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Odours in Wastewater Treatment Measurement, Modelling and Control

Article in Water Intelligence Online · February 2005

DOI: 10.2166/9781780402932

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Odours in Wastewater Treatment
Measurement, Modelling and Control

Edited by

Richard Stuetz
School of Water Sciences, Cranfield University, UK

and

Franz-Bernd Frechen
Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering,
University of Kassel, Germany
Published by IWA Publishing, Alliance House, 12 Caxton Street, London SW1H 0QS, UK
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7654 5500; Fax: +44 (0) 20 7654 5555; Email: publications@iwap.co.uk
www.iwapublishing.com

First published 2001

© 2001 IWA Publishing

Printed by TJ International (Ltd), Padstow, Cornwall, UK

Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, as
permitted under the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1998), no part of this publication may
be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by an means, without the prior permission in
writing of the publisher, or, in the case of photographic reproduction, in accordance with the terms
of licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency in the UK, or in accordance with the terms of
licenses issued by the appropriate reproduction rights organization outside the UK. Enquiries
concerning reproduction outside the terms stated here should be sent to IWA Publishing at the
address printed above.

The publisher makes no representation, express or implied, with regard to the accuracy of the
information contained in this book and cannot accept any legal responsibility or liability for errors or
omissions that may be made.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

Library of Congress Cataloging- in-Publication Data

A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress

ISBN 1 900222 46 9
Contents

Preface xi
List of Contributors xiii

PART I: INTRODUCTION 1

1 Odour perception 3
1.1 Introduction 3
1.2 Human perception of odours 4
1.3 Odour complaints 10
1.4 References 13

2 Regulations and policies 16

2.1 Introduction 16
2.2 Components of the problem 17
2.3 What type of standard? 18
2.4 Environmental protection policy 25
2.5 Some conclusions 29
2.6 Acknowledgements 30
2.7 References 30

[v]
vi Contents

PART II: ODOURS ASSOCIATED WITH WASTEWATER TREATMENT 31

3 Odour formation in sewer networks 33

3.1 Introduction 33
3.2 Microbial processes in sewers related to odour formation 35
3.3 Volatile organic compounds produced under anaerobic conditions in sewers 40
3.4 Emission of odours from sewers 42
3.5 Prediction of hydrogen sulphide in sewer networks 55
3.6 Examples of simulations with the sewer process model 62
3.7 Control of odours from sewers 63
3.8 References 65

4 Sources of odours in wastewater treatment 69

4.1 Introduction 69
4.2 Sources of odours in wastewater and sludge 70
4.3 Release of odours to the atmosphere 79
4.4 Design to minimise odour problems associated with wastewater 84
treatment processes
4.5 References 90

PART III: ODOUR SAMPLING AND MEASUREMENT 93

5 Sampling techniques for odour measurements 95

5.1 Introduction 95
5.2 Odour impact assessment and sampling program design 98
5.3 Sample collection - general principles 101
5.4 Sample collection from point sources 105
5.5 Sample collection from area sources 107
5.6 Sample collection from volume (building) sources 112
5.7 Result calculation 114
5.8 Conclusions 118
5.9 References 119

6 Hydrogen sulphide measurement 120

6.1 Introduction 120
6.2 Hydrogen sulphide 121
6.3 Hydrogen sulphide measurement 122
6.4 Linking H2S and odour concentration 127
6.5 Conclusions 128
6.6 References 129
 Contents vii

7 Olfactometry and the CEN standard prEN 17325 130

7.1 Introduction 130
7.2 The essence of quantitative olfactometry 131
7.3 The development of the CEN standard 133
7.4 Types of dynamic dilution olfactometry 136
7.5 Compliance with the CEN standard 141
7.6 Sampling considerations 143
7.7 Qualitative assessments combined with the CEN standard 144
7.8 Conclusions 148
7.9 Acknowledgements 149
7.10 References 149
7.11 Terms and definitions from the CEN standard 149
7.12 Abbreviations 154

8 Odour analysis by gas chromatography 155

8.1 Introduction 155
8.2 Pre-concentration of sample 160
8.3 Gas chromatography 164
8.4 Choice of chromatography column 166
8.5 Choice of detector 168
8.6 Review of gas chromatography of odours 169
8.7 Emission rates 172
8.8 Case study 173
8.9 References 175

9 Odour measurements using sensor arrays 179

9.1 Introduction 179
9.2 Sensor array technology 180
9.3 Application of sensor arrays to odour monitoring 190
9.4 References 196

PART IV: ASSESSMENT AND PREDICTION OF ODOURS 199

10 Prediction of odorous emissions 201

10.1 Introduction 201
10.2 What can we predict? 204
10.3 How can we predict? 205
10.4 What will we predict? 209
10.5 Quality control 212
10.6 References 212
viii Contents

11 Odour mapping using H2S measurements 214

11.1 Introduction 214
11.2 The mechanics of preparing an H2S map 216
11.3 H2S monitors and interferences 220
11.4 Interpretation of H2S maps 221
11.5 Other uses of H2S maps 224
11.6 Conclusions 230
11.7 References 231

12 Dispersion modelling 232

12.1 Introduction 232
12.2 Odour dispersion modelling in practice 239
12.3 Limitations of dispersion modelling 245
12.4 References 249

13 Monitoring nuisance and odour modelling 250

13.1 Introduction 250
13.2 Specifying annoyance limits 253
13.3 Annoyance, nuisance and complaints 258
13.4 Annoyance and public perception 262
13.5 Odour modelling and implications for operations and planning 264
13.6 Reference 266

PART V: ODOUR CONTROL AND TREATMENT 267

14 Use of chemicals for septicity and odour prevention in sewer networks 269
14.1 Introduction 269
14.2 Septicity development in wastewater 271
14.3 Controlling septicity using nitrate 274
14.4 Controlling septicity using ferric 280
14.5 Controlling septicity using ferric nitrate 288
14.6 Controlling odour by pH adjustment 289
14.7 References 292

15 Process covers for odour containment 293

15.1 Introduction 293
15.2 Cover materials 294
15.3 Cover configuration 300
15.4 Criteria for selection 304
15.5 Bibliography 308
 Contents ix

16 Chemical odour scrubbing systems 309

16.1 Introduction 309
16.2 Chemistry of wastewater treatment odours 313
16.3 Design of packed tower scrubbers 318
16.4 Packed tower theory 330
16.5 Design of mist systems 340
16.6 Estimating costs for chemical odour control 342
16.7 References 343

17 Adsorption systems for odour treatment 345

17.1 Introduction 345
17.2 Adsorbents 348
17.3 Options for regeneration or disposal of spent adsorbents 356
17.4 Characteristics of carbon beds 358
17.5 Control of hydrogen sulphide 360
17.6 Control of organic odorants (VOCs) 362
17.7 References 362

18 Catalytic oxidation of odorous compounds from waste 365

treatment processes
18.1 Introduction 365
18.2 Catalytic processes for VOC and H2S treatment in the gas phase 369
18.3 Catalytic oxidation technologies for scrubbing liquids 378
18.4 Catalytic oxidation for odour abatement in sanitary engineering 386
18.5 References 389

19 Biotechnological treatment of sewage odours 396

19.1 Introduction 396
19.2 Types of reactors 397
19.3 Basic process mechanisms 399
19.4 Design and operational parameters 403
19.5 Performance 406
19.6 Process monitoring 407
19.7 Process control 408
19.8 Costs 411
19.9 References 411
x Contents

20 Activated sludge diffusion as an odour control technique 415

20.1 Activated sludge odour removal: description and biodegradation theory 415
20.2 Design / operation considerations 417
20.3 Factors affecting performance 421
20.4 Effects on wastewater treatment 426
20.5 Advantages over media-based systems 428
20.6 Economics 429
20.7 Case histories 430
20.8 References 434

Index 435
Preface

The release of unpleasant odours from wastewater treatment works can have an impact
on the local population. Public concerns over the release of odours from these facilities
have increased in recent years. This is the direct result of the encroachment of housing
on land surrounding sewage works, the raised awareness of public rights over
environmental issues and the expectation of the public towards privatised water
companies. Consequently, careful management is required to avoid the creation and
release of annoyance odours during wastewater treatment.
Odorous compounds that are present or formed in sewer networks and during
wastewater treatment can become an annoyance when they are released into the
environment. To avoid the formation of odorous compounds requires an
understanding of the processes involved. To control and prevent their release, the
mechanisms by which odours are formed and then released and dispersed into the
atmosphere must be understood.
In Part I of this book, the reader is introduced to how humans perceive odours,
the biological mechanisms involved and their interpretation in relation to the number
of complaints. An overview of the philosophy and basics that form the background
for regulations and policies used to enforce environment protection is presented.
Part II of the book describes the formation of odours and volatiles in sewer networks
and sources of odours in wastewater treatment. Particular attention is focused on the

[ xi ]
 xii Preface

role of microbial interactions and the physical factors that lead to odour release
during treatment.
The accurate sampling and measurement of odours is essential for assessing the
emission of odours as well as evaluating the efficiency of abatement technologies.
Part III provides an account of the techniques used to sample odours from
wastewater processes and presents the different analytical methods used to measure
odours or odorants directly in the field or indirectly at a laboratory. Special attention
is given to the recent draft European standard for olfactometry, the application of
absorbents for concentrating odour mixtures and the use of novel sensor arrays for
surrogate odour measurements.
Part IV of this book covers the practical aspects of assessing and predicting the
release of nuisance odours from wastewater treatment in order to provide effective
control. The techniques used to predict the emission of odours from different
wastewater sources are discussed with a special focus on the use and benefits of the
Odour Emission Capacity measurement. Methodologies for assessing the dispersion of
odorous emissions from a wastewater source are presented. Practical examples of the
use of H2S contour maps, dispersions and odour models as well as experiences with
monitoring nuisance are presented by the authors.
The chapters in Part V provide an overview of the technologies currently used to
contain and treat odorous compounds. The suppression of odour formation by the
addition of chemicals to sewer and wastewater and the containment of odorous
atmospheres using process covers are discussed. The different mechanisms involved in
the chemical, physical and biological treatment of odours are presented as well as the
results of such different types of deodorization technologies..
The book has been written for engineers and scientists who are working,
researching or generally interested in the fields of odour regulation, formation,
measurement, modelling and treatment. The content of the individual chapters
reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the subject matter. We believe that the
problem of odour nuisance, odour formation and odour abatement is of increasing
interest, and from this viewpoint this book may be the first, but surely not the last
project dealing with this topic. We also do hope that experiences from different
countries as well as expertise from different disciplines will work together even
more in the future to help with establishing a nuisance-free environment, and that
this book may be a step towards this aim.
We thank all the contributors of this book for their contributions and wish to
acknowledge the assistance of Alan Click and Alan Peterson of IWA Publishing for
their help, support and patience throughout the preparation of the book.

Richard Stuetz
Franz-Bernd Frechen
March 2001

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