Sampling representativeness using trier in characterizing composting windrows of solid urban waste based on Pierre Gy’s Sampling Theory

ABSTRACT

This study was performed to assess the trier sampler performance (NBR 10007/2004) in representing the properties of windrows composting built with urban solid waste. It was evaluated in the beginning (8 days) and in the end of the composting process (120 days), using as a reference the Pierre Gy’s Sampling Theory for heterogeneous materials. Composting windrows were built of 30 tons and carried out in turned windrow system. We found the trier method appropriate for characterizing mature compost (120 days) because it was similar to the reference method in estimating organic matter content, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Besides, turning windrow before sampling might improve the representativeness of water content and pH. In contrast, more heterogeneous particles (shape, size, water content) may have influenced the trier’s performance at the beginning of waste degradation and consequently the sample’s accuracy. Although trier method is less efficient to reduce sampling errors than the method based on Sampling Theory, the former is simpler and does not need mechanization, extra space or additional human resources.

Keywords:
composting; sampling methods; trier sampler; urban solid waste; food waste