Simultaneous removal of ammonia and volatile organic compounds from composting of dead pigs and manure using pilot-scale biofilter

Odor emission is one of the most common problems associated with dead animals composting. Biofiltration treatment for eliminating exhaust odors formed during dead pigs and manure composting has been studied. The composting and biofiltration process consisted of two series of tests. Composting experimental trials lasted 6 weeks, and composting was performed using six pilot-scale reactor vessels. A total of 37 kinds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air were identified, and temporal variations were determined during the 42 days of composting. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS), dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), and trimethylamine (TMA) were identified as the main odors VOCs component according to odor active values (OAVs). Nine biofilter vessels containing mature compost were used in studying the effect of different (30, 60, and 100 s) empty bed retention times (EBRT) on the simultaneous removal efficiencies (REs) of NH3, DMS, DMDS, DMTS, and TMA. Results indicated that the inlet concentration of NH3 applied was 12–447 mg m−3, and the average removal efficiencies were 85.4%, 88.7%, and 89.0% for EBRTs of 30, 60, and 100 s, respectively. The average REs of DMS, DMDS, DMTS, and TMA were 79.2%–95.4%, 81.9%–94.0%, 76.7%–99.1%, and 92.9%–100%, respectively, and their maximum elimination capacity (ECs) were 220, 1301, 296, and 603 mg m−3 h−1, respectively. The optimal EBRT for the stimulation removal of NH3, DMS, DMDS, DMTS, and TMA was 60 s.Implications: Dimethyl sulfide (DMS), dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), and trimethylamine (TMA) were identified as the main odors VOCs component during dead pigs and manure composting. Biofilter with mature as media can be used to stimulation remove NH3, DMS, DMDS, DMTS, and TMA, the optimal empty bed retention times EBRT was 60 s.