The Effect of Eco-Enzyme on the Physiochemical and Microbial Properties of Compost Production Using Mushroom Substrate Waste and Cow Manure

Chen, Yee Wen (2024) The Effect of Eco-Enzyme on the Physiochemical and Microbial Properties of Compost Production Using Mushroom Substrate Waste and Cow Manure. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Composting is an environmentally sustainable technique that can be used to treat mushroom substrate and cow manure that uses microorganisms to break down food waste. This procedure modifies the microbial population by reducing hazardous pathogens and encourages the emergence of beneficial species. Eco-enzymes added to the compost have been shown to inhibit plant pathogenic bacteria. These enzymes include proteases, amylases, and lipases. The purpose of this study was to analyze microbial community changes and physiochemical features in eco-compost, with an emphasis on bacteria such as Azotobacter sp., Rhizobium sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Shigella sp., Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis. Four eco-enzyme dilution ratios (0, 200, 500, and 1000) were applied to mature compost piles, with samples taken on Days 0, 22, and 30. Microbial populations were measured using CFU/g and one-way ANOVA by Past v4.02 was used to analyse the differences in abundance. Bacterial species were isolated and identified using Gram staining, KOH test, methyl-red test, catalase test, and citrate utilization test. The inhibitory activities of eco-enzymes against pathogenic bacteria were also investigated. The results showed that supplementing eco-enzymes at a 500 dilution ratio resulted in the most favourable microbial shifts, drastically lowering Enterococcus faecalis (p < 0.05) growth to average 6.15 x 105 CFU/g while eliminating Salmonella sp., and Shigella sp. The pathogenic Escherichia coli was also eliminated as its presence was not detected on Day 22 and Day 30 samples while having a lesser average of 7.32 x 105 CFU/g in Day 0 samples compared to other treatments. However, the population of Pseudomonas sp. survived, albeit at a reduced level of an average of 6.10 x 105 CFU/g (p > 0.05). Despite this, the eco-compost has potential as a beneficial fertilizer and pathogenic bacteria control approach and deserves further investigation.