Characterisation of volatile organic compound emissions during the composting of household wastes

Because of their continual production increase, wastes and the associated composting have become a problem of great interest. The aim of this work was to identify and quantify some of the main volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by a composting factory during a summer period. Nonane ethyl acetate, tetrachloroethene and aromatic compound concentrations are quite similar as in the urban atmosphere. It can be noticed that heptane, decane and trichloroethene levels are 2 to 4 times higher than the city concentrations. Moreover, limonene concentrations are very high (average of 25 ng/l). Potential sources of these VOCs are the degradation of paints, adhesives, solvents, markers, food, detergents, fresheners, mothballs, etc. Moreover, limonene can result from chemical formula, which are used to mask the odours.