complex chemical composition of the waste using conventional practical
measurements, such as chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic
carbon. The procedure is based on mass balance of macronutrient elements
(carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphorus [CHNOP]) (i.e.,
elemental continuity), in addition to the balance of COD and charge intensity
that are applied in mathematical modeling of biological processes. Knowing
the composition of such a complex substrate is crucial to study solid waste
anaerobic degradation.