Influence of several physical parameters in enzymatic fermentation of vegetable and fruit waste to produce organic liquid fertilizer using MASARO technology

• Published in: Results in engineering 2024-09, Vol.23, p.102567, Article 102567
• Main Authors: Abidin, Akhmad Zainal, Steven, Soen, Fadli, Rajiul, Nabiel, Muhammad Fakhri, Yemensia, Elsye Veradika, Soekotjo, Ernie S.A., Rahman Setiawan, Arief Ameir, Sasongko, Nugroho Adi, Rendra Graha, Hafis Pratama, Abidin, Taufik, Putra, Ridwan Pratama
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aeration; Amino acid; Decomposition; Fertilizer; Microbes
• ISSN: 2590-1230; 2590-1230
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2024.102567

The problem of unmanaged waste amount and the still high dependence on synthetic fertilizers can be overcome with the conversion of organic waste into organic liquid fertilizer through enzymatic fermentation. The process is carried out with MASARO (Manajemen Sampah Zero) technology. Hence, this study aims to study the enzymatic fermentation phenomenon in MASARO technology with vegetable and fruit waste as feedstocks. Several physical influences such as aeration (with vs. without), stirring frequency (1 time/day vs. 3 times/day), and bioreactor color (dark blue vs. white) were investigated. This study found that the first stage of fermentation offers a lower pH due to the formation of organic acids whereas the second stage of fermentation enhances the pH due to the presence of methane and ammonium. The results also prove that the parameter that most influences pH is aeration. The presence of aeration promotes methanogenesis and deamination thereby signifying the fermentation pH. This is also evidenced by the change in product color, which becomes darker over time when aeration is applied. Likewise, the optimal stirring frequency is 1 time/day and the recommended bioreactor color is dark blue. Finally, the application of organic liquid fertilizer on Indramayu paddy fields supports that this fertilizer creates soil looseness, augments the number of decomposers, and enriches soil nutrition so it can lead to productivity and agricultural sustainability. •Organic waste was processed as organic liquid fertilizer through MASARO technology.•Low carbohydrates and high proteins in organic waste enhanced the fertilizer's pH.•Aeration is adverse to the fertilizer quality because of higher pH and darker color.•Dark blue bioreactor was more favored since it promotes proteins' decomposition.•This fertilizer loosens the soil, provides essential substances, and boosts plant productivity.