Optimization of bokashi-composting process using effective microorganisms-1 in smart composting bin

• Main Authors: Kamarudin, S. (Author), Lew, P.S (Author), Misnan, M.F (Author), Nik Ibrahim, N.N.L (Author), Thamrin, N.M (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021
• Series: Sensors
• Subjects: Bins; Bokashi composting; composting; Composting; Composting bin; Composting process; Control samples; Decomposition rate; Effective microorganisms; Environmental issues; food; Food; Food waste; Gas emissions; Greenhouse gases; Household food; IoT; microbiology; Organic wastes; Refuse Disposal; Smart composting bin; soil; Soil; Soil Microbiology; Soils; waste disposal; Waste treatment; WIFI
• Online Access: View Fulltext in Publisher; View in Scopus

 Malaysians generate 15,000 tons of food waste per day and dispose of it in the landfill, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. As a solution for the stated problem, this research aims to produce an excellent quality bokashi compost from household organic waste using a smart composting bin. The bokashi composting method is conducted, whereby banana peels are composted with three types of bokashi brans prepared using 12, 22, and 32 mL of EM-1 mother cultured. During the 14 days composting process, the smart composting bin collected the temperature, air humidity, and moisture content produced by the bokashi-composting process. With the ATmega328 microcontroller, these data were uploaded and synchronized to Google Sheet via WIFI. After the bokashi-composting process was completed, three of each bokashi compost and a control sample were buried in separate black soil for three weeks to determine each compost’s effectiveness. NPK values and the C/N ratio were analyzed on the soil compost. From the research, 12 mL of EM-1 shows the most effective ratio to the bokashi composting, as it resulted in a faster decomposition rate and has an optimum C/N ratio. Bokashi composting can help to reduce household food wastes. An optimum amount of the EM-1 used during the bokashi-composting process will produce good quality soil without contributing to environmental issues. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.