BIOAEROSOLS AND ODOUR FROM BIOWASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES IN SCOTLAND
Dr. Peter Stenbro-Olsen, Senior Policy Officer, Waste & Resource Unit
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
(free)
The treatment of biowaste is seen as an essential component in the Scottish strategy for the
diversion of waste from landfill. However, some of these treatments is thought to encourage
the proliferation of pathogenic micro-organisms i.e. Aspergillus fumigatus in bioaerosols and
to emit odours, both of which are of concern to the regulatory authorities. In response and to
understand more clearly odour and bioaerosol movements on composting sites, the Scottish
Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), commissioned studies on emissions from three
different types of compost treatment methods: open Windrow; in-vessel system and housed
silo cages. The study also examined the use of computer dispersion models and if there was
any relationship between microbial loading of bioaerosols and odour. The study found that
enclosed systems are likely to have higher levels of odour concentrations than non-enclosed.
For all types, the concentrations of Aspergillus fumigatus were higher in the autumn than in
the summer and winter months. No firm conclusions could be made regarding relationships
between odour and bioaerosols. The use of dispersion modelling underestimated the
background concentrations. However, during site activities the model predictions were found
to be similar to sampled concentrations. From these studies it is likely operators will be
required to carry out bioaerosol and odour assessment in obtaining permits, and be able to
use appropriate dispersion modelling techniques to demonstrate BAT.
KEY WORDS
BIOAEROSOLS, COMPOSTING, ODOUR, ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATUS,
ACTINOMYCETES, DISPERSION MODELLING
