Composting is a technological process of waste management that is, with the help of microbiological activities in aerobic conditions, organic material is decomposed and stabilized into a biodegradable mixture and transformed into compost. This process of decomposition of organic matter has recently attracted a lot of attention due to its environmentally friendly methods in which additional environmental pollution is avoided. The composting process follows four phases (first mesophilic phase, thermophilic phase, second mesophilic phase, and maturation phase). The most important factors influencing the decomposition success are C/N ratio, humidity, temperature, substrate particle size, pH, oxygen content and microorganisms. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes act as chemical decomposers in the process of decomposition of organic matter into carbon dioxide, heat, water, hummus, and a relatively stable final organic product - compost. In the process of composting, microorganisms decompose the complex molecules of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The presence of different types of microorganisms is influenced by the composition of composite mixtures and changes in temperature through the phases of the composting process. At the beginning of compression, the microbial activity increases significantly, which causes a temperature rise. The initial dominance of bacteria is replaced by fungi that are most active in the process of compost maturation.This scientific paper aims to present an overview of the composting process and the role of beneficial microorganisms in the process of decomposition of organic matter of the compost mixture.
Climate change poses a serious threat to agricultural production. Water deficit in agricultural soils is one of the consequences of climate change that has a negative impact on crop growth and yield. Selenium (Se) is known to be involved in plant defense against biotic and abiotic stress through metabolic, structural, and physiological activity in higher plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological response of Se-biofortified soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) seedlings under osmotic stress. For this research, we used biofortified soybean grain obtained after foliar Se biofortification in 2020. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber with two cultivars (Lucija and Sonja) grown on filter paper in three replicates. The experiment was carried out with two watering treatments: distilled water (PEG-0) and 2.5% polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG-2.5) on Se-biofortified seeds (Se) and nonbiofortified seeds (wSe). Contents of lipid peroxidation product (LP), free proline (PRO), total phenolic content (TP), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and ascorbic acid (AA) were analyzed in 7-days-old seedlings. Significant differences were detected in the Se content of soybean grains between the two cultivars. A milder reaction to PEG-2.5 was observed in cultivar Lucija in both Se and wSe treatments, which might represent the mitigating effects of Se on osmotic stress in this cultivar. Contrarily, in cultivar Sonja, Se adversely affected all analyzed traits in the PEG-2.5 treatment. Ultimately, Se is a pro-oxidant in Sonja, whereas it represents an anti-oxidant in Lucija. In conclusion, different soybean cultivars show contrasting physiological reactions to both osmotic stress and Se. However, the activation of antioxidant pathways in Sonja can also be interpreted as added value in soybean seedlings as a functional food.
New and innovative advanced oxidative processes for wastewater treatments are currently in the focus of scientific research and development for possible industrial implantation. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cold plasma treatment, high intensity ultrasound and UV radiation with the addition of additives: H2O2, TiO2, FeCl3 x 6H2O on degradation and removal of complex organic compounds from olive mill wastewater (OMWW). Olive mill wastewater represents a potential ecological problem when it is raw disposed into the environment, because of its high organic load. OMWW samples (with and without additives) were treated by high-voltage plasma discharge at frequencies 60 Hz and 120 Hz in combination with pumped gases (nitrogen, air and oxygen) for 30 minutes, by UV radiation for 30 minutes and 10 minutes by high intensity ultrasound. Physico-chemical parameters of quality, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total dissolved carbon (TOC) were determined. The results have shown the efficacy of plasma treatment in degradation of organic compounds as well as degradation and reduction of polyphenolic compounds. Reduction of colour and total dissolved carbon occurred in all treated samples, mostly with the addition of FeCl3 x 6H2O. Treatment with UV radiation and ultrasound proved to be the most efficient resulting in the 50% reduction of organic compounds after a 10-minute treatment.
The constant increase in the intensity of agricultural production simultaneously increases the risk of negative effects of long-term agricultural practices. By-products of agricultural, forestry, and food production, as well as other types of organic waste, can be used as raw materials in the production of organic fertilizers and substrates for seedling cultivation through various processes of biological stabilization. In this way, the amount of waste is reduced, which contributes to the preservation of soil fertility and the sustainable use of resources. During waste processing and the stabilization of organic matter can be improved by using earthworms (vermicomposting). The aim of this study was to determine how different substrates, composed of different components and their mixtures, affect the earthworm Eisenia andrei. The effects of investigated substrates on the survival and behavior of earthworms were monitored. In addition, the effect of tested substrates on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CES), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was also assessed. The results showed that the most suitable substrates were leaves with horse manure and grape pomace alone and in combination with rock wool and sawdust. The obtained results provide important information on components and mixtures that have the greatest potential in the production of organic fertilizers and substrates for growing seedlings.
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