Unconventional parameters for a correct design of waste biostabilization plants in agricultural areas

The choice of the system of waste management is linked to multiple factors, related to each other by the concept of sustainability. One aspect of primary importance upon which sustainability is the environmental compatibility of the technological solutions for the treatment of waste. As part of a technical choice of a treatment system, an important environmental aspect is related to atmospheric emissions and the associated risk on public health, also through the agricultural products. Mechanical-biological treatments can release polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) because of volatilization phenomena. To assess the effectiveness of the removal/mitigation technologies applied to these kinds of plants, dispersion simulations were performed using an AERMOD Gaussian model, and the impact of the atmospheric deposition to soil was assessed. A flat area was chosen, characterized by the absence of strong winds. Unconventional parameters were adopted to determine the deposition, which was calculated by the impact of the plant in terms of cancer risks. The results of the simulations showed that a biofilter, located either at ground level or on the roof of a biostabilization plant, is not an appropriate solution in terms of agricultural land protection. However, this methodology highlighted the positive role of RTO technology in terms of a reduction in the impact of PCDD/Fs and consequent protection of the agricultural activities.