Thermal methods of organic matter maturation monitoring during a composting process

The possibility to use thermal analysis for a quick characterisation of chemical changes in the organic matter of composted materials was tested. Nine samples were taken at progressive stages of maturation from the same trench of a fully automated composting plant. DSC and TG were simultaneously performed in static air conditions on whole ground composts. Progressive stages in the composting process yielded samples whose DSC traces revealed appreciable modifications in thermal patterns that agreed well with quantitative data obtained from TG measurements. The ratio between the mass losses associated with the two main exothermic reactions (R1) showed a good sensitivity in detecting the changes in the level of stabilisation during the composting process. Thermal methods seem to be a valid comparative method in evaluating the level of bio-transformation of materials during a composting process.