Activated temperature of microorganisms contributing to cattle manure composting

Dependence of specific growth rate of microorganisms on temperature

Abstract

In order to find the most activated temperature of composting microorganisms, dependence of specific growth rate (μ) on temperature was investigated. The composting studies were carried out in an adiabatic reactor of one litre capacity with fresh cattle manure, which was corrected from a University farm. The manure was subjected to composting reaction after dehydrating to 60%w.b. by an electric fan. The μ was calculated from measured oxygen uptake rate of the manure. The results obtained that the maximum of μ was found to be at approximately 54°C. The maximum composting rate generally observed at 60°C are attributed to the maximum number of microorganisms which is a consequence of the drastic growth at the most suitable temperature of 54°C.