The potential of Ascophyllum nodosum to accelerate green waste composting

Abstract

Millions of tonnes of green waste are produced annually in the UK. Composting usually extends to more than two months as well as producing greenhouse gases that can affect the environment if not optimised. We proposed a potential approach to use the algal extract from Ascophyllum nodosum as a compost accelerator. Seaweed-based treatments offer an economical and effective biological solution that activates and stabilises organic matter decomposition, promoting better carbon sequestration. Reducing both the cost and time associated with widely used composting approaches. The seaweed was collected from the Scottish coastline, extracted, and formulated to enhance application. Its effects on the timeline of the composting process were systematically investigated through physical, biological, and observational quantification. The emission of gases, the pH, temperature, humidity, consistency, and microbial growth of the compost were studied. Interestingly, the results showed that the compost reached a stable state within six weeks, with lower ammonia and carbon dioxide production. The use of this formulation can minimise expense, reduce resources used, and also lower the levels of harmful volatile organics. This approach is economically beneficial and environmentally crucial in compost formation, controlling contamination, and carbon sequestration optimisation.