Solubilization of blood meal to be used as a liquid fertilizer

Abstract

The solubilization of blood meal by means of the microwave-hydrogen peroxide enhanced advanced-oxidation process (MW/H₂O₂-AOP) was studied. It was found that over the treatment temperature range of 60 to 120°C, solids particle reduction, ammonia and orthophosphate production could be achieved by this process. Large protein molecules were broken down into intermediate compounds with low molecule weights, ammonia and nitrate. Intermediate compounds, such as peptides and amino acids, can also be easily converted to nitrogenous nutrients for plant growth by bacteria. Soluble nitrogen content increased with an increase in microwave heating temperature when acid was added; significant amounts of ammonia were obtained at higher temperatures. Nitrate decreased in concentration with an increase of treatment temperature. Orthophosphate concentrations increased after the advanced-oxidation process (AOP) treatments, with and without acid addition; but were more pronounced with acid addition. Maximum solubility of chemical oxygen demand (COD) occurred at 80°C. Without the addition of acid, soluble COD decreased due to protein denaturation and coagulation out of the solution.

Keywords:

• Solubilization
• nutrient release
• blood meal
• microwave heating
• advanced oxidation process.

Notes

*30% by weight.