Bioconversion of Lantana camara into an agricultural bioproduct through rotary drum composter

Lantana camara, a terrestrial plant species, exhibits invasive characteristics and poses a significant threat to neighbouring agricultural crops as it tends to outcompete and displace them, thereby causing negative consequences. The objective of the study aimed to generate a value-added and environmentally safe product through the bioconversion of L. camara through a rotary drum composter. The composter was efficient in obtaining thermophilic temperatures from the first day, and the highest temperature was recorded as 59.9(degrees)C on 2nd day, with a volatile solids reduction of 22.2% in the thermophilic phase compared to the initial day mix. During the composting process, the concentrations of humic substances have increased, and a notable rise of 30.9% in 20th day compost was observed compared to the initial-day mix. The bioavailability of heavy metals in the 20th day compost has been reduced from 25 to 45% as compared to the initial-day mix. The presence of Cd in the leachable fraction has not been detected during the composting process. The aberrant cell percentages were observed to be reduced by 85.8% in the 100% 20th day compost extract, compared to L. camara extract. The microscopic analysis confirmed that the fibrous materials in L. camara have been transformed into smaller pieces. Whereas, the mass reduction was higher in initial days with 12% in comparison to the final day compost with 10%, which was confirmed through thermal analysis. The compost produced from the process could be applied to mined sites to enhance the vegetation.