Aquaculture solid waste (ASW) from intensive farming poses significant environmental challenges, yet its potential as a composting feedstock remains insufficiently evaluated. This study systematically assessed the feasibility of aerobic composting for ASW valorization through integrated feedstock characterization, composting process monitoring, microbial community analysis, and pot experiment validation. ASW collected from intensive aquaculture facilities was characterized by high phosphorus (mean TP: 6.80 mg/g), potassium (TK generally >10 mg/g), and iron (mean Fe: 49,112 mg/kg) content but low organic matter (17.60%) and total nitrogen (0.72%). Composted with rice straw powder, meat and bone meal, and mineral amendments, ASW was successfully converted into mature compost, with the thermophilic phase (>50 °C) lasting only 4 days and the seed germination index exceeding the 80% safety threshold within 15 days. The composting process exhibited an organic matter degradation rate of approximately 20.82%, along with low electrical conductivity and stable pH in the final product. Microbial community analysis revealed that ASW addition significantly altered bacterial and fungal community structure, enriching functional taxa associated with organic matter decomposition and nutrient transformation. Pot experiments conducted under equal nutrient input conditions demonstrated that the ASW-derived compost supported satisfactory crop growth, with the fresh weight of Fast-growing Cabbage reaching 106.95 g per plant. The compost also improved soil properties, including reduced electrical conductivity (72.8% lower than urea), increased soil organic matter (17.8% increase over original soil), and enhanced available phosphorus (93.0% increase over original soil). These results indicate that aerobic composting is a technically viable pathway for converting ASW into a qualified organic fertilizer, providing a preliminary scientific basis for future waste management strategy for the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.
Lv et al. (Sat,) studied this question.