Effect of process management on the emission of organosulfur compounds andgaseous antecedents from composting processes

Pilot-scale studies were performed to assess the effects of aeration rate a nd initial moisture content on the emissions of odorous organosulfur compou nds and nonodorous gaseous antecedents from synthetic food waste (SFW) and biosolids composting processes. In the SFW studies peak organosulfur emissi ons occurred at an airflow rate of 0.16 L/min-kg VS. Emission rates (mol/ti me) and total aerobic biological activity (cumulative mass of O-2 consumed) were lower at 0.07 L/min-kg VS, possibly because the slightly higher tempe ratures encountered at this rate suppressed microbial activity. Emission ra tes were progressively lower at 0.32 and 0.65 L/min-kg VS, likely because o f higher oxygen levels. As moisture content increased from 45 to 55% (H2O/g wet weight), peak emission rates generally increased. In the biosolids stu dies organosulfur emissions decreased as aeration rate increased. In both t he SFW and biosolids studies CO was emitted prior to the detection of organ osulfur compounds. Additionally, average correlation coefficients relating the emission rate of CO with the emission rate of organosulfur odors were 0 .67 for the SFW trials and 0.75 for the biosolids trials. These results sug gest that CO may be a good antecedent compound for the early warning of odo rs from composting processes.