3. Main non-metallic mineral pollutants

3.1 Origin and chemical form

Among household waste treatment processes, incineration is the main potential source of emissions of non-metallic mineral pollutants into the atmosphere. This sub-section is devoted exclusively to this problem.

As a reminder, let's just mention hydrogen sulfide (H ₂ S), present in the biogas of landfills and methanization plants, or (in concentrations generally below standards) in the working environment of composting plants. Although hydrogen sulfide is toxic (it can cause nervous system disorders in large doses), it is usually only a nuisance due to its strong odor.

We should also mention the major toxic impact of ammoniacal nitrogen (