Research progress on influencing factors on compost maturity and cyanobacteria toxin degradation during aerobic cyanobacteria composting: a review

Cyanobacterial bloom is by far one of the most common water quality hazards. As cyanobacteria are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and other organic matter, the potential for beneficial use of cyanobacteria is promising. Aerobic composting is currently a hot topic of research in cyanobacteria treatment, which can effectively achieve reduction, recycling, and removal of the harmful impact of cyanobacteria. In this review, the characteristics of cyanobacteria in aerobic composting processes, the effects of physical, chemical, and biological factors on the composting process, and the degradation of microcystic toxins were systematically discussed and summarized. This review epitomizes the large quantities of research data collected by many scholars around the world to address the characteristics of “one low and five highs” in the aerobic cyanobacterial composting process. The composting techniques developed are effective and easy to adopt in the real world, such as adjusting the substrate C/N ratio and moisture content and use of chemical and biological additives to achieve reduction, recycling, and detoxication of the cyanobacterial wastes. The aim of this comprehensive review is to provide theoretical guidance and reference for further development and application of aerobic cyanobacteria composting technology.