Study on the emissions of CO2 and NH3 from aerobic composting of Kitchen waste

The identification of the emissions pattern of CO₂ and NH3 during composting are important for controlling greenhouse gases and odor. Corresponding emission patterns were investigated with kitchen waste composting in laboratory simulated reactors. The experiment was carried out using spent mushroom substrate and corn stalks separately as compost conditioner and the temperature was controlled to be 55°C. The results showed that the emissions rate of CO₂ at the beginning of compost was relatively stable, then two peaks appeared, after that emissions rate decreased. The emission of NH₃ increased along with compost process, reached its peak in the middle and later period of compost, and then declined in the end. In addition, compared with the stalks, spent mushroom could be regarded as a better conditioner for kitchen waste compost in controlling the emission of NH₃.