Biotechnology and Waste - Environmental Biotechnology: Theory and Application - page 206

Table8.4 EFanalysisresults(nutrients)

Units per 1000 gal a Principal nutrients Comments

Nitrogen (ammoniacal) 2 Low

Nitrogen 5 Moderate

Magnesium < 1 Low

Phosphorus 1 Low

Potassium 6 Moderate

a Standard UK agricultural measure for fertiliser value.

Table8.5 EFanalysisresults(metals)

Metal mg/l Comments

Cadmium < 0.25 Low

Chromium < 1 Low

Copper < 1 Low

Lead < 1 Low

Mercury < 0.01 Low

Nickel < 1 Low

Zinc 2.7 Low

suspended growth regime, even relatively small-scale studies tend to be fair
representations of full-scale performance. This is particularly relevant to this sys-
tem, as the hydrolysed organics are directly assimilated by the resident microbes,
rather than simply accumulating in the process liquor.
To date, this approach has not made the transition to commercial application,
not least as a result of outstanding intellectual property questions. Never-the-
less, it stands as a worthwhile example of how alternative technologies can be
developed to meet particular needs.
The issue of local circumstance is a recurrent theme throughout the whole of
environmental biotechnology and probably so in waste management as much,
if not more, than in any other aspect. As a consequence, it is highly unlikely
that any one technology will establish itself as the monopoly treatment, which
effectively also guarantees the scope for the further development of existing or
novel minority biotechnologies.

Closing Remarks

Biowaste management cannot solely be about maximising the diversion of
biodegradable material from landfill; it must seek to maximise the return of
materials thus diverted back into the chain of utility as an equal priority. This
is a particular consideration for those biological treatment processes that result
in some kind of compost or similar product. Though it is beyond the scope
of this topic to discuss the issues of marketing and product quality in depth,
it must be obvious that any significant level of biowaste diversion via these