Evolution of thermophilic period in biosolids composting analyzed with an electronic nose

Abstract

Samples of piles from the Biosolids Composting Plant of Bariloche city (Rı́o Negro, Argentina) have been analyzed with an electronic nose to detect differences in the evolution of the thermophilic period. Gas chromatography followed by mass spectroscopy, enabled to identify organic compounds present in each stage. The aim of this work was (I) to assess patterns related to the evolution of the thermophilic composting period and (II) evaluate the feasibility of using these patterns as stability and maturity indexes of the final product (compost). Results have reported different patterns for thermophilic composting periods revealing them as good indicators of the evolution process. This study contributed to the change of the final compost material (before contaminant) into a fertilizing useful product for agriculture.