Comparison of organic matter degradation and microbial community during thermophilic composting of two different types of anaerobic sludge

Abstract Changes in organic matter degradation and microbial communities during thermophilic composting were compared using two different types of anaerobic sludge, one from mesophilic methane fermentation, containing a high concentration of proteins (S-sludge), and the other from thermophilic methane fermentation, containing high concentrations of lipids and fibers (K-sludge). The difference in the organic matter degradation rate corresponded to the difference in the organic matter constituents; the CO 2 evolution rate was greater in the composting of S-sludge than of K-sludge; moreover, the NH 3 evolution resulting from the protein degradation was especially higher in the composting of S-sludge. Then the differences in the microbial communities that contributed to each composting were determined by the PCR-DGGE method. Ureibacillus sp., which is known as a degrader with high organic matter degradation activity, was observed during the composting of S-sludge, whereas Thermobifida fusca , which is a well known thermophilic actinomycete that produces enzymes for lignocellulose degradation, were observed during the composting of K-sludge.