. The following treatments (T) were utilized: T1 - sugar cane bagasse, poultry litter and poultry carcasses; T2 – sugar cane bagasse, poultry litter and ground poultry carcasses; T3 - coffee straw, poultry litter and ground poultry carcasses. The variables monitored were temperature, C/N ratio, volatile solids (VS), pH, CEC and water content. The data also showed the evolution of the CEC/TOC index ? 1.7, the elimination of Salmonella and fecal coliform reduction. At the end of the experiment it was found that the coffee straw provided better results in composting of poultry carcass that sugar cane bagasse, since it resulted in greater reduction in the values of VS. Moreover, the material produced in the first composting phase (active phase), showed CEC/TOC index values higher than those considered suitable (1.7) for compost considered matured. As for sanitization, the Salmonella and fecal coliform microorganisms’ reduction reached levels were consistent with those defined in the legislation CONAMA 375/2006.