Evaluation of Phytotoxicity for Compost from Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste and Paper & Pulp Mill Sludge

Abstract

The compost obtained from composting organic fraction of Municipal solid waste, Paper & Pulp mill sludge and saw dust using different initial mix ratios (1:3, 1:6, 1:9) was used to evaluate phytotoxicity of green gram (Vigna radiata) using a seed germination method. The tests were repeated for the compost obtained from organic fraction of MSW and saw dust without the addition of sludge. The control germination test was carried out using deionised water. The results showed that composting generally reduced the phytotoxicity of the mixtures. A germination index was the highest in the mix ratio of 1:9 in the compost obtained from the addition of paper & pulp mill sludge and a germination index was the highest in the mix ratio of 1:6 in the compost obtained without the addition of sludge. The germination percentage, germination index and vigour index values were relatively higher in the compost obtained with the addition of paper & pulp mill sludge. The vigour index was found to be maximal in the mix ratio of 1:3 from the compost obtained with the addition of sludge.