Organic matter decomposition materials and their use

Abstract

An organic matter decomposer which contains a carrier and a microbial population carried by the carrier, wherein the carrier contains foam glass, and the microbial population includes Bacillus subtilis (BN1001 strain) (Accession number at International Depositary Authority: NITE BP-02608) and Bacillus subtilis var. natto.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an organic matter decomposing material and its use. Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-010241, filed on January 24, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Domestic wastewater and other wastewater contain organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, oils and fats, etc., and if these flow directly into rivers, they can cause eutrophication of nearby sea areas and the occurrence of red tides and other problems, which can cause damage to fisheries and destroy ecosystems.

[0003] One method known for decomposing organic pollutants contained in domestic wastewater is the activated sludge process. In this method, activated sludge containing several dozen types of aerobic bacteria, protozoa, and microscopic metazoans is used, and the organic matter in the wastewater is decomposed through the metabolism of the microbial community.

[0004] As a system for biologically treating wastewater containing organic pollutants, for example, a wastewater treatment system using a carrier carrying Bacillus subtilis BN1001 and Bacillus subtilis var. natto has been disclosed (Patent Document 1).

[0005] In such treatment systems, a sponge containing a resin such as urethane is used as a carrier for supporting microorganisms (Patent Document 2). However, in recent years, the generation of tiny plastic particles (microplastics) originating from resin in natural and living environments has become a problem.

[0006] Compost is generally produced by mixing raw materials such as plant organic matter, livestock manure, etc. with soil microorganisms to decompose the organic matter, and the production of compost takes several months. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 031804 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5641548 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, conventional carriers carrying microorganisms have room for improvement in terms of organic matter decomposition efficiency. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a carrier carrying microorganisms (organic matter decomposition material) with higher organic matter decomposition efficiency. Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purification method and a compost production method using the organic matter decomposition material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention includes the following aspects. [1] An organic matter decomposition material comprising a carrier and a microbial population supported on the carrier, wherein the carrier comprises foam glass, and the microbial population includes Bacillus subtilis BN1001 (international deposit accession number NITE BP-02608) and Bacillus subtilis var. natto. [2] The organic matter decomposition material described in [1], which is used for purifying contaminated water. [3] The organic matter decomposition material according to [2], wherein the contaminated water is seawater. [4] The organic matter decomposing material according to [2] or [3], wherein the contaminated water is breeding water for aquatic organisms. [5] The organic matter decomposing material according to [4], wherein the aquatic organisms are cultured aquatic organisms. [6] The organic matter decomposing material according to [1], which is used to promote composting of organic matter. [7] The organic matter decomposing material according to [6], wherein the organic matter is animal excrement. [8] The organic matter decomposing material according to [6], wherein the organic matter is food residue. [9] A method for purifying contaminated water, comprising a step of contacting the organic matter decomposing material according to any one of [2] to [5] with the contaminated water.

[10] A method for producing compost from organic matter, comprising the step of contacting the organic matter decomposing material according to any one of [6] to [8] with the organic matter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an organic matter decomposing material that has a higher organic matter decomposition efficiency. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a water purification method and a compost production method that use the organic matter decomposing material. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a photograph of the bottom of the tank in the control group in Example 1. [Figure 2] 1 is a photograph of the bottom of an aquarium to which only microorganisms were added in Example 1. [Figure 3] 1 is a photograph of the bottom of an aquarium in Example 1 in which foam glass not carrying microorganisms was installed. [Figure 4] 1 is a photograph of the bottom of an aquarium tank in which an organic matter decomposition material was placed in Example 1. [Figure 5] 1 is a graph showing the change in COD over time in Example 2. [Figure 6] 1 is a graph showing the change in total nitrogen concentration over time in Example 2. [Figure 7] 1 is a graph showing the change in nitrite nitrogen concentration over time in Example 2. [Figure 8] 1 is a graph showing the change in total phosphorus concentration over time in Example 2. [Figure 9] 10 is a photograph of the filtration tanks in the control area and the experimental area in Example 2. [Figure 10] 1 is a photograph of a filtration tank in which an organic matter decomposition material is installed in Example 2. [Figure 11] 10 is a photograph of the organic matter decomposition material in Example 2, one month after it was installed in the filtration tank. [Figure 12] 10 is a photograph of the indoor aquarium tank containing water-green algae in the control group in Example 2. [Figure 13] 10 is a photograph of an indoor aquarium in an experimental area in Example 2 where no water-green algae were observed. [Figure 14] 10 is a graph showing the temperature transition of compost in summer in Example 3. [Figure 15] 10 is a graph showing the temperature transition of compost during the winter in Example 3. [Figure 16] 1 is a graph showing the main compost components by experimental group in Example 3. [Figure 17] 1 is a graph showing the change in nitrite nitrogen concentration over time in experimental area 1 in Example 4. [Figure 18] 1 is a graph showing the change in nitrite nitrogen concentration over time in experimental area 2 in Example 4. [Figure 19] 1 is a graph showing the change in nitrite nitrogen concentration over time in experimental area 3 in Example 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [Organic decomposition material] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an organic matter decomposition material comprising a carrier and a microbial population supported on the carrier, wherein the carrier comprises foam glass and the microbial population includes Bacillus subtilis BN1001 (international deposit accession number NITE BP-02608) and Bacillus subtilis var. natto. The organic matter decomposition material according to this embodiment has a higher organic matter decomposition efficiency than a carrier containing a microbial community including Bacillus subtilis BN1001 (international deposit accession number NITE BP-02608) and Bacillus subtilis var. natto, as described in Patent Document 1, and foam glass.

[0013] The BN1001 strain is a species of soil-derived Bacillus subtilis and was internationally deposited on January 11, 2018, at the Patent Microorganisms Depositary of the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (2-5-8 Kazusa Kamatari, Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan) under accession number NITE BP-02608. Any bacterium classified as Bacillus subtilis var. natto can be used as the natto bacillus without any particular restrictions. Hereinafter, the mixture of Bacillus subtilis BN1001 (international deposit accession number NITE BP-02608) and Bacillus subtilis var. natto will sometimes be referred to as Microorganism A.

[0014] The microbial population containing microorganism A is easier to handle because it is supported on a carrier. For example, when the microbial population containing microorganism A comes into contact with water, the microbial population containing microorganism A may be washed away with the water and lost; however, by supporting the microbial population containing microorganism A on a carrier, it becomes easier to establish the microbial population containing microorganism A. This allows the microbial population containing microorganism A to grow stably on the carrier, and as a result, the organic matter decomposition efficiency of the organic matter decomposition material according to this embodiment is improved.

[0015] The carrier includes foam glass. Glass is generally chemically stable and resistant to corrosion in the natural environment, has low toxicity to living organisms, and has moderate strength and is resistant to wear. Therefore, the organic matter decomposition material according to this embodiment can be used for a long period of time while maintaining its functionality.

[0016] Furthermore, even if the organic matter decomposition material according to this embodiment is left in the natural environment and not recovered for a long period of time, the organic matter decomposition material does not have a negative impact on the natural environment. In other words, the organic matter decomposition material according to this embodiment has a low environmental impact. Therefore, even if the organic matter decomposition material is released into the environment, the impact on the environment is small.

[0017] For example, sponges containing resins such as urethane are used as carriers for retaining microorganisms (see, for example, Patent Document 2), but in recent years, the generation of tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in natural and living environments has become a problem. The organic matter decomposition material according to this embodiment does not contain plastic and therefore does not generate microplastics.

[0018] (Carrier) In this embodiment, the carrier contained in the organic matter decomposition material includes foam glass. The foam glass has a large number of pores, some of which are open to the outside of the foam glass. The foam glass can also be called porous glass.

[0019] The shape of the foam glass is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include spherical, rod-like, needle-like, plate-like, irregular, scaly, spindle-like, and block-like shapes. The size of the foam glass is not particularly limited, and when the foam glass is spherical, the diameter of the foam glass may be 0.1 cm to 10 cm. When the foam glass is rod-like, the length may be 1 cm to 100 cm. When the foam glass is plate-like, the thickness may be 1 cm to 10 cm.

[0020] The porosity of the foam glass may be, for example, 40 to 75%. The porosity of the foam glass can be measured by mercury intrusion porosimetry or the like.

[0021] The diameter of the pores in the foam glass may have a distribution, for example, from 0.01 μm to 10 mm, and preferably has a distribution of from 2.0 μm to 10 mm.

[0022] The method for producing foam glass is not particularly limited, and it can be produced, for example, by mixing crushed glass with a foaming agent to obtain a mixture before a microbial population including microorganism A is supported, and then firing this mixture (see, for example, Patent Publication No. 5382657).

[0023] The type of glass used as a raw material for foam glass is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, etc. The raw glass is not particularly limited, and for example, waste glass derived from mirrors, cathode ray tubes, liquid crystal displays, plasma displays, etc. may be used.

[0024] Examples of the foaming agent include calcium such as calcium carbonate and calcium hydroxide; magnesium such as magnesium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide; red iron oxide; and ferrite.

[0025] The firing temperature and firing time are not particularly limited and can be appropriately set by a person skilled in the art. In the firing step, the foaming agent generates gas at a temperature at which the glass softens, and as a result, a large number of pores are formed inside the glass, thereby producing foam glass.

[0026] The carrier contained in the organic matter decomposition material may further include a carrier other than foam glass (another carrier). Examples of other carrier materials include carbides, minerals, metals or metal salts, silicon, and polymers. More specifically, examples of such other carrier materials include charcoal, sand, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, perlite, bentonite, ceramics, alumina, gypsum, and silica gel.

[0027] (microbial population) The carrier contained in the organic matter decomposing material according to this embodiment supports microorganism A. The carrier may further support microorganisms other than microorganism A. Examples of microorganisms other than microorganism A include Bacillus subtilis other than BN1001, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and the like.

[0028] In the organic matter decomposition material of this embodiment, the mass of microorganism A supported on the carrier is not particularly limited as long as the microorganism A is contained to an extent that the effects of the present invention are achieved, but it may be 0.0001% to 0.001% of the mass of the carrier.

[0029] Furthermore, based on the entire microbial population including the microorganism A supported on the carrier contained in the organic matter decomposition material according to this embodiment, the BN1001 bacteria preferably account for 10% to 90% by mass and the natto bacteria for 10% to 90% by mass, and more preferably 40% to 60% by mass and 60% to 40% by mass, in dry mass terms.

[0030] In the organic matter decomposition material of this embodiment, the state in which the microbial population including microorganism A is supported is not limited, as long as the microbial population including microorganism A can survive and grow when used. For example, the microbial population including microorganism A may be supported on a carrier, and the carrier may be wet with culture medium, water, etc.

[0031] Furthermore, the organic matter decomposition material according to this embodiment may be supported with, for example, dormant spores, in which case the support may be in a dry state. Bacillus subtilis spores have excellent resistance to high temperatures of nearly 100°C, low temperatures below freezing, ultraviolet light, high pressure, chemicals, etc., and therefore, the organic matter decomposition material supported with Bacillus subtilis spores has excellent storage stability.

[0032] The organic matter decomposing material according to this embodiment may further contain a carbon source, a nitrogen source, an inorganic nutrient source, an adhesive, and the like.

[0033] Examples of carbon sources include glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, and starch.

[0034] Examples of nitrogen sources include amino acids, urea, peptone, bouillon, yeast extract, soybean flour, soybean meal, cottonseed oil cake, corn steep liquor, bran, soy milk, and meat extract.

[0035] Examples of inorganic nutrient sources include potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium phosphate, calcium carbonate, vitamins, and other trace elements.

[0036] Examples of materials for the adhesive include inorganic powders, polysaccharides, polymers, etc. Examples of inorganic powders include bentonite, kaolin, gypsum, etc. Examples of polysaccharides include starch, cellulose, etc.

[0037] The method for supporting a microbial population containing microorganism A on a carrier is not particularly limited, and examples include impregnating the carrier with a culture solution of the microbial population containing microorganism A, spraying a liquid containing the microbial population containing microorganism A onto the carrier using a spray or the like, contacting the carrier with a dried powder of the microbial population containing microorganism A, and applying a mixture of the microbial population containing microorganism A and an adhesive agent to the carrier.

[0038] In one embodiment, the organic matter decomposition material may be used to purify contaminated water. The contaminated water is not particularly limited as long as it can be purified by the organic matter decomposition material, and examples thereof include domestic wastewater generated in kitchens, toilets, bathrooms, etc.; water used to raise aquatic organisms; wastewater generated in livestock barns such as pig farms and poultry farms; industrial wastewater generated in food factories, drinking water factories, etc.; wastewater from sewage treatment plants; and water in natural environments such as rainwater, rivers, lakes, and oceans. The contaminated water may be seawater or freshwater. Microorganism A is Bacillus subtilis, which can survive even in seawater, so the organic matter decomposing material described above can purify polluted seawater.

[0039] The breeding water for aquatic organisms is not particularly limited as long as it can be purified by an organic matter decomposing material, and may be, for example, water that has come into contact with aquatic organisms, water containing remains of food for aquatic organisms, water containing excrement from aquatic organisms, etc. The breeding water may be contained in a container such as an aquarium, or may be water found in a natural environment such as a lake or ocean.

[0040] Furthermore, as long as the organic matter decomposition material can come into contact with the contaminated water, the organic matter decomposition material may be placed in a storage container, and for example, this storage container may be submerged in the contaminated water or floated on the contaminated water.

[0041] The aquatic organisms are not particularly limited and may be, for example, fish, reptiles, crustaceans, shellfish, mammals, birds, insects, etc. The aquatic organisms may also be cultured aquatic organisms. Examples of cultured aquatic organisms include fish, crustaceans, shellfish, etc.

[0042] More specific examples of water for raising aquatic organisms include water for raising ornamental aquatic organisms, water for raising aquatic organisms in aquariums, and water for raising aquatic organisms in lakes, marshes, oceans, etc.

[0043] In one embodiment, the organic matter decomposing material may be used to promote composting of organic matter. The organic matter is not particularly limited as long as it can be decomposed by a microbial community including the microorganism A supported on the carrier, and examples thereof include animal waste such as feces and urine; plant matter such as wood, green manure, fallen leaves, rice husks, sawdust, straw, weeds, aquatic plants, seaweed, bamboo, and bamboo powder; food waste; and excess sludge from biological wastewater treatment.

[0044] The microbial population, including the microorganism A contained in the organic matter decomposing material, grows efficiently within the pores of the foam glass contained in the carrier, and the grown microbial population, including the microorganism A, efficiently decomposes the organic matter. As will be described later in the examples, by bringing the organic matter into contact with the organic matter decomposing material, the decomposition rate of the organic matter can be increased, and as a result, compost can be produced from the organic matter in a short period of time. Furthermore, as will be described later in the Examples, compost produced by contacting organic matter with an organic matter decomposer has a lower C / N ratio, higher nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium contents, and is of higher quality than compost produced by contacting organic matter with a microbial population that includes microorganism A that is not supported on a carrier.

[0045] In one embodiment, the present invention provides use of the organic matter decomposing material described above for purifying the polluted water described above. In one embodiment, the present invention provides use of the organic matter decomposing material described above for promoting composting of the organic matter described above.

[0046] [Water purification method] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for purifying contaminated water, comprising the step of contacting the contaminated water with the organic matter decomposition material described above. As described above, the organic matter decomposition material may further support microorganisms other than microorganism A. Furthermore, examples of the contaminated water include those similar to those described above.

[0047] The method for biologically treating contaminated water according to this embodiment may be, for example, as follows. The organic matter decomposing material described above may also be used, for example, in a biological treatment tank of a wastewater treatment system. In this specification, contaminated water may also be referred to as wastewater.

[0048] (Wastewater treatment method) The wastewater treatment method of this embodiment is a method for biologically treating wastewater, comprising a step of aerating the wastewater in the presence of the organic matter decomposing material described above, and the aeration air volume is 500 L / min or more.

[0049] The wastewater may be any type, including wastewater containing oil and fat. When the wastewater contains oil and fat, the concentration of the oil and fat in the wastewater is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 30 to 1000 mg / L.

[0050] The microorganism A secretes an organic hydrolase. The organic hydrolase is not particularly limited, but preferably contains a lipase (an oil-decomposing enzyme), an amylase (an amylolytic enzyme), or a protease (a protein-decomposing enzyme), and more preferably contains a lipase (an oil-decomposing enzyme). The above-mentioned organic hydrolase may also be added to the wastewater.

[0051] The aeration air volume is preferably 1000 L / min or more, more preferably 1500 L / min or more. By keeping the aeration air volume within the above range, it is possible to supply the oxygen necessary for the growth of microorganism A. Although there are no particular limitations on the upper limit of the aeration air volume, a volume of about 2000 L / min or less is practical in terms of the performance of the aeration device.

[0052] The aeration step may be carried out in a grease trap. In this case, it is preferable to add an aeration device to the grease trap to supply oxygen necessary for the growth of the microorganism A. A grease trap is a water storage tank divided into multiple compartments, equipped with a water inlet for introducing wastewater and a drain outlet for discharging the wastewater, and traps oils and fats in the wastewater within the trap to prevent them from flowing directly into a sewer or the like.

[0053] While a normal grease trap does not biologically treat wastewater, this type of grease trap can be said to biologically treat wastewater.

[0054] By carrying out the aeration process in the grease trap, the grease accumulated in the grease trap becomes almost inconspicuous, scum is almost eliminated, and bad odors are reduced, which simplifies the cleaning work of the grease trap.

[0055] According to the wastewater treatment method of this embodiment, persistent components in wastewater, such as oils and fats, starch, and proteins, can be decomposed with significantly higher efficiency, thereby obtaining high-quality treated water and reducing the generation of foul odors and sludge. Therefore, the wastewater treatment method of this embodiment can be suitably used for wastewater treatment not only in food factories and food processing factories, but also in factories, research facilities, livestock barns, sewage treatment plants, and the like that discharge wastewater containing organic pollutants.

[0056] The wastewater can also be treated by the following batch wastewater treatment method using the organic matter decomposing material described above.

[0057] (Batch type wastewater treatment method) The batch wastewater treatment method of this embodiment includes a wastewater introduction step of introducing wastewater into a raw water tank and a flow rate adjustment tank where the wastewater is biologically treated, an aeration step of aerating the introduced wastewater, a settling step of allowing the wastewater to stand after aeration, and a discharge step of discharging the treated water after standing, and is a method in which each of the wastewater introduction step, aeration step, settling step, and discharge step is repeated, and the raw water tank and / or the flow rate adjustment tank contains the above-mentioned organic matter decomposition material, and the aeration air volume of the flow rate adjustment tank is 500 L / min or more.

[0058] Examples of wastewater and organic matter hydrolase include the same as those mentioned above.

[0059] (Raw water tank) The raw water tank may not only contain wastewater but also biologically treat the wastewater. When biologically treating wastewater in the raw water tank, the raw water tank may contain an organic matter decomposing material. In the raw water tank, organic matter hydrolase secreted by microorganism A can break down high molecular weight organic pollutants into medium and low molecular weight substances. Furthermore, organic matter hydrolase may be added to the raw water tank.

[0060] (Flow rate adjustment tank) The flow equalization tank not only regulates the amount of wastewater, but also biologically treats it. Specifically, it contains an organic matter decomposer. By including an organic matter decomposer in the flow equalization tank, organic pollutants that have been broken down into medium and low molecular weight compounds in the raw water tank can be further biologically decomposed.

[0061] The aeration air volume of the flow rate adjusting tank is preferably 1000 L / min or more, more preferably 1500 L / min or more. By keeping the aeration air volume of the flow rate adjusting tank within the above range, the oxygen necessary for the growth of microorganism A in the flow rate adjusting tank can be supplied. Although there are no particular upper limits for the aeration air volume of the flow rate adjusting tank, a volume of approximately 2000 L / min or less is practical in terms of the performance of the aeration device.

[0062] The batch wastewater treatment method is a method of treating wastewater by repeating the cycle of wastewater introduction, aeration, settling (sedimentation), and discharge of treated water (supernatant water) in a single biological treatment tank. Because suspended solids (SS) often rise to the surface during the settling step, it is preferable to discharge treated water from underwater (between the sludge interface and the water surface) rather than from the water surface.

[0063] The batch wastewater treatment method has the following advantages: since the wastewater is introduced into an anaerobic state and is left to stand, a denitrification effect by denitrifying bacteria can be expected; since the standing time can be long, the sludge settles easily; and since one biological treatment tank serves as both an aeration tank and a sedimentation tank, the structure of the equipment is simple. In addition, since the aeration time and standing time can be easily changed, the wastewater treatment conditions can be easily adjusted to suit changes in the wastewater volume, water temperature, etc.

[0064] According to the batch wastewater treatment method of this embodiment, persistent components in wastewater, such as oils and fats, starch, and proteins, can be decomposed remarkably efficiently, thereby obtaining high-quality treated water and reducing the generation of foul odors and sludge. Therefore, the batch wastewater treatment method of this embodiment can be suitably used for wastewater treatment not only in food manufacturing factories and food processing factories, but also in factories, research facilities, livestock barns, sewage treatment plants, and the like that discharge wastewater containing organic pollutants.

[0065] [Compost production method] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing compost from organic matter, the method comprising the step of contacting the organic matter with the organic matter decomposing material. As described above, the carrier of the organic matter decomposing material may further support microorganisms other than Microorganism A. Examples of organic matter that can be used as a raw material for compost include those similar to those described above.

[0066] More specifically, compost can be produced using an organic matter decomposing material, for example, by the following method.

[0067] In the compost production method of this embodiment, it is preferable to maintain the raw materials for the compost in an aerobic state. The compost production method of this embodiment may include, for example, a pretreatment step and a fermentation step.

[0068] In the pretreatment step, the breathability, moisture content, pH, etc. of the compost raw material may be adjusted. In addition, in the pretreatment step, materials unsuitable for fermentation, such as food packaging plastics and metals, may be removed. In the fermentation step, organic matter in the compost raw material is decomposed.

[0069] Organic matter as compost raw materials may be mixed with secondary materials and composted. Examples of secondary materials include inorganic materials such as zeolite, vermiculite, and perlite; and soil conditioners such as wood-based materials such as rice husks and sawdust. Furthermore, compost may be added to the compost raw materials as return compost. Furthermore, lime or the like may be added to the compost raw materials to adjust the pH.

[0070] When using animal manure or other materials with a high moisture content as compost raw materials, the moisture content can be adjusted. By maintaining an appropriate moisture content in the compost raw materials, anaerobic fermentation can be suppressed, and the generation of hydrogen sulfide and other unpleasant odors that accompany anaerobic fermentation can be suppressed.

[0071] The particle size of the compost raw materials is not particularly limited as long as high-quality compost can be produced. For example, by setting the particle size of the compost raw materials with reference to techniques known to those skilled in the art, it is possible to improve breathability and promote aerobic fermentation.

[0072] Generally, aerobic fermentation is carried out by keeping the air permeability, moisture content, pH, and other factors within appropriate ranges. In the initial fermentation process (before switching), aerobic fermentation is preferably carried out moderately, with the temperature of the compost raw material maintained at 60°C or higher for 48 hours or more. This kills pathogens, parasite eggs, and the like that may be contained in the compost raw material, and inactivates weed seeds and the like. Furthermore, the faster the temperature of the compost raw material reaches 60°C in the initial fermentation process (before switching), the shorter the fermentation process.

[0073] In the pretreatment and / or fermentation processes, the organic matter decomposer is mixed with the compost raw materials. Furthermore, by fermenting the compost raw materials using the organic matter decomposer in the initial fermentation process (before switching), the temperature of the compost raw materials can be maintained at 60°C or higher for 48 hours or more. This further improves the effectiveness of killing pathogens, parasite eggs, etc., and inactivating weed seeds, etc., that may be contained in the compost raw materials. This also shortens the time it takes for the compost raw material temperature to reach 60°C to 25 hours, thereby shortening the fermentation process.

[0074] As will be described later in the Examples, compost can be produced from organic matter in a short period of time by bringing the organic matter into contact with an organic matter decomposing material.

[0075] Examples of equipment used in the fermentation process include pile-up, silo, tunnel, and batch systems. In the fermentation process, it is preferable to mix the compost raw materials to promote aerobic fermentation. Mixing methods include, for example, a turnover method or a method using a mixer.

[0076] In the fermentation process, methods for aerating the compost raw material include, for example, an air supply method and an air suction method.

[0077] To shorten the time required for the compost material to ferment and decompose the organic matter, for example, when the outside temperature is low, the compost material may be heated or kept warm. [Example]

[0078] The present invention will be described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0079] [Example 1] (purifying goldfish breeding water) Four 20L tanks (effectively 12L) equipped with commercially available externally connected filtration devices (2L) were prepared, and goldfish were raised in either commercially available filter media or organic matter decomposition material. The water purification effect of the organic matter decomposition material was examined by observing the waste (goldfish feces, food residue, etc.) on the bottom of the tanks. The experimental conditions and results are shown in Table 1.

[0080] [Table 1]

[0081] In the control area, a tank equipped with a commercially available filtration system was prepared. In the experimental areas, three tanks were prepared: one containing only a microbial population containing microorganism A (experimental area 1); one containing foam glass without a microbial population containing microorganism A (experimental area 2); and one containing organic matter decomposition material pre-impregnated with foam glass containing 1 mg / L of a microbial population containing microorganism A (experimental area 3). In experimental area 1, 0.012 mL (equivalent to a concentration of 1 mg / L) of a microbial population containing microorganism A was dropped into the tank every week. In experimental area 3, 0.012 mL (equivalent to a concentration of 1 mg / L) of a microbial population containing microorganism A was pre-impregnated with the organic matter decomposition material every week. The foam glass used was 3–10 mm in size.

[0082] Here, a microbial community containing microorganism A was used, which consisted of Bacillus subtilis BN1001 and Bacillus subtilis var. natto.

[0083] The foam glass was made from glass waste generated in the manufacture of automobile mirrors, and was produced by firing it with a foaming agent. The organic matter decomposition material was foam glass carrying a microbial community including the above-mentioned microorganism A.

[0084] Five goldfish were kept in these tanks for 28 days. The bottom of each tank was observed for the presence of goldfish feces, leftover food, and other filth. The observation results are shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0085] As a result, filth was found on the bottom of the tank in the control area and on the bottom of the tanks in experimental areas 1 and 2. In contrast, no filth was found on the bottom of the tank in experimental area 3.

[0086] These results demonstrate that organic matter is efficiently decomposed in an aquarium where the organic matter decomposition material is installed. Furthermore, it was revealed that organic matter decomposition proceeds more efficiently when the organic matter decomposition material containing a microbial community including microorganism A and foam glass is installed in the aquarium than when only a microbial community including microorganism A is added to the aquarium, or when foam glass without a microbial community including microorganism A is installed in the aquarium.

[0087] [Example 2] (Purifying carp breeding water) Carp were raised in indoor aquaria, and the water purification effect of the organic matter decomposition material was investigated by analyzing the water quality in the indoor aquaria and observing blue-green algae. The size of the foam glass contained in the organic matter decomposition material was 3 to 35 mm. In the experimental group, the organic matter decomposition material was impregnated with 4 mL (equivalent to a concentration of 1 mg / L) of a microbial community containing microorganism A every 28 days. The microbial community containing microorganism A was the same as that used in Example 1.

[0088] In the control area, a conventional polypropylene carrier and a filtration tank (4m 3 ) equipped with an indoor aquarium (12m 3 In the experimental area, in addition to the conventional filtration tank equivalent to that in the control area, a filtration tank (4 m 3 ) equipped with an indoor aquarium (12m 3 ) were prepared. Figure 9 shows photographs of the conventional filtration tank in the control area and the filtration tank in the experimental area. The implementation conditions and results are shown in Table 2.

[0089] [Table 2]

[0090] One hundred carp were kept in each of these indoor tanks for 56 days. The chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen concentration, nitrite nitrogen concentration, and total phosphorus concentration of the water in each tank were then measured. The water in the indoor tanks was also observed for blue-green algae.

[0091] Figure 5 is a graph showing the change in COD over time, Figure 6 is a graph showing the change in total nitrogen concentration over time, Figure 7 is a graph showing the change in nitrite nitrogen concentration over time, and Figure 8 is a graph showing the change in total phosphorus concentration over time. As a result, all of the values ​​were lower in the aquarium where the organic matter decomposition material was installed. In particular, the nitrite nitrogen concentration and total phosphorus concentration in the experimental area were below the detection limit even 56 days after the start of observation.

[0092] Figure 12 is a photograph showing the results of observation of blue-green algae in the filtration tank in the control area, and Figure 13 is a photograph showing the results of observation of blue-green algae in the filtration tank in the experimental area. As a result, blue-green algae were confirmed in the indoor tank in the control area. In contrast, no blue-green algae were confirmed in the indoor tank in the experimental area.

[0093] From the above results, it became clear that organic matter was efficiently decomposed in the indoor aquarium where organic matter decomposition material was installed.

[0094] We also observed how the organic decomposition material in the experimental area changed after being placed in the filtration tank. The results are shown in Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a photograph of the organic decomposition material immediately after being placed in the filtration tank. Figure 11 is a photograph of the organic decomposition material 30 days after being placed in the filtration tank. As a result, it was confirmed that a microbial population, including Microorganism A, was growing in the organic decomposition material 30 days after being placed in the filtration tank.

[0095] [Example 3] (Promotes compost production) Compost was produced by mixing the organic decomposer with cow dung, and the composting-promoting effect of the organic decomposer was examined. The microbial population containing microorganism A that constitutes the organic decomposer was the same as that used in Example 1. Crushed powdered foam glass was used.

[0096] A demonstration experiment of the initial fermentation process (76 hours before switching) was conducted twice, once in summer (outdoor temperature 12℃-30℃) and once in winter (outdoor temperature 1℃-16℃). In the control area, compost was produced using only cow dung and bamboo powder. In the experimental area, cow dung and bamboo powder were used as materials, and foam glass without the microbial community containing Microorganism A (Experimental Area 1), microbial community alone (Experimental Area 2), and organic matter decomposition material consisting of foam glass and a microbial community containing Microorganism A (Experimental Area 3) were used. Each compost was analyzed for temperature, odor, C / N ratio, nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium during compost production. Temperature was measured every hour using an automatic thermometer with an automatic recording function. C / N ratio, nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium were analyzed according to the Japan Soil Association's "Method for Analyzing Organic Matter in Compost, etc." (2010 edition). The odor of the compost during production was also evaluated on a three-point scale. The experimental conditions and results are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0097] [Table 3]

[0098] [Table 4]

[0099] As shown in Table 3, 1 ton of cow dung and 50 kg of bamboo powder were used as materials in the control and experimental areas. The weight of foam glass used in experimental areas 1 and 3 was 20 kg. In experimental areas 2 and 3, a microbial population containing microorganism A equivalent to the number of bacteria in a microbial population containing microorganism A cultured using 20 kg of culture medium was used. In experimental area 3, an organic matter decomposition material was used, in which foam glass had previously been impregnated with a microbial population containing microorganism A.

[0100] Table 4 and Figure 16 show the results of analyzing the major components of compost aged one month in summer and winter. However, in the summer control area, the components were analyzed after the compost was left to stand for six months, and the results were used as an index of the components of compost produced by conventional manufacturing methods. The analysis results showed that in summer, the control area after six months of production and the case where the organic decomposition material from experimental area 3 was used after one month of production were nearly identical. In winter, the case where the organic decomposition material from experimental area 3 was used had a lower C / N ratio and higher nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium values ​​than the control area after one month of production. Furthermore, in winter, the compost from experimental area 3 had a lower C / N ratio and higher nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium values ​​than experimental area 2, indicating higher quality. In addition, in summer and winter, the odor of the compost was reduced when organic matter decomposing materials were used.

[0101] Figure 14 is a graph showing the temperature change over time for compost produced in summer, and Figure 15 is a graph showing the temperature change over time for compost produced in winter. As a result, in both cases, the time it took for the compost in experimental plot 3 to reach 60°C was the shortest.

[0102] From the above results, it became clear that when using organic matter decomposing materials to produce compost, organic matter is decomposed efficiently and compost can be produced more quickly than with conventional methods.

[0103] [Example 4] Three aquariums containing 15 L of seawater were prepared, and five damselfish were raised in each aquarium. The nitrite nitrogen concentration in the rearing water was measured over time to examine the water purification effect of the organic matter decomposer. The microbial population containing microorganism A was the same as that used in Example 1.

[0104] We prepared an aquarium containing only a microbial population containing microorganism A (experimental area 1), an aquarium containing foam glass without a microbial population containing microorganism A (experimental area 2), and an aquarium containing organic matter decomposition material that had been previously impregnated with a microbial population containing 1 mg / L of microorganism A (experimental area 3). In experimental area 1, 15 mL (equivalent to a concentration of 1 mg / L) of a microbial population containing microorganism A was dropped into the aquarium. In experimental area 1, an additional 1.5 mL (equivalent to a concentration of 1 mg / L) of a microbial population containing microorganism A was administered on the 20th day from the start of the experiment. In experimental area 3, 15 mL (equivalent to a concentration of 1 mg / L) of a microbial population containing microorganism A was impregnated into the organic matter decomposition material. In experimental area 3, on the 20th day after the start of the experiment, an additional 1.5 mL (equivalent to a concentration of 1 mg / L) of a microbial population containing microorganism A was impregnated into the organic matter decomposition material. 200 g of foam glass was used in each of Experimental Groups 2 and 3. The foam glass used was the same as that used in Example 1. The nitrite nitrogen concentration in the rearing water was measured using Aqua Check ECO.

[0105] The measurement results of the nitrite nitrogen concentration in the rearing water are shown in Figures 17 to 20. Figure 17 is a graph showing the measurement results of experimental group 1, Figure 18 is a graph showing the measurement results of experimental group 2, and Figure 19 is a graph showing the measurement results of experimental group 3.

[0106] These results revealed that in seawater, the decomposition of organic matter such as nitrite nitrogen proceeds more efficiently when an organic matter decomposition material containing a microbial population including microorganism A and foam glass is placed in an aquarium than when only a microbial population including microorganism A is added to the aquarium, or when foam glass without a microbial population including microorganism A is placed in the aquarium. [Industrial Applicability]

[0107] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an organic matter decomposing material that has a higher organic matter decomposition efficiency. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a water purification method and a compost production method that use the organic matter decomposing material.

Claims

1. A carrier; A microbial population supported on the carrier, and an organic matter decomposing material containing the microbial population, the carrier comprises foam glass; The microbial consortium comprises Bacillus subtilis BN1001 (international deposit accession number NITE BP-02608) and Bacillus subtilis var. natto, an organic matter decomposing material.

2. The organic matter decomposing material according to claim 1, which is used for purifying polluted water.

3. The organic matter decomposing material according to claim 2 , wherein the contaminated water is seawater.

4. 4. The organic matter decomposing material according to claim 2, wherein the contaminated water is water for breeding aquatic organisms.

5. The organic matter decomposing material according to claim 4, wherein the aquatic organisms are farmed aquatic organisms.

6. The organic matter decomposing material according to claim 1, which is used to promote composting of organic matter.

7. The organic matter decomposing material according to claim 6, wherein the organic matter is animal excrement.

8. The organic matter decomposing material according to claim 6, wherein the organic matter is food waste.

9. A method for purifying contaminated water, comprising a step of contacting the organic matter decomposing material according to any one of claims 2 to 5 with the contaminated water.

10. A compost production method for producing compost from organic matter, comprising a step of contacting the organic matter decomposing material according to any one of claims 6 to 8 with the organic matter.

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