S. Horisawa et al., Biodegradation of nonlignocellulosic substances II: physical and chemical properties of sawdust before and after use as artificial soil, J WOOD SCI, 45(6), 1999, pp. 492-497
The physical properties of sawdust including porosity, water retention, and
water drainage were analyzed to prove its suitability for use as an artifi
cial soil in the automatic decomposer-extinguisher (GADE) machine. The phys
ical and chemical properties of residual sawdust from the GADE machine were
also analyzed, the mechanical abrasion of sawdust in the GADE machine was
tested, and the morphology of this residue was observed through a scanning
electron microscope to investigate changes of these properties in the mediu
m of decomposing garbage. Sawdust, which showed a lower specific gravity an
d larger porosity than soil, is considered capable of supplying air to bact
eria. Tt was found that sawdust became worn from the operation of the machi
ne. The spaces of residual sawdust were still observed, but water drainage
decreased. The portion of hollocellulose in residual sawdust decreased, alt
hough the extractives in it increased, Results indicated that the capacity
of sawdust to function as an artificial soil in the GADE machine was decrea
sed owing not only to the destruction of sawdust grain but also to the adhe
rence of products from decomposition, such that sawdust needed to be replac
ed every few months.