Optimization of biocomposting process on empty fruit bunch

Abstract

Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) is a byproduct of palm oil mill. EFB can be found abundantly in Malaysia as it is the world leading exporter for palm oil products. Same goes to palm oil mill effluent (POME), an effluent from palm oil mill. Conventional treatment for POME need a large area and release green house gas (GHG). In order to create a zero effluent concept to palm oil mill, biocomposting of EFB and POME is preferable due low cost and possible to generate income. In this study, the main objective is to determine the optimum moisture content and turning rate per week for biocomposting of EFB using the Design Expert software. By referring to previous study, upper and lower limit of moisture content was decided to be 80 % and 45 % respectively, while upper and lower limit of turning rate per week was decided to be 7 and 0 respectively. The final matured biocompost contained various final C/N ratio in range of 13.07 to 20.96 depending on the parameters set by Design Expert software. The result then analyzed and optimized by Design Expert software. As the result, the software suggests optimum moisture content and turning rate by design expert are 75.625 % and 1.4 respectively to produce biocompost with C/N ratio 17.3. The result of this study will significantly contributed to a better mechanism for biocompost industry.