Virtual Booth

The increasing volume of garden waste (GW) poses a significant concern, contributing to the escalating landfill problem. If not addressed in the coming years, this issue could become more challenging. One of the methods that can be used to reduce waste volume is the anaerobic digestion (AD) technique. This method is claimed to be suitable for GW such as dry leaves (DL). Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the highest TS and VS value reduction at different times of digestion. The AD process was performed using a duran bottle, and the ratio of DL to river sludge was 1:2. The digestion process was set up for 5 and 15 days. Mesophilic conditions at 35°C (±1) were used, as the appropriate conditions for the facultative anaerobic bacteria (FAB) to reproduce and grow. The physical and biological properties of raw DL were determined, and it was reported that DL was suitable to undergo the AD process. While, AD for 15 days, reduced the highest Total Solid (TS) by 49.32% and Volatile Solid (VS) by 28.55% respectively, surpassing the 5-day period and highlighting the efficacy of prolonged microbial breakdown. This is beneficial for waste management as it minimizes the space required for disposal in landfills. Altogether, this study emphasizes the potential of a 15-day anaerobic digestion duration, underscoring the practical significance of extended microbial breakdown for sustainable GW management. It provides valuable insights into resource recovery and environmental conservation. Keywords: Anaerobic digestion, Garden Waste, Total Solid, Volatile Solid