Possibility of converting indigenous Salvadora persica L. seed oil into biodiesel in Pakistan

In this research study, biodiesel has been successfully produced from vegetable seed oil of an indigenous plant Salvadora persica L. that meets the international biodiesel standard (ASTM D6751). The biodiesel yield was 1.57 g/5 g (31.4% by weight) and the in-situ transesterification ester content conversion was 97.7%. The produced biodiesel density was 0.894 g/mL, its kinematic viscosity 5.51 mm²/s, HHV 35.26 MJ/kg, flash point 210°C, cetane no. 61, and sulfur content 0.0844%. Thermal analysis of the biodiesel showed that 97% weight loss was achieved at 595°C with total oxidation of the biodiesel. The production energy efficiency was 0.46% with a lab scale setup, assuming the volume fraction ratio (volume of the sample/total volume of the equipment used). The results revealed that single-step in-situ transesterification method is suitable for the production of biodiesel from S. persica seed oil.     

Direct utilization of kitchen waste for bioethanol production by separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) using locally isolated yeast

Kitchen wastes containing high amounts of carbohydrates have potential as low-cost substrates for fermentable sugar production. In this study, enzymatic saccharification of kitchen waste was carried out. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the enzymatic saccharification conditions of kitchen waste. This paper presents analysis of RSM in a predictive model of the combined effects of independent variables (pH, temperature, glucoamylase activity, kitchen waste loading, and hydrolysis time) as the most significant parameters for fermentable sugar production and degree of saccharification. A 100 mL of kitchen waste was hydrolyzed in 250 mL of shake flasks. Quadratic RSM predicted maximum fermentable sugar production of 62.79 g/L and degree of saccharification (59.90%) at the following optimal conditions: pH 5, temperature 60°C, glucoamylase activity of 85 U/mL, and utilized 60 g/L of kitchen waste as a substrate at 10 h hydrolysis time. The verification experiments successfully produced 62.71 ± 0.7 g/L of fermentable sugar with 54.93 ± 0.4% degree of saccharification within 10 h of incubation, indicating that the developed model was successfully used to predict fermentable sugar production at more than 90% accuracy. The sugars produced after hydrolysis of kitchen waste were mainly attributed to monosaccharide: glucose (80%) and fructose (20%). The fermentable sugars obtained were subsequently used as carbon source for bioethanol production by locally isolated yeasts: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida parasilosis, and Lanchancea fermentati. The yeasts were successfully consumed as sugars hydrolysate, and produced the highest ethanol yield ranging from 0.45 to 0.5 g/g and productivity between 0.44 g L^–1 h^–1 and 0.47 g L^–1 h^–1 after 24-h incubation, which was equivalent to 82.06–98.19% of conversion based on theoretical yield.     

Enzymatic hydrolysis of banana stems (Musa acuminata): Optimization of process parameters and inhibition characterization

In current work, an optimum solid loading (solid: liquid = 1:20), pH (4.8), temperature (50°C), and enzyme dosing of 20 filter paper unit (amount of enzyme required to release 1 µmol of glucose as reducing sugar from filter paper in per mL per minute) were enumerated for enzymatic hydrolysis of banana stem using cellulase from Trichoderma reesei. Further, inhibition study on enzymatic hydrolysis of banana stem was investigated by the supplementation of monosaccharides (glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, and arabinose), disaccharide (cellobiose), and inhibitors (acetic acid and furfural obtained from pre-enzymatic hydrolysis steps). Glucose and cellobiose showed inhibitory effect on enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated banana stem at or above 8 g/L while galactose, mannose, and xylose showed a significant inhibitory effect at or above 4 g/L. Instead of inhibition, arabinose enhanced the enzymatic hydrolysis with increase in total reducing sugars. Acetic acid did not show any significant inhibition while furfural inhibited the system at a comparative low concentration of 2 g/L. Further, scanning electron microscopy analysis was performed to investigate the difference in ultra-structural morphology of raw biomass, pretreated biomass, and biomass obtained after enzymatic hydrolysis.     

Comparison of different pre-treatment methods for enriching hydrogen-producing bacteria from intertidal sludge

Batch tests of cultivations were conducted to analyze influences of pre-treatment methods (heat–shock, acid, and alkaline) on hydrogen production. The hydrogen yields of the pre-treated samples were significantly higher than those without pre-treatment. Heat–shock pre-treatment yielded maximum hydrogen (75.5 ± 4.0 mL/g sucrose_removed), and had the highest sucrose removal efficiency (81.20 ± 1.23%). Heat–shock pre-treatment produced more ethanol and acetate (80.44 ± 0.55% of the total soluble metabolites), which belonged to ethanol-type fermentation. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles showed that pre-treatment methods affected the composition of microbial communities. The results showed that pre-treatment methods play a key role in the hydrogen production process of marine hydrogen-producing microflora.     

Control strategies for biohydrogen production by immobilized co-culture of Clostridium butyricum and Rhodopseudomonas palustris

In this study, we evaluated biohydrogen production of Clostridium butyricum and Rhodopseudomonas palustris by immobilized co-culture. Effects of free cells and immobilized cells, immobilized biomass ratio, sucrose concentration, and initial pH on hydrogen production were investigated. The immobilized co-culture can achieve high cumulative hydrogen volume yield (604 mL) as compared to free co-culture cumulative hydrogen volume (513 mL) while the initial sucrose concentration was 17.8 g/L. The optimum C. butyricum/R. palustris ratio was 1:10, yielding the highest cumulative hydrogen (728 mL). High sucrose concentration (above 35.6 g/L) would inhibit hydrogen production. The optimal initial pH value for hydrogen production of immobilized co-culture was 7.0 (cumulative hydrogen volume 830 mL).     

Relationship between liquid depth and the acoustic generation of hydrogen: design aspect for large cavitational reactors with special focus on the role of the wave attenuation

Understanding the effect of the liquid depth (z) on the acoustic generation of hydrogen is highly required for designing large-scale sonoreactors for hydrogen production because acoustic cavitation is the central event that initiates sonochemical reactions. In this paper, we present a computational analysis of the liquid-depth effect on the generation of H₂ from a reactive acoustic bubble trapped in water irradiated with an attenuating sinusoidal ultrasound wave. The computations were made for different operating conditions of frequency (355–1000 kHz), acoustic intensity (1–5 W/cm²), and liquid temperature (10–30°C). The contribution of the acoustic wave attenuation on the overall effect of depth was appreciated for the different conditions. It was found that the acoustic generation of hydrogen diminished hardly with increasing depth up to z = 8 m, and the depth effect was strongly operating parameter-dependent. The sound wave attenuation played a crucial role in quenching H₂ yield, particularly at higher z. The reduction of the H₂ yield with depth was more pronounced at higher frequency (1000 kHz) and lower temperature (10°C) and acoustic intensity (1 W/cm²). The attenuation of the sound wave may contribute up to 100% in the overall reductive effect of depth toward H₂ production rate. This parameter could be imperatively included when studying all aspects of underwater acoustic cavitation.     

Enhancement of biomethane production from cattle manure with codigestion of dilute acid pretreated lignocellulosic biomass

It is well known that dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment of the lignicellulosisc biomass is an effective approach used for the production of the ethanol. However, there are less studies on the biogas production from the pretreated lignocellulosics and hardly data available on the codigestion of cattle manure with the pretreated lignocellulosisc material. The aim of this study was to evaluate biomethane production potential of codigestion of cattle manure with dilute acid pretreated lignocellulosic biomass. Sugarcane bagasse and rice husk was pretreated with dilute sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid at 121°C for 20 minutes and subsequently subjected to anaerobic digestion alone or codigested with cattle manure.

The results showed that codigestion of 1% phosphoric acid pretreated rice husk with cattle manure led to the highest methane production of 115 Nmlg^?1VS while monodigestion of cattle manure and phosphoric acid pretreated rice husk produced 98 and 87 Nmlg^?1VS, respectively. An inhibition was observed in anaerobic digestion of sulfuric acid pretreated rice husk and sugarcane bagasse during monodigestion and codigestion with cattle manure.

The study concludes that dilute phosphoric acid pretreated lignocellulosics like sugarcane bagasse and rice husk can be used as a cosubstrate with cattle manure in anaerobic digestion for enhanced methane production. Dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment, which is effective method for the bioethanol production, causes inhibition during anaerobic digestion of the pretreated lignocellulosics.     

An effective approach to improve ethanol productivity by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of rice straw

Fuel ethanol was produced using rice straw with the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) method. The influence of cellulose liquefaction pretreatment and Fe²⁺ quantity on ethanol productivity was investigated in detail. At the same time, the optimized conditions including fermentation temperature, Fe²⁺ amount, yeast inoculation quantity, and the inoculated cellulose enzyme dosage in the SSF process were systematically investigated by analyzing fuel ethanol yield. The result indicated that fuel ethanol yield was 0.319 g per gram rice straw by SSF approach when appropriate amount of Fe²⁺ was added into the reaction system. The optimal technology parameters were: fermenting temperature of 36°C, Fe²⁺ amount of 4 mg · g^?1, inoculating proportion of 20%, cellulose enzyme of 20 IU · g^?1, and Pachysolen tannophilu/saecharomyces cerevisiae of 1:2 ratio. The ethanol yield under the best conditions was larger than that of the control group. We hope that this research can facilitate to achieve large-scale comprehensive utilization for rice straw.     

The Effects of Gas Flow Rate and the Interval Time of Water Supplement on Ethanol Production of Rice Straw by Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation

In the present work, characteristics of ethanol production from a single particle composing of pretreated rice straw, cellulase, and β-glucosidase were invesitgated by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). The experiment experienced a start-up stage for S. cerevisiae biofilm formation, which was operated at an initial pH value of 4.8 for yeast solution, culture temperature of 30°C, flow rate of 0.8 mL/min for yeast solution, and stably operating stage for ethanol production at a culture temperature of 30°C. Investigations found that the maximal ethanol yield of 9.7 mg/g and the biofilm thickness of 0.37 mm were obtained at 30 mL/min of carrier gas flow rate. Also, the optimal interval time of water supplement was 4 h for SSF. The results show that the appropriate gas flow rate and the interval time of water supplement can keep the high activities of biofilm and enzymes during SSF and result in a high ethanol yield.     

Spatial and Seasonal Variation of Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) Concentrations in Irish Streams: Importance of Soil and Topography Characteristics

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations have increased in many sites in Europe and North America in recent decades. High DOC concentrations can damage the structure and functions of aquatic ecosystems by influencing water chemistry. This study investigated the spatial and seasonal variation of DOC concentrations in Irish streams across 55 sites at seven time occasions over 1 year (2006/2007). The DOC concentrations ranged from 0.9 to 25.9 mg/L with a mean value of 6.8 and a median value of 5.7 mg/L and varied significantly over the course of the year. The DOC concentrations from late winter (February: 5.2 ± 3.0 mg/L across 55 sites) and early spring (April: 4.5 ± 3.5 mg/L) had significantly lower DOC concentrations than autumn (October: mean 8.3 ± 5.6 mg/L) and early winter (December: 8.3 ± 5.1 mg/L). The DOC production sources (e.g., litterfall) or the accumulation of DOC over dry periods might be the driving factor of seasonal change in Irish stream DOC concentrations. Analysis of data using stepwise multiple linear regression techniques identified the topographic index (TI, an indication of saturation-excess runoff potential) and soil conditions (organic carbon content and soil drainage characteristics) as key factors in controlling DOC spatial variation in different seasons. The TI and soil carbon content (e.g., soil organic carbon; peat occurrence) are positively related to DOC concentrations, while well-drained soils are negatively related to DOC concentrations. The knowledge of spatial and seasonal variation of DOC concentrations in streams and their drivers are essential for optimum riverine water resources management.     

Performance investigation of a new solar desalination unit based on sequential flat plate and parabolic dish collector

A new system composed of a sequential flat plate and parabolic dish solar collector was applied to enhance the solar desalination productivity. Heated saline water was desalinated using the evaporation/condensation principle and an effort was made to achieve higher distillate production compared to previous studies. Desalination efficiency values were calculated between 23% and 57%. Maximum desalinated water productions were obtained as 1,038 mL/m².h in autumn and 1,402 mL/m².h in summer. The cost of solar desalination system was found as economically feasible with 3 years’ payback period and the produced water cost of 0.014 $/L. Physicochemical analyses revealed that as a result of the desalination process, salinity level decreased from 35.6‰ to 0.0–0.1‰, chloride concentration decreased from 21,407 mg/L to 10 mg/L, and electrical conductivity decreased from 53.1 mS/cm to 0.11 mS/cm.     

Evaluation of tidal marsh restoration: Comparison of selected macroinvertebrate populations on a restored impounded valley marsh and an unimpounded valley marsh within the same salt marsh system in Connecticut,USA

Macroinvertebrates were examined on an impounded valley marsh in Stonington, Connecticut, that has changed from aTypha-dominated system to one with typical salt-marsh vegetation during 13 years following the reintroduction of tidal exchange. Animal populations on this restored impounded marsh were evaluated by comparing them with populations on a nearby unimpounded valley marsh of roughly the same size. Populations of the high marsh snail,Melampus bidentatus Say, were quantitatively sampled along transects that extended from the water-marsh edge to the upland; those of the ribbed mussel,Geukensia demissa Dillwyn, were sampled in low marsh areas on transects along the banks of creeks and mosquito ditches. The occurrence of other marsh invertebrates also was documented, but their abundance was not measured. The mean density ofMelampus was 332±39.6 SE/m² on the restored impounded marsh and 712±56.0 SE/m² on the unimpounded marsh. However, since snails were larger on the restored impounded marsh, the difference in snail biomass was less pronounced than the difference in snail density. MeanMelampus biomass was 4.96±0.52 SE g dry wt/m² on the restored impounded marsh and 6.96±0.52 SE g dry wt/m² on the unimpounded marsh. On the two marshes, snail density and biomass varied in relation to plant cover and other factors. The density and biomass ofGeukensia at the edge of the marsh were comparable on the restored impounded and unimpounded marshes. Mean mussel densities ranged from 80 to 240/m² and mean mussel biomass varied from 24.8–64.8 g dry wt/m² in different low marsh areas. In contrast, below the impoundment dike, meanGeukensia density was 1100±96.4 SE/m² and meanGeukensia biomass was 303.6±33.28 SE g dry wt/m². A consideration of all available evidence leads to the conclusion that the impounded marsh is in an advanced phase of restoration.     

The Role of Headwater Wetlands in Altering Streamflow and Chemistry in a Maine,USA Catchment1

Morley, Terry R., Andrew S. Reeve, and Aram J.K. Calhoun, 2011. The Role of Headwater Wetlands in Altering Streamflow and Chemistry in a Maine, USA Catchment. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 1‐13. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2011.00519.x Abstract: Headwater wetlands, including hillside seeps, may contribute to downstream systems disproportionately to their relatively small size. We quantified the hydrology and chemistry of headwater wetlands in a central Maine, USA, catchment from 2003 to 2005 to determine their role in maintaining headwater streamflow and in affecting stream chemistry. A few of these headwater wetlands, commonly referred to as “seeps,” were characterized by relatively high groundwater discharge. During summer base flow, seeps were the primary source of surface water to the stream, contributing between 40 and 80% of stream water. Comparisons of groundwater and surface water dominant ion chemistry revealed only slight differences at the bedrock interface; however, significant changes occurred at the shallow groundwater‐surface water interface where we found decreases in total and individual cation concentrations with decreasing depth. Seep outflows significantly increased total cation and calcium concentrations in streams. Outflows at two seeps produced relatively high nitrate concentrations (88 ± 15 and 93 ± 15 μg/l respectively), yet did not correspond to higher nitrate in stream water below seep outflows (2 ± 1 μg/l). We demonstrate that small wetlands (< 1,335 m²) can contribute to headwater stream processes by linking groundwater and surface‐water systems, increasing the duration and magnitude of stream discharge, and by affecting stream chemistry, particularly during periods of base flow.     

Study of the influence of dilute acid pre-treatment conditions on glucose recovery from Moringa oleifera Lam for fuel-ethanol production

The influence of temperature (175 to 195°C), residence time (5 to 15 min), and sulfuric acid concentration in high (2 to 4% w/w) and low (0.5 to 1.5% w/w) levels in dilute acid pretreatment of Moringa oleifera Lam is studied. Glucose recoveries in the liquid fraction and in the hydrolyzed insoluble fraction as well as the presence of inhibitors in the liquid fraction are determined. Best experimental results are achieved at 185°C, 2% w/w acid concentration, and 5 min reaction time obtaining a glucose recovery of 83.68%. An increment in 48.81% in glucose yield compared with the one of not pretreated Moringa is obtained. 0.13 g ethanol/g Moringa from fermentation of pre-hydrolysate and hydrolysate obtained at the optimal pre-treatment conditions are obtained.     

Effect of Fenton pretreatment on anaerobic digestion of olive mill wastewater and olive mill solid waste in mesophilic conditions

The olive mill waste (OMW) generated from olive oil extraction process constitutes a major environmental concern owing to its high organic and mineral matters and acidic pH. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a main treatment for reducing the organic matter and toxic substances contained in OMW and generating at the same time, energy in the form of biogas. AD of OMW that contains lignocellulose is limited by the rate of hydrolysis due to their recalcitrant structure. This study is devoted to the effect of Fenton process (FP) pretreatment on olive mill wastewater (OMSW) /olive mill solid waste (OMWW) co-digestion to improve their digestibility and in this way the biogas production. The FP pretreatment was performed in batch mode at 25°C, various H₂O₂/[Fe²⁺] ratios (100–1200), catalyst concentration ([Fe²⁺]) ranging from 0.25 to 2 mM, reaction time varying from 30 to150 min, and different pH (3–11). The best performance was obtained with H₂O₂/[Fe²⁺] = 1000, [Fe²⁺] = 1.5 mM, 120 min, and pH 3. Biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests conducted in batch wise digester and at mesophilic conditions (37 °C) showed that cumulative biogas and methane production were higher without FP treatment, and correspond to 699 and 416 mL/g VS, respectively. However, pre-treated OMSW results into an increase of 24% of methane yield. After 30 days of AD, the methane yield was 63%, 54%, and 48%, respectively, for OMSW treated without iron precipitation, with iron precipitation and untreated OMSW sample.     

The convective hot air drying of Lactuca sativa slices

The storage of fresh agricultural products is not easy because of its high moisture. Dehydration is an efficient preservation method. The investigation of drying modeling and transfer characteristics are important for selecting operating conditions and equipment design. The drying behavior of Lactuca sativa slices, with the thickness of 2 mm, was investigated at 60.0–80.0°C and 0.60–1.04 m sec^?1 velocity in a convective hot air drier. The mass transfer during the drying process was described using six thin drying models. The convective heat transfer coefficient α and mass transfer coefficient k_H were finally calculated. The results showed that the drying process could be separated into three stages including accelerating rate, constant rate, and falling rate period, which was influenced by hot air temperature and velocity, and the Modi?ed Page model agreed well with the experimental data. When the operating temperature was increased from 60.0°C to 80.0°C, α was found increased from 88.07 to 107.93 W·m^?2·K^?1, and k_H increased from 46.32 × 10^–3 to 68.04 × 10^–3 kg·m^?2·sec^?1·ΔH^?1. With the increase of air velocity from 0.60 to 1.04 m·sec^?1, α was increased from 78.85 to 101.35 W·m^?2·K^?1, and k_H was enhanced from 51.78 × 10^–3 to 65.85 × 10^–3 kg·m^?2·sec^?1·ΔH^?1.     

Livestock excreta management through vermicomposting using an epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida

In India, millions of tones of livestock excreta are produced. Our study explores the potential of an epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida to compost different livestock excreta (cow, buffalo, horse, donkey, sheep, goat and camel) into value added product (vermicompost) at the laboratory scale. Vermicomposting resulted in lowering of pH, electrical conductivity, potassium and C:N ratio and increase in nitrogen and phosphorus contents. Total K was lower in the final cast than in the initial feed. C:N ratios of the vermicomposts ranged from 16.2 ± 2.17 to 75.4 ± 6.84. Microbial activity measured as dehydrogenase activity in buffalo, donkey and camel wastes increased with time up to day 90. But in sheep and goat wastes, maximum dehydrogenase activity was recorded on day 60 and decreased thereafter. The cocoons and hatchlings production by Eisenia foetida in different excreta were also investigated. The greatest number and biomass of hatchlings was recorded in horse excreta followed by cow, goat and sheep excreta. Thus, cow, horse, sheep and goat excreta show potential as good substrates in vermicomposting using Eisenia foetida, although further research is required to explore the feasibility of use of buffalo, donkey and camel excreta in combination with cow/sheep/goat excreta.     

Field-Level Financial Assessment of Contour Prairie Strips for Enhancement of Environmental Quality

The impacts of strategically located contour prairie strips on sediment and nutrient runoff export from watersheds maintained under an annual row crop production system have been studied at a long-term research site in central Iowa. Data from 2007 to 2011 indicate that the contour prairie strips utilized within row crop-dominated landscapes have greater than proportionate and positive effects on the functioning of biophysical systems. Crop producers and land management agencies require comprehensive information about the Best Management Practices with regard to performance efficacy, operational/management parameters, and the full range of financial parameters. Here, a farm-level financial model assesses the establishment, management, and opportunity costs of contour prairie strips within cropped fields. Annualized, depending on variable opportunity costs the 15-year present value cost of utilizing contour prairie strips ranges from $590 to $865 ha^?1 year^?1 ($240–$350 ac^?1 year^?1). Expressed in the context of “treatment area” (e.g., in this study 1 ha of prairie treats 10 ha of crops), the costs of contour prairie strips can also be viewed as $59 to about $87 per treated hectare ($24–$35 ac^?1). If prairie strips were under a 15-year CRP contract, total per acre cost to farmers would be reduced by over 85 %. Based on sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen export data from the related field studies and across low, medium, and high land rent scenarios, a megagram (Mg) of soil retained within the watershed costs between $7.79 and $11.46 mg^?1, phosphorus retained costs between $6.97 and $10.25 kg^?1, and nitrogen retained costs between $1.59 and $2.34 kg^?1. Based on overall project results, contour prairie strips may well become one of the key conservation practices used to sustain US Corn Belt agriculture in the decades to come.     

Fabrication and characterization of electrospun porous cellulose acetate nanofibrous mats incorporated with capric acid as form-stable phase change materials for storing/retrieving thermal energy

Electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibrous mats incorporated with capric acid was studied to fabricate form-stable phase change materials (PCMs) for storing/retrieving thermal energy. Electrospun CA nanofibrous mats with different porous structures and specific surface areas were firstly prepared through regulating the volume ratio of mixture solvent of acetone/dichloromethane (DCM). Effects of different volume ratio of mixture solvent and mat thickness on the morphological structure, specific surface area, and absorption capacity of CA nanofibrous mats were systematically investigated. The results indicated that CA nanofibrous mats were highly porous on the surface; hence, they were capable of absorbing a large amount of capric acid. The maximum absorption capacity of CA mats via electrospinning with volume ratio of acetone/DCM being 5/5 was ~95.8 wt%, due to its higher specific surface area of ~17.1 m²/g. The specific surface area and capric acid absorption capacity of CA nanofibrous mats increased with the increases of mat thickness. As the thickness of nanofibrous mats increased from 10 to 85 μm, the corresponding specific surface area and capric acid absorption capacity of mats increased respectively from 7.2 to 29.0 m²/g and 92.1 to 98.5%. Morphological structures, as well as the properties of thermal energy storage and thermal insulation of the fabricated form-stable PCMs, were studied by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and measurement of freezing times, respectively. The results indicated that the resulting form-stable PCMs could well maintain their phase transition characteristics and demonstrated great thermal energy storage capability and temperature regulation ability.     

Influence of compost amendment rate and level of compaction on the hydraulic functioning of soils

There has been widespread interest in using compost to improve the hydrologic functions of degraded soils at construction sites for reducing runoff and increasing infiltration. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of compost amendment rate on saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_s) and water retention in order to identify target compost rates for enhancing soil hydrologic functions. Samples were prepared with three soil textures (sandy loam, silt loam, and sandy clay loam), amended with compost at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. All soils were tested at a porosity of 0.5 m³/m³, and the sandy loam was further tested at high (0.55 m³/m³) and low (0.4 m³/m³) porosities. The K_s and water retention data were then used to model infiltration with HYDRUS-1D. With increasing compost amendment rate, K_s and water retention of the mixtures generally increased at the medium porosity level, with more compost needed in heavier soils. As porosity decreased in the sandy loam soil, the amount of compost needed to improve K_s rose from 20% to 50%. Water distribution in pore fractions (gravitational, plant-available, and unavailable water) depended on texture, with only the highest compost rates increasing plant-available water in one soil. Results suggest soil texture should be taken into consideration when choosing a compost rate in order to achieve soil improvement goals. Hydrologic benefits may be limited even at a high rate of compost amendment if soil is compacted.