Efecto de la adición de lodos de la PTAR Ambato sobre los procesos de compostaje de residuos verdes y de jardín

Abstract

Ecuador generates a high percentage of organic solid waste, such as green waste and garden waste, causing a significant environmental problem. All waste accumulates in landfills, causing pollution. Furthermore, the sludge from the Ambato WWTP represents a responsible environmental strategy, and together with composting, aims to improve compost quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to understand the effect of the Ambato WWTP sludge on the composting process in laboratory bioreactors. The methodology consisted of operating three bioreactors for the 12-week composting process. The bioreactors consisted of green waste, garden waste, and commercial compost for bioreactor 1, and for bioreactors 2 and 3, the same materials were added, but with the addition of WWTP sludge. The physicochemical characteristics of the compost were monitored throughout the process. In conclusion, the composting process using the Ambato WWTP sludge stood out for its efficiency, demonstrating how the sludge improved process quality and supported the circular economy by complying with environmental policies. The results of this study can serve as a technical reference for public environmental policies, circular economy initiatives, and urban sustainability projects in Ambato and other cities in the country, generating a positive impact on both the environmental and socioeconomic levels.