Characterization of Odorant Compounds from Mechanical Aerated Pile Composting and Static Aerated Pile Composting.

Hong-Lim Choi,Joonhee Lee,Priyanka Kumari

doi:10.5713/ajas.15.0406

Hong-Lim Choi, Joonhee Lee + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.15.0406

Copy DOI

Abstract

We studied airborne contaminants (airborne particulates and odorous compounds) emitted from compost facilities in South Korea. There are primarily two different types of composting systems operating in Korean farms, namely mechanical aerated pile composting (MAPC) and aerated static pile composting (SAPC). In this study, we analyzed various particulate matters (PM10, PM7, PM2.5, PM1, and total suspended particles), volatile organic compounds and ammonia, and correlated these airborne contaminants with microclimatic parameters, i.e., temperature and relative humidity. Most of the analyzed airborne particulates (PM7, PM2.5, and PM1) were detected in high concentration at SAPC facilities compered to MAPC; however these differences were statistically non-significant. Similarly, most of the odorants did not vary significantly between MAPC and SAPC facilities, except for dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and skatole. DMS concentrations were significantly higher in MAPC facilities, whereas skatole concentrations were significantly higher in SAPC facilities. The microclimate variables also did not vary significantly between MAPC and SAPC facilities, and did not correlate significantly with most of the airborne particles and odorous compounds, suggesting that microclimate variables did not influence their emission from compost facilities. These findings provide insight into the airborne contaminants that are emitted from compost facilities and the two different types of composting agitation systems.

Highlights

Composting is a naturally occurring biochemical process utilizing controlled aerobic decomposition of organic material
Microclimate variables in the compost facilities concentration of ammonia was higher in mechanical aerated pile composting (MAPC) compared
There was no significant correlation between most of the odorants and relative humidity (Table 6), with the exception of DMDS and p-cresol, the concentrations of which were positively correlated with relative humidity (Table 6). These results suggest that microclimate variables are not the major determinants of the emission of odorous compounds from the compost facilities

Summary

Introduction

Composting is a naturally occurring biochemical process utilizing controlled aerobic decomposition of organic material. There are several advantages of compost when used in adequate amounts and with proper management, which includes providing a wide range of nutrients to soils, increasing soil organic content, Submitted May 7, 2015; Revised Jun. 15, 2015; Accepted Jul. 6, 2015 improving water holding capacity and other physical properties of soil (Wells et al, 2000). Compost facilities that contain feedstock’s or compost piles that are not well maintained may emit substantial and offensive odors (Tsai et al, 2008). In such circumstances, composting may be producing and releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ammonia due to intense microbial activity (Hellebrand, 1998). The VOCs generated by composting can be evaluated in terms

Objectives

Methods

Results