Abstract:
CPO production increased resulting in the amount of waste also increased, such
as solid waste Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB). The composting process is one
alternative method for reducing environmental pollution caused by waste EFB.
However, the composting process takes a long time. Therefore, it is important to
do a breakthrough to speed up the processing time. In this research, EFB
composting process is done by adding a mixed culture that is useful as a starter
and POME as a nutrition source. The purpose of this research was to determine
the kinetic parameters of growth of microorganisms in the composting process
Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) as information on the scale-up bioreactor. Aerobic
composting process takes place with variations in source of microorganisms, they
are without the addition of mixed cultures; the addition of mixed cultures with a
concentration of 60%; and the addition of mixed cultures 60% + POME. Stages of
this researchare the preparation of a starter, substrate preparation, preparation
windrow, and the composting process. operating conditions of the composting
process are a moisture content of 40-60%, 30-50 0C temperature, and pH 6 to
8.5. The results showed that the reduction in C/N ratio in the composting process
of EFB by adding POME faster in the amount of 19,77 on day 32 with a value of
kinetic parameters are μmax 0.63 day-1, the value of yield 0,014, and Ks
amounted to 32,32 g / L.
