1st Edition

Industrial Composting Environmental Engineering and Facilities Management

By Eliot Epstein Copyright 2011
    340 Pages 124 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    The ultimate in recycling, composting has been in use in some form since ancient times. A well-managed composting facility should exist as a good neighbor contributing to ecology. However, since local populations often perceive risks if a composting facility is built nearby, composting facilities must be designed and operated with minimal odor, dust, and noise emissions. Industrial Composting examines the key operational aspects and problems associated with composting, with strong emphasis on odor mitigation, pathogens, and aerosols.

    Designed for composting professionals and supported by extensive quality references, this book covers:

    • Facilities Planning and Design
    • Odor Management
    • Design, Material, Energy, and Water Balances
    • Economics of Product Marketing and Sales
    • Public Relations, Participation, and Communication Regulations
    • Pathogen Concentrations as Related to Feedstocks
    • Bioaerosols Associated with Composting and Their Potential Diseases

    While many books cover composting, most of those currently available are either out of date or contain only a few chapters on the subject. With interest growing in the use of composting for biosolids, food wastes, and other specialty areas, the need for an up-to-date, focused resource is also increasing. To assist composting practitioners, community decision makers, and advocates, Industrial Composting brings recent advances and best practices in composting together in an accessible, professional volume.

    Preface
    Acknowledgment
    The Author

    A Prospective
    Introduction
    History
    Advantages and Disadvantages of Composting
    The Technology of Composting
    Potentially Associated Risks with Composting or Compost Use
    Conclusion
    References

    Basic Concepts of Composting
    Introduction
    Temperature
    Carbon and Nitrogen (C:N)
    Moisture
    Oxygen and Aeration
    Microorganisms in Composting
    Stability, Maturity, and Phytotoxicity
    Conclusion
    References

    The Composting Process
    Introduction
    The Composting Process
    Conclusion
    References

    Design and Material, Energy, and Water Balances
    Introduction
    Approaches to Design
    Material, Energy, and Water Balances
    Conclusion
    References

    Facilities Planning
    Introduction
    Facility Ownership and Management
    Community Involvement
    Permit and Ancillary Requirements
    Regulations
    Site Existing Conditions
    System and Technology Selection
    Conclusion
    References

    Composting Technologies and Systems
    Introduction
    Generic Classification of Composting Technologies
    Criteria for System Selection
    Conclusion
    References

    Facility Design
    Introduction
    Process Flow Determination
    Site Design and Improvements
    Equipment
    Basic Design Information
    Conclusion
    References

    Economics
    Introduction
    Economics
    Economics of Product Marketing and Sales
    Conclusion
    References

    Odor Management Basic Concepts
    Introduction
    Assessing and Evaluating Odors
    Production of Odors as Related to Technology
    Odors and Receptors
    Conclusion
    References

    Operational Control of Odors
    Introduction
    Principles of Operational Control
    Managerial Aspects of Odor Management
    Covers
    Chemical Odor Neutralizers and Additives
    Conclusion
    References

    Odor Control Systems
    Introduction
    Biofiltration
    Biofilters
    Design Criteria and Operational Considerations of a Biofilter
    Media
    Biofilter Design
    Managing Biofilters
    Other Biological Control Systems
    Covers
    Conclusion
    References

    Pathogens
    Introduction
    Pathogen Concentrations as Related to Feedstocks
    Types of Pathogens
    Public and Worker Concerns and Issues
    Conclusion
    References

    Bioaerosols
    Introduction
    Bioaerosols Associated with Composting and Their Potential
    Diseases
    Predominant Bioaerosols Related to Composting and Their
    Presence in the Environment
    Bioaerosols and Composting
    Bioaerosols and Human Health as Related to Composting
    Managing Bioaerosols
    Conclusion
    References

    Site Management
    Introduction
    Health and Safety
    Site Management
    Sampling, Analyzing, and Testing
    Conclusion
    References

    Public Relations, Communication, and Regulations
    Introduction
    Public Relations and Communication
    Regulations
    Public Relations, Participation, and Communication
    Regulations
    Odor Regulations
    Conclusion
    References

    Product Utilization and Marketing
    Introduction
    Properties of Compost
    Utilization of Compost
    Compost Marketing
    Conclusion
    References
    Index

    Biography

    Dr. Eliot Epstein is an internationally known expert in composting of waste material. He specializes in composting and biosolids management, solid waste, land application, and waste disposal. He is a soil physicist-agronomist by training.

    Dr. Epstein spent 16 years as Research and Station Leader for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service at the University of Maine in Orono, Maine. In 1972, Dr. Epstein transferred to the USDA Research Center at Beltsville, Maryland, where he was the principal scientist on the project that resulted in the development of the "Beltsville" Forced Aeration Composting System for sewage sludge. Dr. Epstein has directed a variety of waste management projects for both government and industry.

    "Any reference by Dr. Epstein is a valuable tool for the composting professional … It also includes perhaps the most comprehensive list of reference materials, which should be very helpful if the reader desires more information on a particular topic."
    John T. Bouey, P.E., President, Managed Organic Recycling, Inc., Oakland, California