Maturity indices as an index to evaluate the quality of sulphur enriched municipal solid waste compost using variable byproduct of sulphur

The aim of this study was to assess the maturity indicators of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) enrichment with different byproduct of (sugar and fertilizer industry) sulphur (S). The concentration of total S (TS), water-soluble S (WSS), HCl extractable S and available S were significantly different in com-posts prepared through different byproduct of S with MSW. WSS varied from 4.6 to 5.9% of TS after 120 days of the composting period, whereas, available S varied from 14.5 -8.6% of TS. S enriched MSW compost had lower C/N, C/S ratio and higher nitrification index as well as lower phyto-toxicity, demonstrating that composts are properly matured and stabilised. Highest compost quality index (0.97) was recorded with S1 compost. Arylsulphatase activity significantly increased with compost matu-rity. Results stated that all S enriched products maintained a superior amount of plant nutrients and qual-ity indices, indicating that S enriched compost could be a possible substitute for expensive fertilizers. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the maturity indicators of municipal solid waste compost enrichment with different sulfur byproducts, showing that sulfur enriched compost had higher quality indices and plant nutrients, making it a potential substitute for expensive fertilizers.