This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of physical characteristics. Twelve specific odorous compounds and various sources of bacteria were tested via treatment of food waste using an ultra-thermophilic aerobic composting process. Food waste was mixed with seed material and operated for 47 days. During composting, the temperature was maintained at 80-90°C. The variations in O2, CO2 and NH3 production suggested typical microorganism-driven organic decomposition patterns. After composting, the concentrations of 12 specific odorous compounds other than ammonia did not exceed the allowable exhaust limits for odor. After composting, thermophiles represented 50% of all bacteria. After composting, the percentage of thermophile bacterial increased by 15%. Therefore, both stable composting operation and economic benefit can be expected when an ultra-thermophilic composting process is applied to food waste.

• 박세용(고등기술연구원 플랜트엔지니어링 본부) | Seyong Park (Plant Engineering Center, Institute for Advanced Engineering)
• 오두영(고등기술연구원 플랜트엔지니어링 본부) | Dooyoung Oh (Plant Engineering Center, Institute for Advanced Engineering)
• 정철진(고등기술연구원 플랜트엔지니어링 본부) | Cheoljin Cheong (Plant Engineering Center, Institute for Advanced Engineering)
• 장은석(고등기술연구원 플랜트엔지니어링 본부) | Eunsuk Jang (Plant Engineering Center, Institute for Advanced Engineering)
• 송형운(고등기술연구원 플랜트엔지니어링 본부) | Hyoungwoon Song (Plant Engineering Center, Institute for Advanced Engineering) Corresponding author