Evaluation of different composting systems on an industrial scale as a contribution to the circular economy and its impact on human health

Due to the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), large-scale composting can cause air pollution and occupational health issues. Due to this, it is necessary to determine if the amount generated poses a health risk to plant workers, which can be a starting point for those in charge of composting plant facilities. As a result, the goal of this work is to conduct a thorough analysis of both the physicochemical features and the VOC generation of three large-scale systems. For ten weeks, the three different composting plants were monitored weekly, and VOC identification and quantification were performed using GC-MS gas chromatography. It has been observed that the biggest risk related with VOC formation occurs between the fourth and fifth weeks, when microbial activity is at its peak. Similarly, it has been demonstrated that xylenes and toluene are the ones that are produced in the greatest quantity. Finally, after ten weeks of processing, it was discovered that the material obtained complies with the regulations for the sale of an amendment.

Automated summary

Large-scale composting can cause air pollution and occupational health issues due to the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of three large-scale systems to determine the risks and specific products of VOC generation, and found that the highest risk occurs during a specific period of the composting process.