Tadahiro Mori*, Huiliang Cai** and Jae Kyung Yang**

* Shimane University
** Totori University

+ Correspondence should be addressed to Tadahiro Mori:
(1060 Nishikawazu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane 690 Japan)

Abstract

A system for treatment or recycling of organic matter to connect urban and rural areas was established in the present study. There are two technologies in this system. One is the production of high-grade composted biosolids. The other is the complete decomposition of organic matter by the Thermophilic Oxic Process. High quality compost is made by combining some kinds of wastes produced in urban and agricultural areas. High quality compost not only possesses characteristics of ordinary compost, but also has a superior ability to inprove the soil properties and contains more plant nutrients. Cedar chips were used as the main bulking agent to adjust moisture content and air permeability. Charcoal and/or zeolite are used as the second bulking agent in order to improve the characteristics of soil amendment and/or fertilizer. Complete decomposition of organic matter is defined as organic matter that is completely converted to carbon dioxide and water. All water is evaporated by the heat produced by the decomposition of organic matter. Shochu waste water, swine waste or thickened excess sewage sludge was absorbed by the cedar chips. Waste oil was added to increase the energy produced in the reactor. BOD load is approximately 5-10kg m-3 day-1. When air is introduced to the reactor at the aeration rate of approximately 200L m-3 min-1, the temperature increased to approximately 60*C[Celsius degeree]. Most organic matter was mineralized and a minute amount of excess sludge was produced. All water evaporated.

Key words: recycling system, high quality compost, soil amendent, thermophilic oxic process, complete decomposition