Application and effects of microbial additives in aerobic composting of organic solid wastes: a review

Abstract:

Aerobic composting is a physiological and biochemical process dominated by microorganisms and is widely used for the recycle-aimed treatment of organic solid wastes. By microbial fermentation, organic wastes can be mineralized, humified, detoxified, and finally converted to organic fertilizers. However, traditional methods of aerobic composting have several disadvantages, including long fermentation period, nutrient losses, and emission of odor and greenhouse gases. Addition of microbial agents during composting process can effectively overcome these disadvantages and improve the quality of composted fertilizers. In this review, the main process of aerobic composting and the major factors influencing aerobic composting were briefly described. The recent proceedings in microbial composition and community succession during aerobic composting, and the application and effects of microbial additives in composting were summarized. In addition, problems in the application of microbial additives were analyzed and possible solutions were discussed.