Sewage sludge composting under semi-permeable film at full-scale: Evaluation of odour emissions and relationships between microbiological activities and physico-chemical variables

Abstract

In the present study, physico-chemical characteristics, heavy metals content, odour emissions, microbial enumeration and enzymatic activities were analysed during industrial scale composting of sewage sludge partially pre-treated to evaluate the effect of a combined system of semi-permeable film and aeration on these parameters. The results related to physico-chemical parameters showed a decrease in total organic carbon (TOC), organic matter (OM), total carbon (TC) along the process. Volatile solids (VS) were also reduced, reaching 36% at 120 days, which is above the limit according to the current legislation. Similarly, metal content was found to be an important variable in the evolution of enzymatic activity, while lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) were the most influential. Moreover, heavy metals were found below the limit of type B compost quality or European class 2 at the end of the process, which is suitable for agriculture soil. The odorous impact generated during the hydrolytic stage was reduced to an average value of 4 ouE/s. This suggests that, covered stage with the semipermeable film, could be a viable solution to mitigate odour emissions. The highest temperature was reached at 10 days and it was favoured by semi-permeable film. Temperature promoted the presence of thermophilic bacteria and fungi and indicated an early biodegradation process mediated by microorganisms. Statistical analyses revealed a high correlation of physico-chemical variables with microbial activity. Thus, samples from the first 14 days were highly correlated with enzymatic activities such as β-glucosidase (Ac-βGlu), protease (Ac- Pr), and dehydrogenase (Ac-De), which have usually been involved in the hydrolysis of organic matter.