Compost processing and maturity are assumed to be related to the microorganisms present,
but methods to elucidate and evaluate these relationships are lacking. In this study, PLFA analysis
was used to follow microbial community changes during the composting of municipal solid waste
(MSW). Patterns of change were compared between pilot- and full-scale facilities and between
varied feedstocks. At the pilot level, actual MSW and two synthetic MSW formulations (similar C:N,
different available C) were composted. At the full-scale facilities, actual MSW was composted as was
actual MSW amended with nitrogen. The PLFA data generated by all studies was analyzed using
principal component and multivariate statistical methods. The PLFA profiles changed over the
composting process in a consistent and predictable manner. PLFA profiles also proved to be
characteristic of specific stages of composting and may, therefore, be useful in evaluating (and
optimizing) the progress of material processing and product maturity.