Compost Volatiles

A large compost pile can spontaneously combust if not properly managed.

A community-level composting plant in a rural area in Germany.

Composting releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some of them may be interesting as biofuels or chemicals. The gaseous emissions would have to be condensed first and then refined (separated). The spectrum of VOCs differs by type of composting, feedstock, aeration, etc.

Some Chemical Components

• alcohols (e.g. ethanol)
• carbonyl compounds
• terpenes
• esters
• sulphur compounds
• ethers
• alkylated benzenes
• alkanes
• ketones
• toluene, ethylbenzene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, p-isopropyl toluene, and naphthalene

Related Pages

• Mycodiesel
• Thermophilic compost

Links

• http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S135223109800260X