Improving the Aerated Static Pile Composting Method by the Incorporation of Moisture Control

The aerated static pile (ASP) composting method, when operated using a temperature feedback control system is known to produce rapid drying rates through the mechanism of evaporative cooling. Previous work has shown through rewetting ASP, that the moisture content had been lowered to the point of producing an inhibitive effect. In this study, using mixtures of raw sludge and woodchips, the effect of moisture control on the rate of organic matter breakdown, using ASP was investigated. Results suggest that the duration of the thermophilic phase can be extended, to provide a more stringent treatment. However, the rate of sanitization appeared to be retarded, although numbers of indicator organisms detected at the end of the runs indicated that the level of pathogen destruction was adequate.