A review on application of microorganisms for organic waste management

Abstract

The extensive utilisation of microorganisms namely fungi and bacteria for treating organic wastes has been attributed to their efficiency in eliminating pathogen and accelerating the degradation process. Their uses have been found considerably efficient for enhancing waste treatment. Among many methods employed, composting mediated by indigenous microbial communities has gained significant popularity in treating organic waste. Use of cellulolytic microorganisms to expedite the degradation rate of wastes, notably the lignocellulosic components, may prove useful. This paper reviews the application of microorganisms in the waste management technologies that include anaerobic digestion and composting of organic waste with a high lignocellulosic portion, composting of heavy metal contaminated organic waste, and composting at low temperature.