Wastewater treatment facilities as a source of malodors: causes, characteristics and methods of control

Summary

Odor nuisance is a typical problem of many wastewater treatment facilities. Up to the present moment this problem in Russia was solved exclusively by establishing sanitary protection zones. Malodor buildup is caused by emission of reduced compounds of sulfur, nitrogen and some other organic compounds. For the last year the guidelines for determining malodors (GOST-R was adopted) and the methods of eliminating emissions from public wastewater treatment facilities were for the first time included into the national regulations (the relative section was included into the technical information handbook on best available technologies ITS 10-2015). The information on the methods of measuring odor at the water wastewater treatment facilities is presented. The data on odor release from all the main open process wastewater and sludge treatment units is stated. The classification of these units (four groups) by the extent of odor release is presented. The factors that influence the odor strength are given. The main methods used for elimination of malodors from wastewater facilities are described. Meeting the requirements for cleaning gas emissions and eliminating odors can be ensured with the help of adsorption treatment and reaction-active substances spray-up across the area of emission sources.

Key words

reeking substances , odor nuisance , odor unit , olfactometer , gas emission cleaning , air filtration , PureAir adsorber , «Wet barrier» technology