Odor generation patterns during different operational composting stages of anaerobically digested sewage sludge.

This study aimed to evaluate the global patterns of odor generation and odorant composition for different operational stages of anaerobically digested sewage sludge (ADS) composting at pilot scale. To this end, gas emissions were sampled and analyzed during storage, forced aeration treatment (active phase), turning process and curing. For each operational stage, odors were monitored by measuring the odor emission rates (OER in OU h kgADS) through dynamic olfactometry and computing the odor activity values (OAVs) of compounds quantified by analytical methods (i.

Chemical and odor characterization of gas emissions released during composting of solid wastes and digestates.

Hazardous and odorous gas emissions from composting and methanization plants are an issue of public concern. Odor and chemical monitoring are thus critical steps in providing suitable strategies for air pollution control at waste treatment units. In this study, 141 gas samples were extensively analyzed to characterize the odor and chemical emissions released upon the aerobic treatment of 10 raw substrates and five digestates.

Improving composting as a post-treatment of anaerobic digestate.

This work investigated the influences of practical parameters upon composting of digestate. The yardsticks for evaluation were digestate stabilization, nitrogenous emissions mitigation and self-heating potential. The results suggest choosing an "active" bulking agent like dry wood chips (WC) which served as free-water and nitrogen sink through composting.

Impact of biodegradation of organic matters on ammonia oxidation in compost.

Nitrification plays an important role in nitrogen turnover in composting process. It has been believed that nitrification occurs mainly during the maturation phase due to the elevated temperature during the active phase of composting. In this work, the intense biodegradation of organic matters is demonstrated to be another negative impact on the ammonia oxidation, the first step of nitrification.

Characterizing the transformation and transfer of nitrogen during the aerobic treatment of organic wastes and digestates.

The transformation and transfer of nitrogen during the aerobic treatment of seven wastes were studied in ventilated air-tight 10-L reactors at 35 °C. Studied wastes included distinct types of organic wastes and their digestates. Ammonia emissions varied depending on the kind of waste and treatment conditions.

Nitrification and microbiological evolution during aerobic treatment of municipal solid wastes.

Nitrification is a key step in the nitrogen cycle in various ecosystems. In this study, the nitrogen dynamic and the evolution of groups of microorganisms were studied during aerobic treatment of fine organic fraction of municipal solid wastes. Mineralization of organic nitrogen exhibited two phases and resulted in two ammonia emissions peaks.