Influence of bulking agents on odor production during aerobic composting of sewage sludge

The influence of bulking agents on odor production in sludge composts was investigated. Three mixtures were composted over a 23-day period in aerobic composting tank using the same sludge with different bulking agent mixtures. Parameters monitored over this period included O-2, NH3, H2S, as well as VOCs. All mixtures had reached the faeces harmless standard by the bulking amount used. The type of bulking agent had little influence on NH3(p>0.05) and H2S(p=0.945) production. However, significant effect on VOCs concentration were found in the mixtures using different bulking agentsduringaerobic composting (p=0.006). VOCs production in Twcwas significantly higher than that of inTcs and Twc+cs, and no significant difference in Tcs and Twc+csmixtures(p=0.697). The sawdust and corn stalk using mixed would be the best bulking agent.