III. Biological Waste Treatment

1. Composting

Our laboratory offers several composting technologies:

• Vermicomposting
• Windrow composting
• Drum composting

We monitor these processes using advanced measurement systems. Continuous monitoring of moisture content and temperature provides detailed data on compost maturation.

Compost Quality Assessment System

We have developed a unique system that assesses compost quality and provides recommendations for its use. This helps farmers, municipalities and environmental professionals use compost safely and effectively.

Our testing methods

• Chemical analysis – pH, nutrients (C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg), heavy metals and contaminant content.
• Biological testing – pathogen detection, assessment of microbial maturity and toxicity testing, including seed germination tests.
• Physical testing – proportion of impurities, structural properties (particle size and stability) and water-holding capacity.

Community composting is another key research area. We investigate suitable locations, implementation methods and social impacts. Our research also explores opportunities for recovering heat generated during composting and biostabilisation.

2. Anaerobic Treatment of Biowaste

Our research aims to develop new approaches to the anaerobic digestion of different types of biowaste, particularly kitchen waste.

Why is this important?

• Energy production – optimising the digestion process to produce biogas with a higher calorific value.
• Valuable by-products – recovering compounds such as volatile fatty acids for industrial applications.
• A circular approach – recovering value from digestion residues through composting, reducing waste and closing material loops.

Laboratory capabilities

• Feedstock analysis – pH, electrical conductivity, salt content, carbohydrate, protein and lipid content, five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅) and chemical oxygen demand (COD).
• Gas analysis – determination of biogas composition and calorific value.
• Residue analysis – assessment of physical and chemical properties to identify further recovery options.

3. Plant Growth Experiments in a Climate Chamber

We conduct plant growth experiments in a climate chamber with adjustable light–dark cycles, temperature and humidity. This controlled environment enables detailed investigation of phytoremediation processes and the effects of different soil amendments.

What do we investigate?

• Effects of soil substitutes and amendments – including red mud, sewage sludge, compost, kitchen waste, and river and lake sediments.
• Metal accumulation in plants – elemental analysis and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX).
• Changes in crop yields – responses to contamination and environmental factors such as metal exposure, climate change and traffic-related pollution.
• Physical and chemical soil properties – pH, salt content, organic matter, nutrients and trace elements.
• Biological activity – oxygen demand, respiration, enzyme activity and toxicity testing.

Our research contributes to:

• developing new soil amendments and treatment technologies,
• remediating contaminated soils and water,
• improving our understanding of how climate change and industrial pollution affect agriculture.

4. Remediation Technologies for Industrially Contaminated Soil and Groundwater

We have experience in developing and optimising adsorption-based, biotechnological and phytoremediation methods. These technologies enable the effective removal of heavy metals and organic contaminants from soil and groundwater.

What do we offer?

• Innovative remediation methods – laboratory and pilot-scale systems for detailed investigation of treatment processes.
• Analysis of treatment kinetics and efficiency – evaluating technology performance under different environmental conditions.
• Sustainable solutions – developing environmentally friendly, cost-effective technologies suitable for long-term application.