Optimization of Dry Leaf Composting Using Banana MOL (Musa paradisiaca spp.) and Effective Microorganism-4 (EM4) Bio-Activator: Process Monitoring and Nutrient Quality

Annisa Dwi Damayanti; Irwan Ridwan Rahim; Kevina Careza

doi:10.48084/etasr.17535

Authors

Annisa Dwi Damayanti Department of Environmental Engineering, Hasanuddin University, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Irwan Ridwan Rahim Department of Environmental Engineering, Hasanuddin University, South Sulawesi, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7724-4140
Kevina Careza Department of Environmental Engineering, Hasanuddin University, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Volume: 16 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 36384-36392 | June 2026 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.17535

Received: 14 January 2026 | Revised: 4 April 2026 | Accepted: 19 April 2026 | Online: 6 June 2026

Corresponding author: Annisa Dwi Damayanti

Abstract

Urban dry leaf waste is a persistent challenge for municipal solid waste management. Composting can valorize this biomass, but decomposition is often slow and commercial inoculants may be costly. This study compared a locally produced banana-waste Local Microorganism (MOL) solution (Banana MOL; Musa paradisiaca spp.) with Effective Microorganism-4 (EM4) to accelerate aerobic composting of dry leaves. Banana MOL was prepared by fermenting chopped banana waste (2.5 kg) with brown sugar (400 g), mature coconut water (2 L), and rice-washing water (3 L) for 14 days. Four treatments were evaluated: dry leaves only (P0), dry leaves + Banana MOL (P1), dry leaves + EM4 (P2), and dry leaves + Banana MOL + EM4 (P3). Process indicators (temperature, pH, and moisture) were monitored during 40 days of composting, and mature compost quality (C, N, P, K, and C/N ratio) was analyzed using one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05) and compared with the SNI 19-7030-2004 requirements. The combined inoculant (P3) produced the highest nutrient content, particularly total N and organic C, whereas Banana MOL alone (P1) provided the greatest co-benefit by reducing both dry leaf waste and banana residues used for MOL preparation. These findings support Banana MOL as a low-cost, locally available bio-activator that can complement EM4 for community-scale organic waste management.

Keywords:

dry leaves waste, banana MOL, mature compost quality, circular economy

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