Statistical Optimization to Model Ammonia Removal During Co-Composting of Pulp/Paper Mill Sludge and Corn Wastes

Abstract

This work presents an effective way to remove ammonium from compost using corn wastes. The study examined the role of experimental factors on the removal of ammonium using a full factor experimental design. The experimental factors and their related levels selected were as follows: Material type (corn cob and corn husk), ratio (10 and 25%), moisture (50 and 70%), and finally duration (30 and 60 days). The results were evaluated with an ANOVA test. A regression model that took into account the significant main and interaction effects was suggested. According to the optimization algorithm, the optimum levels were corn cob, 25% ratio, 50% moisture, and 60-day duration, with a removal efficiency of 91.84%. The proposed procedure is simple to implement and cost-effective. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim