QUANTIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF SLUDGE ODOR |
Hyun-Keun Son1†, and Bradley A. Striebig2 |
1Department of Environment and Health, Kosin University, 149-1, Dong Sam Dong, Young Do Gu, Busan, 606-701, Korea 2Department of Civil Engineering, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, 99258, USA |
Corresponding Author:
Hyun-Keun Son ,Tel: +82-51-990-2129, Fax: +82-51-990-5911, Email: hkson@kosin.ac.kr |
Received: August 16, 2003; Accepted: October 16, 2003. |
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ABSTRACT |
Nuisance odors from municipal sludge are problematic at municipal treatment plants. The breakdown of organic and inorganic materials leads to the production of sulfur containing gases. Hydrogen sulfide has been perceived as the primary cause of odors associated with municipal sludges. Head space analyses of municipal sludges with the Drager Chip Measuring System and GC/MS show hydrogen sulfide is important to the sludge odor signature. However, methanethiol quickly becomes the most dominant odor causing gas emanating from the sludge. Dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl trisulfide are also found in the headspace at greater concentrations as the sludge ages. The effectiveness of the odor treatment method was determined using an odor concentration index, defined herein. The odor concentration index allows quantifiable reproductions in odor based upon the chemical composition of the headspace. An alternative sludge treatment method was evaluated with the odor concentration index for potential use at solid waste disposal facilities. The 3% hypochlorite solution destroyed sludge odor for up to thirty days. Hypochlorite is relatively inexpensive and readily available, especially at water treatment facilities. Chlorination of sludge should be considered for particularly noxious odors in the wastewater treatment facility or for selective odor control of incoming noxious sludge at solid waste disposal facilities. |
Keywords:
odor | sludge | landfill | hydrogen sulfide | methanethiol (methyl mercaptan) |
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