Expert Application of VOC Chemical Analysis Techniques in the Study of Odour Problems. Case Study of an Important Episode in Barcelona

In order to reliably characterize odour-related problems, to detect the possible sources of odour episodes and to correctly choose and implement the possible solutions (such as deodorisation systems, “ad-hoc” actions, etc.), especially in cases of emissions with highly complex compositions, it is often not sufficient to know the odour concentration in the emissions and/or its extrapolation to immission levels by means of dispersion modelling, as this approach may carry a potential risk that inconclusive or even erroneous conclusions. These drawbacks associated with olfactometric methods can often be overcome by complementing them with the expert use of analytical techniques of odorant speciation (preferably by means of GC-MS or even, in some specific cases such as the one object of this work, GC-HRMS).