Evolution of thermophilic period in biosolids composting analyzed with an electronic nose

Samples of piles from the Biosolids Composting Plant of Bariloche city (R´ıo Negro, Argentina) have been analyzed with an electronicnose to detect differences in the evolution of the thermophilic period. Gas chromatography followed by mass spectroscopy, enabled toidentify organic compounds present in each stage.The aim of this work was (I) to assess patterns related to the evolution of the thermophilic composting period and (II) evaluate thefeasibility of using these patterns as stability and maturity indexes of the final product (compost). Results have reported different patternsfor thermophilic composting periods revealing them as good indicators of the evolution process. This study contributed to the change ofthe final compost material (before contaminant) into a fertilizing useful product for agriculture. Fil: Baby, Rosa Elisa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de las Fuerzas Armadas. Centro de Investigaciones en Sólidos; Argentina Fil: Cabezas, Marcelo Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de las Fuerzas Armadas. Centro de Investigaciones en Sólidos; Argentina