4. Conclusion

With the development of wastewater treatment, the management of sewage sludge has become a major and growing issue for both industry and public authorities. Composting has proved to be an economically and ecologically attractive alternative to promote the agricultural recovery of this waste, as part of a sustainable development policy. However, the odor nuisance generated by industrial composting facilities is the main obstacle to the development of this technology. Among the compounds most representative of sewage sludge composting, ammonia is the most highly concentrated, sulfur compounds are the most intensive contributors to perceived odors, and oxygenated compounds make up a varied family whose representatives are frequently found on site.

Odor nuisance is now the second most common reason for complaint after noise, and the perception of olfactory discomfort...