Critical working tasks and determinants of exposure to bioaerosols and MVOC at composting facilities

Airborne bioaerosols and Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOC) concentrations were simultaneously monitored at a composting facility and the main determinants of atmospheric concentrations were characterised, in order to help protect workers from potential adverse health effects. Microorganisms and MVOC were sampled during various process stages and working tasks, both on site at the two units (green waste and biowaste), and at the border of the composting facility. Ambient monitorings were performed at sampling points deemed representative of occupational exposures for critical working tasks, and additional individual samplings were done on workers for MVOC. A linear regression model was used to estimate the determinants explaining exposure variability to bioaerosols and volatile compounds. Bioaerosol concentrations ranging from 102 to 1.8 × 105 cfu/m3 were observed, with peak exposures in the shredding and waste sieving phases. Shredder and siever adjustments, cleaning and maintenance of aeration systems/composting containers were associated with the highest bioaerosols ambient concentrations. MVOC concentration profiles were highly variable depending on the composting unit. Shredding/rotting phases were associated with the highest levels at respectively green waste/biowaste units. Terpenoids and alcohols were the most predominant compounds, and total MVOC levels reached up to 40 mg/m3. Individual and ambient MVOC concentrations did not show significant differences. “Season”, “waste turning”, “process stage” and “sampling location” were the main determinants of bioaerosols and MVOC concentrations variability. Moderate or no correlation was found between microorganisms and volatile organic compounds concentrations. The high bioaerosol and MVOC levels observed as well as the potential of additive irritative effects resulting from these exposures justify the wearing of personal protective equipments for the associated working tasks. On the other hand, low concentrations recorded in the immediate vicinity of the facility suggested a limited environmental impact from the composting activity. Simultaneous monitoring of bioaerosols and MVOC exposures at various sampling locations and during main working tasks (including cleaning/maintenance tasks) seems of importance for improving health risk assessments at composting facilities.