Optimization of Bokashi-Composting Process Using Effective Microorganisms-1 in Smart Composting Bin

• Published in: Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2021-04, Vol.21 (8), p.2847
• Main Authors: Lew, Pei Sze, Nik Ibrahim, Nik Nor Liyana, Kamarudin, Suryani, Thamrin, Norashikin M, Misnan, Mohamad Farid
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: bokashi composting; Composting; Decomposition; Food; Food waste; Fruits; Greenhouse gases; Households; Humidity; Internet of Things; IoT; Landfill; Landfill gas; Microorganisms; Moisture content; Municipal solid waste; Recycling centers; Refuse Disposal; Sensors; smart composting bin; Soil; Soil analysis; Soil Microbiology; Soil moisture; Syrups & sweeteners; WIFI; Wireless access points
• ISSN: 1424-8220; 1424-8220
• DOI: 10.3390/s21082847

Malaysians generate 15,000 tons of food waste per day and dispose of it in the landfill, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. As a solution for the stated problem, this research aims to produce an excellent quality bokashi compost from household organic waste using a smart composting bin. The bokashi composting method is conducted, whereby banana peels are composted with three types of bokashi brans prepared using 12, 22, and 32 mL of EM-1 mother cultured. During the 14 days composting process, the smart composting bin collected the temperature, air humidity, and moisture content produced by the bokashi-composting process. With the ATmega328 microcontroller, these data were uploaded and synchronized to Google Sheet via WIFI. After the bokashi-composting process was completed, three of each bokashi compost and a control sample were buried in separate black soil for three weeks to determine each compost's effectiveness. NPK values and the C/N ratio were analyzed on the soil compost. From the research, 12 mL of EM-1 shows the most effective ratio to the bokashi composting, as it resulted in a faster decomposition rate and has an optimum C/N ratio. Bokashi composting can help to reduce household food wastes. An optimum amount of the EM-1 used during the bokashi-composting process will produce good quality soil without contributing to environmental issues.