[Stench Sources and Impact Analysis in Automobile Making].

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Industrial Hygiene

Context:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are significant contributors to industrial odor pollution.
• Automobile manufacturing processes, particularly coating and drying, release various VOCs.
• Assessing the impact of industrial emissions on nearby residential areas is crucial for public health.

Purpose:

• To identify and quantify the sources of industrial stench from an automobile manufacturing enterprise.
• To analyze the types and concentrations of VOCs emitted from different points within the plant and at sensitive residential areas.
• To determine the specific VOCs responsible for odor pollution in residential areas and recommend mitigation strategies.

Summary:

• Odor concentrations and VOC species were measured at vent stacks, plant boundaries, and residential areas of an automobile manufacturing plant.
• While most plant areas were within acceptable odor limits, plant boundaries and residential spots in the original equipment manufacturing plant exceeded standards.
• Fifty-four VOC species were identified, with halogenated compounds and aromatics being most abundant. 1,3-Butadiene was identified as a major odorant originating from coating processes.

Impact:

• Exceedances in plant boundaries and residential areas highlight the need for improved emission control in automobile manufacturing.
• Identification of specific VOCs like 1,3-butadiene allows for targeted reduction strategies.
• Recommendations include using low-VOC paints and implementing advanced purification technologies like regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) to mitigate stench and protect residential areas.