Bioaerosol in Composting Facilities: A Survey on Full-Scale Plants in Italy

Abstract

Bioaerosols lead to human health diseases and composting plants are one of the main sources among human activities. In this study, a survey was conducted on such plants to evaluate bioaerosol risk management. A questionnaire was used to collect information on plant location, process types, collective and personal protective equipment, bioaerosol and particulate matter monitoring data, and occupational surveillance. We examined the data produced by 11 plants located in Italy. Self-control bioaerosol monitoring showed a global contamination index mean of 9908 CFU/m3 underlining a higher concentration (a) in plants with only aerobic process (CPs) with respect to plants that also combined anaerobic treatment of the waste (ADCPs) (p < 0.05) and (b) in facilities with biocells with respect to windrows (p < 0.01). Workers are generally more exposed when working without vehicles. Some areas such as pre-treatment and screening are more prone to higher bioaerosol concentrations, requiring more efficient collective protective equipment. Particulate matter monitoring showed concentration in line with occupational exposure limits for inhalable dust (1862 ± 1729 µg/m3) and breathable dust (276 ± 126 µg/m3), however, organic particle exposure risk assessment has to be carefully reviewed. Improvements in the training program, process design, and health surveillance are desirable as major preventive tools.

Size-Fractionated PM10 and Bioaerosol Indicator Development by Different Methods in Composting Plants for Risk Assessment

“…Two composting facilities among the main composting plants in Italy were chosen to carry out the sampling. An Italian composting plant overview preceded the selection (Anedda and Traversi, 2020). The included plants were technologically different but quite advanced.…”

“…In Italy, more than 340 plants are currently actively treating the organic fraction of waste by composting and/or anaerobic digestion. They manage 23% of the annual average of 455 kg of OFMSW produced per capita, more than 6.3 × 10 6 tons per year (Anedda and Traversi, 2020; Istituto Nazionale per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, 2020).…”