Odor Sources and Characterization
Not all odors are the same — the chemistry of an odor determines both how far it travels and what control actually works.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
The most common and most regulated odorant at wastewater plants — a rotten egg smell detectable at very low concentrations.
Reduced Sulfur Compounds (Mercaptans)
Mercaptans and other reduced sulfur compounds have very low odor thresholds and travel farther than H2S — sometimes the actual cause of community complaints.
Ammonia and Amines
Ammonia and organic amines form during high-strength or septic conditions and contribute to a different odor character than sulfides.
Volatile Fatty Acids and Other Organics
Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and other organic compounds form during fermentation and contribute sour or rancid odors.
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