ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Reutilization of Cornstalk as Matrix
in Bio-Toilet
Zhiping Wang1,2, Lijie Duan3, Lianxi Sheng1, Shuhong Wu4
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1State environmental protection key laboratory of wetland ecology and vegetation restoration,
Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, PR China;
2Key Laboratory for Eco-environment of Multi-River Wetlands in Shaanxi Province, Weinan 714000, PR China
3Jilin Acadamy of Environmental Science, Changchun 130024, PR China
4College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2014;23(4):1289-1296
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Sawdust is the most popular matrix used in bio-toilets, but the wood resource is scarce in many countries.
The aim of our research is to explore the possibility to select cornstalks as alternative matrix in bio-toilets.
The experiments were conducted to compare the biodegradation effects of feces mixed with sawdust and
cornstalk by monitoring the main physical and chemical parameters. In both tests, temperature, moisture content,
and pH were all maintained within a feasible range during biodegradation. The weight reduction was very
remarkable, and TN, TP, and TK all significantly increased (although the loss of NH3-N occurred). These
results indicated the feasibility to use cornstalks as a bio-toilet matrix, which provides an effective way to reutilize
agricultural waste and helps to popularize the application of bio-toilets.