Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

Published date: Mar 20 2025

Journal Title: Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

Issue title: Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques: Volume 13, Issue 1

Pages: 62 - 81

DOI: 10.18502/jett.v13i1.18243

Angus Chuachu@ucalgary.caDepartment of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Mohammad Reza Talaeimohammadreza.talaeik@ucalgary.caDepartment of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Phosphogypsum (PG) amendments have been explored as a strategy to enhance composting efficiency while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen losses. This study investigated the effects of PG at different concentrations (3%, 8%, and 15%) on cattle manure composting under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions over a 14-day period. The results indicate that PG significantly influenced gas emissions, nitrogen transformation, and compost maturity. Under aerobic conditions, CO_₂ emissions increased rapidly during the initial phase, reflecting active microbial respiration, whereas anaerobic composting exhibited lower CO_₂ emissions, indicating slower decomposition. Methane (CH₄) emissions were significantly reduced with PG, with complete suppression at 8% and 15% PG under anaerobic conditions, likely due to competition between sulfate-reducing bacteria and methanogens. Ammonia (NH_₃) emissions also decreased with increasing PG levels in both systems, suggesting improved nitrogen retention through ammonium adsorption and pH regulation. However, compost maturity was delayed in PG-treated samples, as indicated by lower NO_₃^⁻-N accumulation and prolonged ammonium presence. These findings suggest that PG amendments can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance nitrogen retention, making them a viable strategy for sustainable manure management. However, longer composting durations or optimized aeration strategies may be necessary to achieve full stabilization. Future research should explore the longterm impacts of PG-enriched compost on soil health and plant growth to maximize its agronomic potential.

Keywords: greenhouse gases, ammonia emissions, phosphogypsum, cattle manure, composting

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