Optimization of organic waste management from the Ariana project (Junín) by stabilizing it with microbiological substrate for composting

Gonzales-Rosales B.; Irribarren P. · Idesia (2025) · DOI: 10.4067/0718-3429-idesia-2025-43-e13

Resumen

The objective of this study was to evaluate the optimization of organic waste (RO) management from the Ariana project through stabilization with a microbiological substrate for composting. The research was conducted at the Temporary Industrial Waste Storage (ATRI) of the Ariana mining unit, Junín, Peru. Initially, the RO generated in the dining room of the Marcapomacocha hotel was characterized. Subsequently, four management alternatives were evaluated: 0) final disposal in a sanitary landfill (current management), 1) in situ RO composting project, 2) implementation of an RO dehydrator, and 3) RO stabilization for composting. The best proposal was selected based on established criteria. Additionally, stabilization treatments were carried out on 160 kg of RO with the addition of 10 kg of microbiological substrate, evaluating different treatment times: M1 (1 week), M2 (3 weeks), M3 (5 weeks), M4 (7 weeks), and M5 (9 weeks). In addition, the carbon footprint of the winning proposal was reviewed. The results showed that the per capita generation of RO was 0.89 kg/worker/day, with an average moisture content of 61%. Furthermore, proposal No. 3 was the winner. During the stabilization process, humidity was maintained at 70%, the pH decreased slowly (M5=6.07, M4=5.62, M3=5.22, M2=5.02, and M1=4.98), and the temperature increased minimally (M5=6.7°C, M4=7°C, M3=7.2°C, M2=8.8°C, and M1=8.9°C). Furthermore, the theoretical carbon footprint estimate for composting was 1.12 TN CO2 equivalent. It is concluded that RO stabilization for composting is the most efficient alternative to optimize RO management. RO stabilization managed to maintain humidity, avoiding the generation of leachates, odors, and gases. Likewise, replacing RO disposal in landfills with composting reduced the carbon footprint by 84%. Therefore, it is moving toward immediate implementation in the Ariana project.

Instituciones: Universidad Científica del Sur