Characterization and Optimization of Alkline Hydrolysis of Waste Human Hair for Production of Nitrogenous Fertilizer
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Date
2024-02
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
In recent years, the efficient management of organic waste has become a critical concern for sustainable development. This study explores the potential of using waste human hair as a valuable resource for the production of nitrogenous fertilizer through lime treatment. Waste human hair, a readily available and abundantly generated organic waste, has shown promise as a rich source of nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth. The aim of this study was to utilize discarded human hair as liquid organic fertilizers for Swiss chard plants. This was done by investigating the time of solubility of different amounts of hair (2, 4, 6 g) in varying concentrations of CA(OH)2 solutions (0,1g/ml, 0.5g/ml, 1g/ml) at different temperatures (100°C, 110°C, 120°C).For the Swiss chard plants, different treatments was applied at a control group, hydrolyzed hair fertilizer (at rates different rates), and DAP fertilizer. Preliminary results indicate that increasing lime treatment and temperature minimize the hydrolyzing time of waste human hair, in which for lowest lime loading and temperature hydrolyzing time is12 hr and for high lime loading and temperature value hydrolyzing time is 10hr. Furthermore, the resulting nitrogenous fertilizer exhibits desirable nutrient content nitrogen with an optimum yield of 9.54% at an optimum value for the factors temperature (112.37) degree centigrade time (11:27)hr and lime loading( 0.72g/ml) and demonstrates the potential to improve soil fertility, acidity and crop productivity when applied to Swiss chard plant. Biomass analysis obtained for fresh and dry weight value of the Swiss chard was 90g and 25 g respectively. Proximate analysis done on moisture content ,ash content ,crude fiber and total protein was (92.6,9.01,1.80 and 2.5% )respectively This study not only addresses the pressing issue of waste management but also highlights the possibility of converting a waste stream into a valuable resource within the agricultural sector. using the synthesized fertilizer the has altered total nitrogen content of the soil to 1.9%. The findings of this study have the potential to offer valuable insights for waste management strategies and sustainable agricultural practices, promoting the efficient utilization of organic waste resources and fostering a more sustainable future.
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Keywords
Human hair, Fertilizer, Swiss chard, Hydrolysis, Optimization