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Published on: May 5, 2015
Development of an odor wheel classification scheme for wastewater
G A Burlingame1, I H Suffet, D Khiari
1Bureau of Laboratory Services, Philadelphia Water Department, 1500 E. Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19124, USA. gary.burlingame@phila.gov
Summary
A new wastewater odor wheel standardizes odor quality characterization, linking specific smells to their chemical origins for better air pollution control. This classification scheme aims to improve odor data reporting in wastewater treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Wastewater Engineering
Background:
- Odor concentration, intensity, and hedonic ratings are standardized in air pollution control.
- Odor quality characterization lacks standardization, hindering effective wastewater odor management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the first wastewater odor wheel for classifying odor quality.
- To establish a foundation for standardized odor quality data reporting linked to chemical causes.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel odor classification scheme based on understanding odorous compounds from wastewater treatment.
- Utilizing existing knowledge of chemical compounds responsible for wastewater odors.
Main Results:
- Presentation of the first wastewater odor wheel, a classification scheme for odor quality.
- Provides a framework for linking specific odors to their chemical precursors in wastewater.
Conclusions:
- The developed wastewater odor wheel provides a much-needed standardization for odor quality characterization.
- This scheme will facilitate more consistent and informative odor reporting in the wastewater treatment industry.
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