Esperiences and modelling of odours removal in biofiltering treatment of gaseous emissions from organic waste composting plants.

The present work show the results of a few experimental campaigns carried out in order to optimize efficiency air biofiltering systems applied to composting of organic fractions of solid waste. Investigations are executed on two biofilter applied to different emission typologies: gaseous substance and odours released from primary phases of Bologna WWTP and odour emissions coming from composting plant of Borgotaro (PR). Different conditions of management are tested in order to obtain and describe increase in efficiency of odours removal. Smell measurement are executed and compared with typical chemical odours indicators with the aim to predict, by modelling, and verify, by measurements, a few management actions useful to reduce odour emissions. These actions are often necessary during plant functioning when variations in waste characteristics, in humidity and temperature could modify loadings and typology of odours. Main objective of the work is to test the applicability of a model based on gaseous substance kinetics in forecasting odour emission removal with the general aim to increase environmental performance according with directive 96/61/CEE about IPPC and certification of EMAS managing system.