AWAM International Conference on Civil Engineering 2019 (AICCE'19) - Nibong Tebal - Malaysia (2019-08-21)

Co composting of EFB and POME Using Rotary Drum Reactor by Partially Sequence Feeding Strategy
The total oil palm cover has increased in the last few years, with a consequent boost in palm oil production untreated. As a result, palm oil wastes which are a by-product of the milling process will also increase. Among the waste generated, palm oil mill effluent (POME) and Empty fruit bunch (EFB) are considered the harmful wastes for the environment if discharged untreated. The main objective of this study is to enhance the co-composting process of EFB and sludge POME by using a mechanical rotary drum reactor. In the operation of this composting process, 4 feeds each with a mixture ratio of 20 kg EFB and 10 L sludge was added to the rotary drum reactor. The feeding strategy adopted in this composting process known as partially sequence feeding method. Parameter as pH, temperature, C/N ratios, moisture content, nutrient, and heavy metal elements plays as an indicator of the maturity level for the final compost product. From data collected, the pH profile was increased from 7.6 to 9.74 along the treatment process. The initial C/N ratio is 22.73 was significantly reduced to 9.11 after 14 days treatment process. The final C/N ratio after 111 days of the composting process is 10.29. In addition, very low levels of heavy metals were detected in the compost product. The compost product may useful in palm plantation as fertilizer and soil amendment.
Dr. Rosnani Alkarimiah, Professor Fatihah Suja'