ATP MEASUREMENT IN COMPOST

Changes in microbial biomass were monitored by measuring adenosine tri phosphate (ATP) levels in a bench-scale composting bioreactor. Interna l ATP standards were used in ATP bioluminescence assays to quantify th e recovery efficiency. The ATP levels were comparable and found to be within a range of 0.1 to 10 mu g/g dry wt compost in bioreactors maint ained at 40, 50 and 60 degrees C. In compost experiments at 70 degrees C, the estimated respiratory quotients suggested enhanced respiration but the level of biomass measured as ATP decreased.