Bioconversion of Wool Industry Solid Wastes to Value-Added Products

Abstract

Two wool industry solid wastes presently landfilled were characterized for their potential for bioconversion to a value added product. The fibrous wastes were tested for physical and chemical properties and baseline biological degradation tests were performed. Carbon amendments were mixed with the wool waste and increased bio-stabilization was evaluated. The product of bioconverison was tested for chemical and agronomic properties, stability and phytotoxicity and weed seed destruction. Cotton gin trash was found to be the best among tested amendments, and it was seen that amending the wool wastes and composting increased its stability and reduced phytotoxicity. Weed seeds were present in fresh cotton gin trash, however, no germination of weed seeds were seen in any of the composted materials. It is felt that the final product can serve as a good slow N-release, highly water retaining soil amendment. Further work needs to be performed to enhance the physical nature of the product making it more suitable for storage, transportation and application.