Influence of Bulking Agents on Odor Production during Aerobic Composting of Sewage Sludge

Abstract:

The influence of bulking agents on odor production in sludge composts was investigated. Three mixtures were composted over a 23-day period in aerobic composting tank using the same sludge with different bulking agent mixtures. Parameters monitored over this period included O₂, NH₃, H₂S, as well as VOCs. All mixtures had reached the faeces harmless standard by the bulking amount used. The type of bulking agent had little influence on NH₃(p>0.05) and H₂S(p=0.945) production. However, significant effect on VOCs concentration were found in the mixtures using different bulking agents during aerobic composting (p=0.006). VOCs production in Twc was significantly higher than that of in Tcs and Twc+cs, and no significant difference in Tcs and Twc+cs mixtures (p=0.697). The sawdust and corn stalk using mixed would be the best bulking agent.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 864-867)
• Pages: 1868-1873
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.864-867.1868
• Online since: December 2013
• Authors: Yu Jun Shen, Yue Qing Hou, Li Xin Zhao, Hai Bo Meng
• Keywords: Bulking Agent, Odor Production, Sludge Composting, VOCS

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