An Analysis of the Effects of Volatile Organic Compound (Odour Emissions) from Municipal Solid Waste Dumps on the Environment and Quality of Life

The public is severely concerned about the odours rising from municipal solid waste dumping yards (MSWDYs). In this study, odour emissions from MSWDYs were assessed at fresh wastes, as well as over a summer season, in semi urban area of Thiruporur, Chennai. Samples were collected with a BDX II abatement air sampler and an ADT probe and were analysed using GC-MS. During the disposal of fresh waste, among three stations around 18 different compounds with different concentration levels are identified. The maximum concentration of VOCs was recorded for tert-butylbenzene at 1.41 ?g/m3, while the lowest was observed for sec-butylbenzene at 0.07 ?g/m3. An additional peak in odour emissions was noted during the summer, influenced by the mixing of various waste materials at the dumping sites. This was observed under constant time conditions but with fluctuating meteorological factors, including ambient and dumping yard temperatures, as well as microbial activity. These odour emissions pose potential health risks to MSW workers, nearby residents, and the environment. Studies have shown that VOCs can lead to various carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health issues. Furthermore, some detected compounds may have a minor environmental impact. The primary sources of odour emissions were various chemical compounds, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons. Due to the presence of elevated odour levels, specific chemical compounds were identified as indicators of emissions from the dumping sites. These compounds included ethyl benzene, benzene, toluene, n-butylbenzene, chlorobenzene, and ortho, meta and para xylenes (o,m&p). The health of individuals who regularly work at the dumping yard is at risk from both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic emissions detected by odour, originating from the site.