Identification and preliminary characteristics of odour sources in biogas plants processing municipal waste

Abstract

The paper presents results of local visions at six biogas plants processing municipal waste in Poland. The study objective was the investigation of waste processing technology, as well as the initial identification and characteristics of odour sources. The literature provides scarce information on research on the occurrence of odours in this type of objects. The main components of process gases from biogas plants include ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, and volatile organic compounds. They are not only unpleasant, but also can be harmful to both the environment and people. The main unit operations and processes that make up the technological sequence of biogas plants for municipal waste are: supply and storage of raw waste, preparation of the substrate for fermentation (pre-treatment), main processing (methane fermentation), and stabilisation and storage of the fermented residue. Any irregularities related to running individual processes may contribute to the intensified odour impact of a biogas plant. Local visions permitted the analysis of the technological processes carried out in the plants, as well as the location of odour sources important for further research.