Tratamiento de los residuos urbanos en Santiago del Estero (Argentina). Una experiencia piloto

VERÓNICA PAZ; ROBERTO UMBIDES; HORACIO MISHIMA; MARIA INÉS SANCHEZ DE PINTO

Residuos

ATEGRUS

Lugar: Bilbao; Año: 2003 p. 40 - 46

1131-9526

A pioneer experience in municipal waste treatments was carried out in the province of Santiago del Estero (Argentina). The objective of this study was to use the organic fraction of this waste for composting, in order to reduce the amount of these materials, that commonly has a landfilldisposal. Through composting, the organic matter is stabilized, being a source of nutrients and obtaining an amendment with beneficial effects for soils. The pilot experience treated around 400 kg of urban waste per week, coming from a selective separation of organic waste, which was carried out in a neighbourhood of the town by 61 families. Open windrow composting, with regular turning to provide a better ventilation of the piles. During the first 30 days, an exhaustive control of temperature, moisture and aeration was followed. During the composting process,the evolution of pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter and its humic fractions, nitrogen, exchange capacity, heavy metals and toxicity were evaluated.