Volatile organic compounds from garden waste

About 170 compounds were identified in the headspace or liquid exudate from garden waste. Typical for microbiological growth were branched and straight chain alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters C2–C8. Several of the substances have been identified in early studies of compost For some waste samples the organosulfur compound concentration (C1 and C3 mono-, di- and trisulfides) was ca. 10 mg/m3 which suggests that these substances may contribute to mucous membrane irritation or nausea reported by waste collection personnel.