Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Pilot-scale composting and biodegradability of bovine hair

Onyuka, A., Bates, M. P., Attenburrow, G. E., Covington, A. D. and Antunes, A. P. M. (2009) Pilot-scale composting and biodegradability of bovine hair. Paper presented to: XXX Congress of the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS), Beijing, China, 11-14 October 2009. Beijing, China: IULTCS. (Unpublished)

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Abstract: The aim of this study was to develop process factors favourable for composting as an environmental-friendly and sustainable management for solid tannery hair waste. The experimental process conditions developed to sustain thermophilic microbial flora, responsible for degrading highly resistant organic materials, were: temperature 49°C, moisture 55% RH, pH 7 and a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 35:1. The biodegradation and structural modification of the substrate was assessed using scanning electron microscope. The results show that under these experimental conditions hair was highly degraded. The biodegradation was observed to be selective starting with the most vulnerable components, i.e. (1) cell membrane (2) endocuticle (3) medulla, and (4) the cytoplasmic material and fibrillar components of the cortex, with the cuticle being most resistant. The degradation mechanism was identified as both biochemical and mechanical. The gradual decrease in carbon and nitrogen ratio indicated progressive stabilisation of the compost
Uncontrolled Keywords: Composting; bovine hair; tannery wastes; biodegradation; microscopy
Subjects: T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD896 Industrial and factory wastes
T Technology > TS Manufactures > TS967 Chemistry and science of leather
T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD783 Municipal refuse. Solid wastes > TD791 Refuse and refuse disposal > TD796.5 Biodegradation. Compost
T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD794.5 Recycling
Creators: Onyuka, Arthur, Bates, Margaret P, Attenburrow, Geoff E, Covington, Anthony D and Antunes, A Paula M
Funders or Sponsors: SITA
Publisher: IULTCS
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Applied Sciences (to 2009) > Environmental Science (to 2009)
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Applied Sciences (to 2009) > Leather Technology (to 2009)
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > China and Emerging Economies Centre
Research Centres > China and Emerging Economies Centre
Date: 11 October 2009
Date Type: Presentation
Event Title: XXX Congress of the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS)
Event Dates: 11-14 October 2009
Place of Publication: Beijing, China
Event Location: Beijing, China
Event Type: Conference
Language: English
Status: Unpublished
Refereed: Yes
Related URLs:
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/3398

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