Effect of lignocellulosic and phenolic compounds on ammonia, nitric oxide and greenhouse gas emissions during composting

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2018-01, Vol.171, p.548-556
• Main Authors: Santos, Cátia, Goufo, Piebiep, Fonseca, João, Pereira, José L.S., Ferreira, Luis, Coutinho, João, Trindade, Henrique
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agro-food residues; Ammonia; Carbon fractions; Composts; Greenhouse gases; Nitric oxide; Organic wastes
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.10.050

Composting is recognised a promising technology for recycling and adding value to agro-food wastes. There are, however, potential environmental risks associated with composting, such as the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The aim of this study was to quantify the emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, nitric oxide and ammonia during composting of five agro-food wastes originated from the broccoli, chestnut, olive and grape industries, and to study the relationship between the emissions and the lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and phenolic contents of the wastes. According to physicochemical indicators monitored during the process, all agro-food residues tested were suitable for composting, with chestnut in the top and broccoli in the bottom of the range. Composting of chestnut and olive led to higher carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emissions, whereas lower emissions were observed with white grape. A positive correlation was found between phenolics and nitric oxide (r = 0.63; p