Assessment of biological stabilization during the mechanical biological treatment (MBT) and of the carbon storage function of MBT landfills
- Boden und Landökosysteme
- Wasser - Atmosphäre - Umwelt
- Forschungscluster "Nachhaltigkeit"
Abstract
Optimization of the intensive rotting phase: The technical guideline for MBT plants in Austria requires an intensive rotting phase in a closed system over four weeks resp. a limitation of the respiration activity by 20 mg O2/g DM. Practical experiences demonstrated that this limit value can be reached even after (2 or) 3 weeks. As the guideline requires both limitations the material has to stay in the rotting tunnels even with lower reactivity. This situation does not stimulate an optimization of the intensive rotting phase. A shorter intensive rotting phase would be advantageous as it would raise the plant capacity, save energy and costs by a shorter time of active aeration and probably would lead to lower VOC-loads (by minimizing the air volume needed). Carbon storage by MBT output: From composting we know that humification of organic matter can be forced by heterogeneous input material mixture and optimal rotting conditions. Humic substances are stable organic compounds that serve as a carbon storage pool. The quantification and the stability of this carbon pool in composts respectively in soils, where compost was applied, is an actual scientific field of research. The rotting process in a MBT plant does not differ that much from a composting process with regard to its scientific background. Differences can be found regarding the input material (municipal solid waste - source separated biogenic waste) and the goal of the process (mineralization to reduce the gas emission potential before landfilling - increase of stable organic substances in soils by application of compost). MBT output definitely can be seen as a carbon storing material. The stability level and the quantification of the long term carbon pool in MBT material is not known up to now. Within the project mainly the State of the Art of these two questions should be described and documented.
Project staff
Erwin Binner
Dipl.-Ing. Erwin Binner
erwin.binner@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-81315
Project Leader
01.02.2010 - 01.02.2012
Johannes Tintner-Olifiers
Priv.-Doz. Dipl.-Ing.Dr.nat.techn. Johannes Tintner-Olifiers
johannes.tintner@boku.ac.at
Project Staff
01.02.2010 - 01.02.2012