Recovery of organic matter decomposition inhibited by oxygen deficiency at the early thermophilic stage of composting

This study aimed to elucidate the effect of oxygen deficiency at the early thermophilic stage on the composting of model food waste by using a controlled laboratory-scale system. Oxygen deficiency at the early stage was created by supplying nitrogen into composting in 3 days (LN3dA) and 5 days (LN5dA), then air was introduced subsequently until the end of composting. Compared with composting with sufficient air (LA), Run LN3dA and LN5dA had lower organic matter degradation by 10% and 19% respectively even after sufficient air was supplied till the end of composting.