The effectiveness of EM4 and Local Micro-organisms (LOM) Activators in Organic Waste Processing in Brikama Market West Coast Region, The Gambia

Abstract

Compost is the result of decaying process of organic materials due to the interaction between decomposing microorganisms found within. Compost is a type of organic fertilizer that originates from decomposed organic materials. Observations at Brikama Market indicated 20 vegetable vendors with at least 5 pieces of vegetables decaying, market sales decline by approximately 5 kg for every transaction. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of organic waste treatment using EM4 and LOM. This research is purely experimental, uses Posttest Group design and Independent Sample T-Test. This research was conducted in groups, with different forms of waste-treatments which included the use of EM4 and local microorganism activators and observed as it decays. The results obtained differences in the average processing of organic waste using EM4 and LOM activators. The average temperature of EM4 activator 29.89°C while LOM 29.97°C. The average humidity 48.67 for EM4 activator while LOM 49.64 and the average pH of EM4 activator 5.96 while LOM 5.43. The research revealed significant changes in EM4 and LOM activators seen from the measurement of temperature, humidity and pH. It is recommended to the community to participate in managing waste, especially organic waste by making compost using EM4 and LOM activators.

Characteristics of bokashi organic fertilizer from etawa goat feces

“…The fermentation process is the decomposition of organic matter with the help of microorganisms, where bokashi that are fermented longer tend to produce a darker color. This darkening bokashi illustrates that the fermentation process of etawa goat feces with EM-4 is running normally and shows the best bokashi character [9]. This is in line with [10] that the length of fermentation time will affect the microbial decomposition process so that the longer the fermentation process causes a change in the color of bokashi will become darker, the ripe bokashi is characterized by a blackish brown color.…”

Implementasi Internet of Things Pada Pengolah Sampah Organik Rumah Tangga Menggunakan Metode Anaerob Dengan Penambahan Bioaktivator Em4

“…EM4 adalah campuran dari mikroorganisme yang menguntungkan dengan jumlah berkisar 80 jenis mikroorganisme yang bekerja secara efektif dalam memfermentasi sampah organik [3]. Dalam penelitian lain pengolahan sampah berbasis internet of things untuk memonitor ketinggian sampah serta mencampurkan bioaktivator EM4 kedalam pengolah sampah [4], penelitian tentang penggunaan internet of things untuk sistem tempat sampah pintar pengolah sampah organik yang dikembangkan pada smart city [5].…”

Food Waste Treatment and The Effect of Composting on The Gambia's Carbon Footprint

“…Composting is one technique for treating food waste that can help reduce carbon footprint [51]. Decomposition to form a compost is an aerobic, biological process which converts organic materials into a substance biologically stabilized by microorganisms [5], [23]. The proper ratios of carbon, nitrogen, and water must also be present in addition to oxygen to sustain the organic action required to break down the organic material.…”

“…10 mega-tons of GHG or methane emissions from buried organics in The Gambia are to blame. The most significant percentage of organic waste among the Gambian provinces was found in western health region 1-Brikama and the surrounding-, making up 32% of all waste created [23]. It will be possible to reduce GHG emissions and, as a result, the carbon footprint as well if these organic materials can be kept out of landfills [43].…”

“…Composting methods like windrow and tunnel are popular worldwide [44], [45]. Additionally, nutrients recovered by composting food waste can be applied to agricultural areas as fertilizer [23]. When organic waste (food waste) is composted, microbes break it down and turn it into valuable organic fertilizer [46], [47].…”