The effect of turning frequency on methane generation during composting of anaerobic digestion material

Abstract

Methane (CH4) is included in the direct greenhouse gases listed in the Kyoto protocol. The composting of anaerobic digestion (henceforth AD) material is a source of CH4. CH4 is the major contributor to overall CO2 emissions. Therefore, it is important to know the formation of this gas from different stages and substrates of the composting process. This study investigated CH4, CO2 and O2 profiles in two open-windrows in composting plants treating AD material. One composting windrow was turned one a week; whereas another was turned twice a week using a special windrow turner. To assess the gaseous formation in the composting windrows, CH4, CO2 and O2 volume concentrations were measured at different depths. Active aeration has been considered as a method to reduce CH4 generation during composting. However, our results showed that frequent turned windrow generated more CH4 than less turned windrow. The highest CH4 concentrations were found at a depth of 1 m, and were 45% and 37% for 2 times a week turned windrow and 1 time a week turned windrow respectively. Gas concentrations of CH4, O2 and CO2 in both windrows differed. Concentrations of CO2 and CH4 increased with depth, whereas concentration of O2 decreased from the surface to the lowest point. The O2 and CO2 are important factors in determining whether the windrows are anaerobic or aerobic.