Alternative for increasing enzymatic activity and sugar release in organic solid waste during aerobic degradation process

Abstract

The impact of inoculum (mature compost) was assessed in an aerobic system for the rapid degradation of organic solid waste, with a focus on the release of reducing sugars. Isothermal (35 and 55 °C) and non-isothermal (35-55 °C) treatments were conducted. Key indicators, including the rate of oxygen consumption (O2) and carbon dioxide production (CO2), were measured to assess microbial activity. Additionally, the concentration of reducing sugars, pH, enzymatic activity, and the presence of pathogens were evaluated. Treatments with inoculum at 35 °C and without inoculum at 55 °C exhibited an increase in oxygen consumption and CO2 production, indicating heightened microbial activity and, consequently, greater mineralization of organic matter. The treatment without inoculum at 35-55 °C presented the highest concentration of reducing sugars (160 mg/g dry weight), suggesting its potential as a pretreatment for bioconversion processes aimed at generating value-added products. At a temperature of 55 °C, there was a reduction of 84.4, 87.28, and 67.33 % in the concentrations of fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, and parasites, respectively. This result suggests that elevated temperature contributes to the effectiveness of pathogen elimination.