1. Characterizing microbiological gradients within an in-vessel aerobic composter
Partnering the Research First Initiative with ILSE
STME2903-03 Students: Alyssa Bellomo1
, Bruce Galdos2
, Anastasia Giordano1
, Victor Suarez1
and Linda Yarfi2
with Suzanne Kupiec3
, Raul Cano4
, John Pace4
and Marshall Hayes1
1
New Jersey Center for Science Technology & Mathematics (NJCSTM), Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., NJ 07083
2
College of Natural, Applied and Health Sciences, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., NJ 07083
3
Food Scraps Composting Laboratory, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., NJ 07083
4
ATCC Center for Translational Microbiology, 1000 Morris Ave., NJ 07083
From L to R: Bruce, Victor, Anastasia (Stacey), Alyssa and Linda
Enabled by a collaboration between the NJCSTM and
the ILSE-sponsored ATCC Center for Translational
Microbiology (CTM), Kean undergraduates enrolled in
STME 2903-03, the Microbes and Microbiomes stream
of the Research First Initiative, are using both culture-
based and high-throughput sequencing approaches to
assess the diversity and composition of the bacterial
community within our campus in-vessel aerobic
composter. The goal of this research experience is to
understand compost production as a vital component of
campus waste handling and an essential strategy for
realizing sustainability initiatives in general.
Our Research GroupThe Opportunity
Since 2010, Kean has operated a composter capable of
processing ~1000 lbs. of pre- and post-consumer food
scraps per day. This facility is the cornerstone of an
innovative farm-to-table-to-farm model for managing
campus waste. The FSCL is located in close proximity to
several campus eateries such as the Cougars’ Den (Fig.
A). In 5 days, mixtures of food scraps (Fig. B) and wood
shavings are converted within the vessel (Fig. C) into
rich compost (Fig. D). Our research group has made
initial strides in characterizing the microbial dynamics
of the composting process and other factors that may
influence the optimal functioning of our campus facility.
The Food Scraps Composting Lab (FSCL)
Preliminary Results Research Activities
• Sanger sequencing of select thermophilic (>50 °C) bacteria isolated from fresh compost
• 16S rRNA gene sequencing of compost DNA using the CTM’s Illumina MiSeq platform
Acknowledgements
We thank: Dean Bostian and Dean Tocci for implementing the RFI; Nan Perigo, Judy April, Marianne Gass, Michele Smalls and Noemy Gaitan for providing logistical
support from the NJCSTM; and Jess Schuyler and Ron McMillan for offering technical assistance from the ATCC-CTM. We are also indebted to the entire staff of the
FSCL: Head Compost Technician Farzan Ahmed; Student workers Steve Mondelus, Raisa Mateo, Naomi Horowitz and Nicholas Allen; and Student intern Malcolm Edeen.
• Kean compost supports ~106
bacterial colony-forming units per gram of compost.
• Selective and differential culture indicates that Gram-negative spp. comprise ~10% of the
community, and ~10% of this Gram-negative population are lactose fermenters.
• Absolute bacterial numbers are highly variable (50-80%) from experiment to experiment.
• Tetracycline-resistant bacteria are present and viable in compost.
A. B. C. D.