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Pyrolysis-Field Ionization Mass Spectrometry of the Four Phases of Cow Manure Composting

Soils and Crops Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2560 Hochelaga Blvd., Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada G1V 2J3

Denis Couillard

Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS-Eau), Université du Québec, C.P. 7500, Sainte-Foy, Québec, Canada G1V 4C7

Morris Schnitzer

Centre for Land and Biological Resources, Research Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C6

Hans-Rolf Schulten

Fachhochschule Fresensius, Dep. of Trace Analysis, 65193 Wiesbaden, Germany

*Corresponding author (vanbochovee{at}em.agr.ca).

ABSTRACT

Pyrolysis-field ionization mass spectrometry (Py-FIMS) was used to analyze organic matter formed by the composting of cow manure. Analyses were done on samples withdrawn during the four characteristic phases (mesophilic, thermophilic, cooling, and maturation) of the composting process. The organic components that were identified included carbohydrates, phenols, monomeric and dimeric lignins, n-C₃₈ to n-C₅₁ n-alkyl monoesters, n-C₁₅ to n-C₃₄ fatty acids, sterols, and heterocyclic N. Sterols of animal and plant origins were detected in relatively large amounts. Among the heterocyclic N forms, indole predominated. During the thermophilic phase, carbohydrates and n-fatty acids increased. During the cooling phase, concentrations of carbohydrates increased, while dimeric lignins degraded to monomeric lignins and complex plant waxes to n-fatty acids. The maturation phase was characterized by decreases in concentrations of all identifiable components, indicating the formation of chemically more complex structures.

Received for publication October 9, 1995.

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