Temperature effect on aerobic biodegradation of feces using sawdust as a matrix

Temperature is one of the most important factors affecting microbial growth and biological reactions. In this study, the effect of temperature on aerobic biodegradation of feces is described through the comparison and analysis of experimental oxygen utilization rates (OUR) profiles obtained from batch tests conducted at several temperatures covering mainly mesophilic and thermophilic ranges. Additionally, the temperature effect was incorporated into the bio-kinetic model introduced by Lopez Zavala et al. (Water Res 38(5) (2004) 1327) and simulation of experimental OUR profiles was conducted. Results show that mesophilic and thermophilic microorganisms behaved differently to temperature; additionally, results suggest that the optimum temperature from the viewpoint of feces biodegradability is within the thermophilic range, nearly 60degreesC. The enzymatic activity of microorganisms at 70degreesC was remarkably diminished. For better predictions in the mesophilic range, two fractions of slowly biodegradable organic matter were identified, easily hydrolyzable organic matter (X-Se) and slowly hydrolyzable organic matter (X-Ss). (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.