Investigation on Preparation, Characterization and Application of Effective Microorganisms (EM) Based Composts - an Ecofriendly Solution

Nowadays, solid waste disposal is the most pressing problem facing mankind throughout the world. The solid waste management plays a significant role to create a sustainable environment. Composting is a controlled decomposition of an organic matter into nutrient rich humus, which is relatively a stable organic end product. The activated Effective Microorganisms (EM) are used to decompose the solid organic materials. EM considerably improves the decomposition of organic materials and quality of compost and reduces the volume of compost by 50% or less in the raw material. This paper deals with the comparison of four matured composts from different waste organic materials such as kitchen waste, leaf waste, paper waste and water hyacinth waste using Effective Microorganisms. The parameters like pH, temperature, moisture content and height of bed were monitored and maintained throughout the process. The end products of humus like compost were characterized and analysed for physico-chemical characteristics like pH, moisture content, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and C:N ratio. The results of all the matured composts showed better quality and as an effective adsorbent medium for the removal of crystal violet dye from aqueous solution.