Initially, in fresh cattle faeces, the pH value is 7.4; if it is
decomposed aerobically or anaerobically, the pH value
increases to a maximum of 8.5. This increase is caused by
the formation of ash content and calcium carbonate (which is
an alkali) throughout the aerobic decomposition. Similarly,
during anaerobic decomposition formation of ammonium
carbonate causes the increase (Levi-Minzi et al. 1986;
Georgacakis et al. 1982). Unlike pH, organic carbon concentrations do not change much during anaerobic or aerobic
decomposition remaining around 526.2 mg/g in ash-free dry
Fig. 4 Physical properties of
cow dung
Fig. 5 Elemental analysis (%,
dry and ash-free basis)
Fig. 6 Chemical properties and
mineral composition
Multi-utilisation of Cow Dung as Biomass
221