Modeling indoor odor–odorant concentrations and the relative humidity effect on odor perception at a water reclamation plant

Models formulated to associate odors and odorants in many industrial and agricultural fields ignore the potential effect of relative humidity on odor perception, and are not validated. This study addresses literature limitations by formulating a model that includes relative humidity and by validating the model. The model employs measured paired values, n = 102, of indoor odors and odorants from freshly dewatered biosolids in a post-digestion dewatering building of a Water Reclamation Plant (WRP). A random sub-sample of n = 32 is used to validate the model by associating predicted vs. measured values (R2 = 0.90). The model is validated again with a smaller independent database from a second WRP (R2 = 0.85). Moreover this study asserts that reduction of hydrogen sulfide concentrations, conventionally used as a surrogate of sewage odors, to acceptable levels does not assure acceptable odor levels. It is concluded that: (1) The addition of relative humidity results in a stronger association between odors and odorants than the use of H2S alone; (2) the two step model validation indicates that the model is not simply site-specific but can be applied to similar facilities; and (3) the model is a promising tool for designing odor and odorant control strategies, the ultimate goal of engineering studies.

► An odor–odorant model is formulated for freshly dewatered biosolids indoors. ► Adding relative humidity increases the association between odors and odorants. ► The model is validated with data from the studied WRP and a different WRP. ► The model is not simply site-specific but can be applied to similar facilities. ► The model is a promising tool for designing odor and odorant control strategies.