Monitoring of pile composting process of OFMSW at full scale and evaluation of odour emission impact

In this study, the evolution of odour concentration (ouE/m3STP) emitted during the pile composting of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was monitored by dynamic olfactometry. Physical–chemical variables as well as the respirometric variables were also analysed. The aim of this work was twofold. The first was to determine the relationship between odour and traditional variables to determine if dynamic olfactometry is a feasible and adequate technique for monitoring an aerobic stabilisation process (composting). Second, the composting process odour impact on surrounding areas was simulated by a dispersion model. The results showed that the decrease of odour concentration, total organic carbon and respirometric variables was similar (around 96, 96 y 98% respectively). The highest odour emission (5224 ouE/m3) was reached in parallel with the highest microbiological activity (SOUR and OD20 values of 25 mgO2/gVS·h and 70 mgO2/gVS, respectively). The validity of monitoring odour emissions during composting in combination with traditional and respirometric variables was demonstrated by the adequate correlation obtained between the variables. Moreover, the quantification of odour emissions by dynamic olfactometry and the subsequent application of the dispersion model permitted making an initial prediction of the impact of odorous emissions on the population. Finally, the determination of CO2 and CH4 emissions allowed the influence of composting process on carbon reservoirs and global warming to be evaluated. •The compost quality is determined by traditional physico-chemical methods.•The respirometric technique is used to measure the compost stability.•The odour emission has been proposed as an alternative monitoring method.•The dynamic olfactometry is an efficient and simple technique for compost monitoring.•Dispersion model determined odour impact of composting on surrounding areas.