ISSN:
0006-3592
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
A conceptual model of aerobic microbial growth in semisolid matrices was developed as a first step in the prediction of the rate of breakdown of semisolid cellulosic material. The conceptual model was described by a series of equations simplified by the assumption of steady-state microbial activity, and heat and mass transfer limitation. Temperature and oxygen distribution in compost piles were measured experimentally at the Butler County Mushroom Farm, Butler County, Pennsylvania, to test the validity of these assumptions. The compost piles consisted of ground corn husks, straw, and race horse manure. The data fit with the model was excellent with deviations between model predictions (as solved by an analog computer) and actual temperature measurements never exceeding 3°C. The effects of compost pile geometry, external temperature, compost density, external oxygen concentration, and insulation at the bottom of the pile were then predicted using a digital computer to solve the model. The predictions show that the maximum breakdown rate occurs for an optimum height (which depends upon the system), insulating the base increases the breakdown rate, increasing the external temperature increases the initial breakdown rate but decreases the pseudo-steady-state breakdown rate and the uniformity, and any increase in the external oxygen concentration increases the breakdown rate but decreases the uniformity.
Additional Material:
10 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bit.260180904
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