A comprehensive approach to assess odorous air quality of a selected wastewater treatment plant: Preliminary study

This study investigates the impact of selected wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Poland, focusing on the assessment of odorous air quality. Employing both, analytical and sensory methodologies, the research quantifies the levels of key odorants and provides insights into the human perception of odours. From these data, the Odour Activity Value (OAV) and the newly developed Odour Air Quality Index (OAQI) were calculated to evaluate odour quality, highlighting significant variations across different sections of the WWTP. Notably, the digesters and grating entry points were identified as critical areas with the highest OAVs, signifying major sources of odour emissions. The OAQI was strongly correlated with the OAV, suggesting that our analytical methods were effective in detecting the dominant odour compounds responsible for the odour profiles observed at the selected WWTP. Health risk assessments, based on the concentrations of hazardous airborne substances (HIT for non-carcinogenic risks and CRT for carcinogenic risks), indicated that the overall air quality at the facility was good. It is important to note that odour levels, while contributing to discomfort, were not directly linked to health risks. Additionally, comprehensive microbiological assessments indicated the digesters and grating entry points as main sources of microbial activity. These findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring and implementation of advanced odour control measures to enhance air quality at WWTPs. This preliminary study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between water and wastewater operations, community health, and environmental management, offering actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.