Research and analysis

Biofilter performance and operation as related to commercial composting

This report provides a review of available evidence as to how effectively the various categories and configurations of biofilter reduce bioaerosol and odour emissions from composting facilities.

Documents

Biofilter performance and operation as related to commercial composting

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Details

The review considers what operating parameters impact on biofilter performance, and hence what design, conditions and maintenance schedules need to be defined and adhered to in order to provide assurance that a given biofilter continues to perform adequately. The review draws on scientific and ̳grey‘ literature derived from the UK waste management sector. Importantly, the report contains new findings from an Open University programme of laboratory experiments and fieldwork research based on two composting sites. Arising from the critical review and empirical studies, a list of topics is presented which represent areas of uncertainty where further research would be recommended.

Published 16 April 2013