BIODEGRADATION OF SPAWN WASTE FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY COMPOST PERFORMED BY BACILLUS CEREUS S1, ASPERGILLUS SP. AND CANDIDA G3.2.Enny Zulaika, Nur Hidayatul Alami1, Maya Shovitri and Dian SaptariniAbstract Mushroom media that is unproductive or called baglog (spawn) waste causes problem for mushroom farmers, since unmanaged and untreated spawn waste potentially pollutes the environment. The main component of spawn is cellulose which can be utilized as useful and environmentally friendly compost through degradation process by microorganisms. The objective of this study was to degrade spawn waste using decomposition agents such as Bacillus cereus S1, Aspergillus sp., and Candida G3.2 to generate compost. First, spawn waste was disengaged until they do not clot. Spawn waste were then added with 2% of glucose and 10 ml composter agent with a density of 108. The composition was mixed and incubated for 21 days until the compost is matured. Mature compost is characterized by decreasing temperature until similar to room temperature, smooth material, slight earthy smell and dark brown to black color. Nitrate, phosphate and potassium contents in mature compost were measured by spectrophotometric methods before and after composting process. The results showed that spawn waste can be used as compost with crumby texture, dark brown color, and earthy smell. Available nitrate concentrations in mature compost according to SNI 19-7030-2004 which is greater than 0.4%, while phosphate and potassium do not meet compost standards. |