Growth Kinetics of Microorganisms In Composting Processof Empty Fruit Bunch

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.