The effectiveness of EM4 and Local Micro-organisms (LOM) Activators in Organic Waste Processing in Brikama Market West Coast Region, the Gambia

Abstract

Compost is the result of decaying process of organic materials due to the interaction between decomposing microorganisms found within. Compost is a type of organic fertilizer that originates from decomposed organic materials. Observations at Brikama Market indicated 20 vegetable vendors with at least 5 pieces of vegetables decaying, market sales decline by approximately 5 kg for every transaction. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of organic waste treatment using EM4 and LOM. This research is purely experimental, uses Posttest Group design and Independent Sample T-Test. This research was conducted in groups, with different forms of waste-treatments which included the use of EM4 and local microorganism activators and observed as it decays. The results obtained differences in the average processing of organic waste using EM4 and LOM activators. The average temperature of EM4 activator 29.89°C while LOM 29.97°C. The average humidity 48.67 for EM4 activator while LOM 49.64 and the average pH of EM4 activator 5.96 while LOM 5.43. The research revealed significant changes in EM4 and LOM activators seen from the measurement of temperature, humidity and pH. It is recommended to the community to participate in managing waste, especially organic waste by making compost using EM4 and LOM activators.