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Sustainable Production of Compost from Animal Waste Using an In-vessel Bioreactor: A Health Policy Brief
Summary
Researchers found that adding biochar (a charcoal-like material) to composted animal manure makes for cleaner, safer fertilizer—it helps break down harmful pollutants like heavy metals and even modestly reduces microplastic contamination. This matters because manure is widely used to fertilize crops, so reducing these contaminants during composting means fewer toxins and plastics potentially ending up in our soil, food, and water supply.
Background: Livestock manure, particularly from cattle and poultry, represents a major source of organic waste, and improper disposal can pose significant environmental risks. Composting offers a sustainable solution by stabilizing manure, enhancing nutrient availability, and reducing pathogen load. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biochar amendment and varying cattle-to-poultry manure (CM/PM) ratios on compost quality, pollutant removal, and microplastic dynamics. Methods: Twelve treatments combining three CM/PM ratios (1:1, 3:1, and 1:3) with biochar levels (5%, 10%, and 15%) were composted under controlled aerobic conditions. Physicochemical properties, nutrient dynamics, heavy metals, and microplastics were monitored throughout the co-composting process. Results: Biochar significantly improved compost maturity, humification, nutrient stabilization, and pollutant reduction, with total organic carbon, humic acid content, and C/N ratio showing enhanced trends in biochar-amended treatments. Heavy metal removal efficiencies increased with biochar, while microplastic abundance decreased moderately. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that animal manure compost produces environmentally safe, nutrient-rich compost, offering a practical strategy for sustainable waste management, soil fertility improvement, and circular bioeconomy promotion.