ASTM D5975-96
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining the Stability of Compost by Measuring Oxygen Consumption
Standard Test Method for Determining the Stability of Compost by Measuring Oxygen Consumption
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the stability of a compost sample by measuring oxygen consumption after exposure of the test compost to a well-stabilized compost under controlled-composting conditions on a laboratory scale involving active aeration. This test method is designed to yield reproducible and repeatable results under controlled conditions that resemble the end of the active composting phase. The compost samples are exposed to a well-stabilized compost inoculum that is prepared from municipal solid waste or waste similar to the waste from which the test materials are derived. The aerobic composting takes place in an environment where temperature, aeration, and humidity are monitored closely and controlled.
1.2 This test method yields a cumulative amount of oxygen consumed/g of volatile solids in the samples over a four-day period. The rate of oxygen consumption is monitored as well.
1.3 this test method is applicable to different types of compost samples including composts derived from wastes, such as municipal solid waste, yard waste, source-separated organics, biosolids, and other types of organic wastes that do not have toxicity levels that are inhibitory to the microorganisms present in aerobic composting systems.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.5 there is no similar or equivalent ISO method.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard statements are given in Section 8.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 5975 – 96
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Stability of Compost by Measuring Oxygen
Consumption
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5975; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D 1293 Test Methods for pH of Water
D 1888 Test Methods for Particulate and Dissolved Matter
1.1 This test method covers the stability of a compost
in Water
sample by measuring oxygen consumption after exposure of
D 2908 Practice for Measuring Volatile Organic Matter in
the test compost to a well-stabilized compost under controlled-
Water by Aqueous-Injection Gas Chromatography
composting conditions on a laboratory scale involving active
D 3590 Test Methods for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen in Water
aeration. This test method is designed to yield reproducible and
D 4129 Test Method for Total and Organic Carbon in Water
repeatable results under controlled conditions that resemble the
by High-Temperature Oxidation and Coulometric Detec-
end of the active composting phase. The compost samples are
tion
exposed to a well-stabilized compost inoculum that is prepared
D 5338 Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegrada-
from municipal solid waste or waste similar to the waste from
tion of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting
which the test materials are derived. The aerobic composting
Conditions
takes place in an environment where temperature, aeration, and
2.2 APHA-AWWA-WPCF Standards:
humidity are monitored closely and controlled.
2540 D Total Suspended Solids Dried at 103°–105°C
1.2 This test method yields a cumulative amount of oxygen
2540 E Fixed and Volatile Solids Ignited at 550°C
consumed/g of volatile solids in the samples over a four-day
period. The rate of oxygen consumption is monitored as well.
3. Terminology
1.3 This test method is applicable to different types of
3.1 Definitions of terms in this test method appear in
compost samples including composts derived from wastes,
Terminology D 883.
such as municipal solid waste, yard waste, source-separated
organics, biosolids, and other types of organic wastes that do
4. Summary of Test Method
not have toxicity levels that are inhibitory to the microorgan-
4.1 This test method consists of the following:
isms present in aerobic composting systems.
4.1.1 Selecting a compost sample for the determination of
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
the stability.
standard.
4.1.2 Producing a fully stabilized compost from a similar
1.5 There is no similar or equivalent ISO method.
waste stream under well-controlled laboratory conditions.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1.3 Exposing the compost test samples to the fully stabi-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
lized compost under controlled composting conditions.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1.4 Measuring the oxygen consumption rate and deter-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
mining the cumulative oxygen consumption.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard
4.2 Obtaining the level of stability from the cumulative
statements are given in Section 8.
oxygen consumption.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards:
2 5.1 A measurement of compost stability is needed for
D 515 Test Methods for Phosphorus in Water
3 several reasons. It aids in assessing whether the composting
D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
process has proceeded sufficiently far to allow the finished
1 4
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste Discontinued; see 1991 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01.
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.07 on Municipal Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.02.
Solid Waste. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.03.
Current edition approved Aug. 10, 1996. Published October 1996. “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,” 17th
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01. Edition, 1989, American Public Health Association, 1740 Broadway, New York, NY
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01. 19919.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 5975
compost to be used for its intended application. A different composting temperatures of 50 to 65°C during a period of at
compost stability may be required for different applications of least two weeks when composting similar waste as the waste
the compost. from which the samples were derived, and equipped with air
5.2 A measurement of compost stability also is needed to distribution plate, inlet and outlet, and airtight lid.
verify whether a composting plant is processing the waste to
6.1.2 Pressurized Air, provided to the composting bin at a
previously agreed levels of stability. This measurement is
precise and controllable rate up to 200 L/kg waste/day.
useful in the commissioning of composting plants and the
6.1.3 Thermometer, with temperature measurement up to
verification of whether plant operators are satisfying permit
80°C (6 2°C).
requirements.
6.1.4 Suitable devices for measuring oxygen and CO (op-
5.3 The level of compost stability also will indicate its
tional) concentrations in the exhaust air of the composting bin,
potential to cause odors if the compost is stored without
such as sensors or appropriate gas chromatography.
aeration, as well as the level to which it has been hygienized
6.2 Composting Apparatus (see Fig. 2):
and how susceptible the compost is to renewed bacterial and
6.2.1 A series of at least nine composting vessels (one test
possible pathogenic activity. Compost stability is an important
substance, one blank, one positive reference, all in three
parameter with regard to phytotoxicity and plant tolerance of
replicates) of 2 to 5 L of volume.
the compost.
6.2.2 Incubators, water baths, or other temperature control-
5.4 The determination of compost stability will allow the
ling means capable of maintaining the temperature of the
selection of well performing composting technologies, as well
composting vessels at 58°C (6 2°C).
as the safe application of compost in its various markets. The
6.2.3 Pressurized-Air System, providing H O-saturated air
method indicates a degree of stability, but does not necessarily
to each of the composting vessels at the appropriate aeration
indicate that one level is preferable over another level of
rates.
stability.
6.2.4 Suitable devices for measuring oxygen concentration
6. Apparatus
in the exhaust air of the composting vessels, such as specific
sensors or appropriate gas chromatography.
6.1 Stabilized-Compost Inoculum Preparation Bin (see Fig.
6.3 Miscellaneous:
1):
6.1.1 A stabilized-compost inoculum preparation bin with a 6.3.1 Balance (6 1 mg), to weigh sample and stabilized
volume of 100 to 200 L, with insulation sufficient to maintain compost.
FIG. 1 Optional Set-Up Compost Preparation Bin
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 5975
FIG. 2 Optional Set-Up Using Gas Chromatograph (see also Test Method D 5338)
6.3.2 Scales (6 0.1 kg), to weigh composting waste for solids over the four-day test period. The stabilized compost
stabilized compost production. must have a total solids content between 50 and 60 % on wet
6.3.3 Normal laboratory glassware, equipment, and chemi- weight, an ash content of less than 70 % on total solids, a pH
cals. between 7 and 8 and be free of volatile fatty acids (less than
6.3.4 Suitable devices and analytical equipment for measur- 100 mg/L as acetic acid). The C/N ratio should be between 10
ing dry solids (at 105°C), volatile solids (at 550°C), volatile and 20 and the C/P ratio between 30 and 60.
fatty acids by aqueous-injection chromatography, and total 9.2 The stabilized compost should be as free as possible of
Kjeldahl nitrogen. larger inert materials (for example, glass, stones, metals).
These items should be removed manually to produce a homo-
7. Reagents and Materials
geneous material.
7.1 Analytical-grade cellulose (microcrystalline, as used in
10. Test Samples
thin-layer chromatography) with a particle size of less than 10
10.1 The test sample must be representative of the compost
μm, for use as a positive control.
that is being assessed for compost quality. Preferably the test
8. Hazards
sample should be a composite of various grab samples taken
8.1 This test method requires the use of hazardous chemi- throughout the pile. Otherwise, take samples at various depths
cals. Avoid contact with the chemicals and follow manufactur- of a compost pile and analyze these compost samples sepa-
er’s instructions and Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). rately to assess any variations within the compost pile itself.
8.2 The waste materials used for the production of stabilized 10.2 When adding the test sample compost to the stabilized
compost, or the compost samples may contain sharp objects. compost, all basic composting parameters, such as oxygen in
Take care when handling. the composting vessel, porosity, and moisture content should
8.3 The composting vessels are not designed to withstand be adjusted so as to make a good composting process possible.
high pressures. The system should be operated at close to Oxygen levels in the composting vessel should be at least 6 %
ambient pressure. at all times and no free-standing water nor clumps of material
should be present.
9. Stabilized Compost
11. Procedure
9.1 The stabilized compost, which serves as an inoculum
and the test matrix, should be well-aerated compo
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