Application of PVA-derived porous media to accelerate biodegradation (composting) of organic solid substrates

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-derived cubes with fine pores and high water-binding and microbial adhesion capacities, enhanced the biodegradation of organic solid substrates with the temperature of the mixture increasing to over 65°C on the second day and being maintained ~60°C for the following 3 days, averaging at least 15°C higher than the control. The amount of CO₂ evolved also reflected a higher level of biodegradation. The compost made with PVA porous cubes for 2 weeks improved lettuce cultivation and crop losses decreased by at least 10% compared with the control. Thus PVA porous cubes can facilitate the production of mature compost for plants.