The development of composting systems for xenobiotic waste treatment and for the bioremediation of contaminated land

Objective

To develop a proper exploitation of composting technology for environmental technology and through a multinational/multidisciplinary approach and to study the application of composting to the treatment of wastes contaminated with xenobiotics, especially organochlorine compounds.


Laboratory, intermediate and field scale composting systems will be developed as enrichments for communities of xenobiotic-degrading micro-organisms whose physiology and biochemistry will be characterised. The feasability of manipulating degradative populations, preparing solid-state inocula and the identification of particularly efficient strains will have been determined.

Chemical analysis will also be applied and composting of wastes such as paper/sludge optimised. A summary of the current situation regarding disposal of paper processing residues, toxic substance content and new approaches for consideration, will be produced. Glasshouse and field trials will be conducted to demonstrate the stability and environmental neutrality of the products, and these will also be extended to an evaluation of applications in bioremediation of contaminated sites. Specific outdoor locations will be used to determine optimal dimensions and parameters for large-scale composting.

The proposal combines fundamental research in the biology and chemistry of the degradative process leading to process development and scale-up with a thorough evaluation of environmental impact/benefits in properly conducted field experiments.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › biological sciences › biochemistry
• engineering and technology › environmental biotechnology › bioremediation › compost
• medical and health sciences › basic medicine › physiology
• engineering and technology › environmental engineering › waste management › waste treatment processes
• natural sciences › biological sciences › microbiology

Programme(s)

• FP3-ENV 1C - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of the environment, 1990-1994

Topic(s)

• 0202 - Technologies for protecting and rehabilitating the environment

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

University of Liverpool

Address

Crown Street
L69 3BX Li Liverpool
United Kingdom

Participants (4)

Horticulture Research International

United Kingdom

Address

Worthing Road
BN17 6LP Littlehampton

National Board of Waters and the Environment

Finland

Address

4-6,hakuninmaantie
00430 Helsinki

Universität Kaiserslautern

Germany

Address

Erwin-schrödinger-straße
67663 Kaiserslautern

Université Libre de Bruxelles

Belgium

Address

1,avenue Emile Gryson
1070 Bruxelles