Chemical Characteristic of Solid Waste

Chemical Characteristic of Solid Waste

1. pH

The scale ranges from 0-14. If pH ranges from 0-7 then it is acidic. If it ranges from 7-14 then it is alkaline or base. If pH ranges 7 then it is neutral.

The pH of solid waste is normally 7. During decomposition, it gets acidic and stabilized solid waste in alkaline.

2. Organic content

A 10g portion of dried ground sample is placed on silica dish and heated to a temperature of 700°C for 30 min. The residue is weighed and loss of weight represents organic content.

3. Carbon content

The carbon content is determined by New Zeland formula in which organic matter is divided by 1.724.

4. Toxicity

Toxicity includes heavy metal, pesticides, insecticides, etc

5. Nitrogen content

Nitrogen content includes various ranges such as nitrogen, phosphorous, potash, etc is important in composting.