Emissions of harmful gases, malodorous compounds
and greenhouse gases emitted during composting of
swine feces under continuous aeration were studied
using a laboratory-scale composting apparatus. Concentrations
of ammonia and sulfur compounds in the
exhaust gas rose remarkably after starting and at every
turning, and their changes reflected the odor concentrations
calculated from sensory tests. Volatile fatty
acids, in high concentrations at the start, were rapidly
reduced within several hours from starting and did not
rise again. Methane emission was observed within only
1 day from starting. Nitrous oxide repeatedly rose and
fell after every turning, as did ammonia. From the
viewpoint of nitrogen loss during composting, however,
the total amount of nitrous oxide emission seemed
quite small compared with that of ammonia.