Abstract
The paper presents results of local visions at six biogas plants processing municipal waste in Poland. The study objective was the investigation of waste processing technology, as well as the initial identification and characteristics of odour sources. The literature provides scarce information on research on the occurrence of odours in this type of objects. The main components of process gases from biogas plants include ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, and volatile organic compounds. They are not only unpleasant, but also can be harmful to both the environment and people. The main unit operations and processes that make up the technological sequence of biogas plants for municipal waste are: supply and storage of raw waste, preparation of the substrate for fermentation (pre-treatment), main processing (methane fermentation), and stabilisation and storage of the fermented residue. Any irregularities related to running individual processes may contribute to the intensified odour impact of a biogas plant. Local visions permitted the analysis of the technological processes carried out in the plants, as well as the location of odour sources important for further research.
Highlights
Process gases from processing of municipal waste contain numerous organic and inorganic compounds [1]
For the purpose of identification of odour sources at biogas plants processing municipal waste, local visions were performed in six mechanical-biological treatment plants (MBT)
The literature on the subject provides information on compounds occurring in process gases associated with biogas plants processing municipal waste [14], but data concerning process gases from municipal waste treatment in MBT installations is available, where the biological part is implemented in aerobic conditions
Summary
Process gases from processing of municipal waste contain numerous organic (volatile fatty acids, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols) and inorganic compounds (hydrogen sulphide, ammonia) [1]. In the case of biological processing of waste in anaerobic conditions, biogas is one of the products. It is flammable gas composed of methane and carbon dioxide. Biogas plants processing municipal waste are investments offering a number of benefits for both the economy and the environment. They are an inherent part of the urban structure. Biogas plants processing municipal waste can be included to renewable energy source installations when the substrate for the fermentation process is biodegradable waste from selective collection, and not a fraction separated from a stream of mixed waste. The local visions provided the basis for the identification of the source of odours and their preliminary characteristics
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