Changes in enzymatic activity in composts containing chicken feathers

Bioresour Technol. 2009 Jul;100(14):3604-12. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2009.02.042. Epub 2009 Mar 25.

Abstract

Enzymatic activity, i.e. respiratory activity, dehydrogenase activity, phosphatase activity, caseinian protease activity, BAA protease activity and urease activity, was determined to investigate the process of biochemical transformations and to select enzymatic indices of maturity of composts prepared from feathers and lignocellulose wastes (bark, straw). Composting was conducted for 7 months, with periodic determinations of activity of the enzymes. The study revealed significant differences in the enzymatic activity, related with the duration of composting and with the substrate composition of the composts. Generally, composts enriched with straw were characterised by higher enzymatic activity than composts without any addition of straw. It was found that the activity of such enzymes as cellulase and protease, towards the end of the period of composting decreased and stabilised. The enzymes enumerated can be taken into consideration in estimation of the maturity of composts prepared from feathers and lignocellulose wastes.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Cellulase / chemistry
  • Chickens
  • Enzymes / chemistry
  • Feathers*
  • Lignin / chemistry
  • Oxidoreductases / chemistry
  • Peptide Hydrolases / chemistry
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / chemistry
  • Refuse Disposal / methods*
  • Soil
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors
  • Wood

Substances

  • Enzymes
  • Soil
  • lignocellulose
  • Lignin
  • Oxidoreductases
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases
  • Cellulase
  • Peptide Hydrolases