Occupational exposure to ammonia during industrial-scale anaerobic digestion-composting of household waste

Publication

Anaerobic digestion, a multi-stage process often completed by a composting step, harnesses the power of microorganisms to break down organic matter in oxygen-free conditions. One of the main occupational health concerns in this sector is exposure to ammonia. The present work focused on ammonia emitted over the course of several stages in the anaerobic digestion composting process, and assessed employee exposure to this pollutant. The results revealed non-negligible ammonia exposure for workers operating in the dehydration and composting areas on several sites. A classical monitoring approach was supplemented by the identification of explanatory parameters contributing to exposure. Based on these elements, recommendations were made on prevention choices.