Emission of odors from composting of biological waste

: Results of qualitative and quantitative detection of odour substances during the process of composting of biowaste are shown. Olfactometric measurements were carried out beside detection of odour substances by gaschromatography--mass spectroscopy. Some odour relevant substances were set in relation to odorant concentration. 158 volatile substances could be identified by GC/MS. The occurrence of odour substances demonstrated a characteristic dynamic. As a consequence of analysis of odour substances, detection of odorant concentration and odour quality the composting process could be divided in 3 main phases. For the start phase substances from anaerobic degradation like alcoholes and esters of carbonic acids played an important role in odour generation. Sulfur containing compounds dominated the characteristic odour during thermophilic phase of composting process. The importance of ammonia during later composting process could be shown. The concentration of dimethyl disulfide and limonene was set in relation to odorant concentration and both substances are discussed as indicator compounds.