Optimizing Nutrient Cycling in Organic Waste Composting: Role of SSP and Phanerochaete chrysosporium in Mitigating Nitrogen Loss and Efficient Lignocellulose Degradation.

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effects of calcium superphosphate (SSP) and Phanerochaete chrysosporium on nitrogen loss and microbial community dynamics during co-composting of municipal sludge and wheat straw. The results showed that the degradation rates of lignin and cellulose with SSP and fungal inoculum (P. chrysosporium) reached 12.98% and 31.53%, respectively, representing significant increases compared to the control group (8.73% and 19.15%). The inoculation of P. chrysosporium enriched cellulose- and lignin-degrading microorganisms, including bacteria (Bacillus) and fungi (Wallemia). Concurrently, the peak ammonia emission concentration was reduced by 67.13%. The observed changes in cellulose/lignin degradation and microbial community composition demonstrated that SSP combined with P. chrysosporium effectively enhanced lignocellulose decomposition, thus providing a carbon source and promoting ammonia assimilation, mitigated nitrogen loss, and enriched functional microbiota. These results indicate that the synergistic application of SSP and P. chrysosporium can optimize composting efficiency, improve compost quality, and facilitate sludge recycling, detoxification, and volume reduction.