Source fingerprint-guided species-specific concentration mapping for targeted malodor source management in industrial...

Malodorous compounds (MCs) feature ultra-low olfactory thresholds, episodic emissions and rapid dispersion, which complicate the analysis of their spatiotemporal behaviors and hinders real-time identification and spatial mapping of individual odorants in industrial park malodor management. Here, we developed a cost-effective sensor array network guided by source-specific emission fingerprints. The network, calibrated in situ using XGBoost models, achieved species-specific, real-time concentration mapping of multiple MCs across a 3 km² industrial park. A standardized protocol integrating olfactory screening and multi-platform instrumental analysis identified trimethylamine, ethanethiol, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia as the dominant MCs. Dedicated sensor arrays were then constructed based on these source-specific signatures and calibrated in situ against co‑located Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements. A high-density monitoring network of 42 monitors equipped with sensor arrays was established, acquiring data at 10-minute intervals. Real-time concentration mapping based on the monitoring network directly linked MCs to their respective sources. Validated by independent mobile FTIR measurements, the network localized hotspots with <150 m deviation. This source fingerprint-guided spatial monitoring network transforms odor management from a complaint-driven response to source-targeted precision monitoring, offering a paradigm for industrial environmental supervision.