Application of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Monitoring and/or Control of Composting Processes

The implementation of a suitable and ecologically friendly solid waste management plan is accepted as an essential need. Given that organic matter constitutes the majority of solid waste, composting has gained popularity as an alternative way of organic refuse recycling. Compost quality is defined by its stability and maturity, both of which must be assessed by measuring a large number of physical-chemical parameters, microbiological variables, and enzymatic activities. These procedures are complex and time-consuming, making it difficult to assess compost quality correctly. Spectroscopy methods could be used as an efficient alternative. In this work, general information about composting processes and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is given. A discussion and comparison of the different approaches of coupling NIRS and chemometric tools for the monitoring and/or control of composting processes are presented in this work.