Author: Loh, Yew-leong Lawrence
Title: Odour impact assessment & analysis at seven refuse collection points in Hong Kong
Other Title: Odour impact assessment & analysis at 7 refuse collection points in Hong Kong
Degree: M.Sc.
Year: 1999
Subject: Odors -- Environmental aspects -- China -- Hong Kong
Environmental impact analysis -- China -- Hong Kong
Waste disposal sites -- China -- Hong Kong
Odor control
Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations
Department: Multi-disciplinary Studies
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering
Pages: 74, [39] leaves : ill. ; 30 cm
Language: English
Abstract: Gases emitted from decaying waste matter, such as that present at refuse sites, are odourous and result in adverse public complaints. The identity and quantity of volatiles emitted from refuse waste varies from one situation to another depending on the type of waste, the type of waste handling facility and the general environment that the waste is subjected to. In order to reveal useful, information on the characteristics of odourous volatiles associated with refuse matter, both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the constituents in odourous gases at seven refuse collection points (RCPs) in Hong Kong are performed. In quantitative analysis, five gases (H2S, methane, non-methane hydrocarbons, total volatile organic compounds and mercaptans) are being measured. The results revealed that concentrations inside RCP are higher than those outside and odour threshold values are also exceeded. By comparing the results between different gases, high correlations are found for H2S with mercaptans and TVOC with NMHC. In qualitative analysis, some odour suspected substances such as ethylbenzene, disulphide dimethyl, dichlorofluoromethane, benzene, etc. with comparatively high indoor/outdoor abundance ratio are identified. In addition, the odour control equipment used in these refuse transfer stations (such as activated carbon and water scrubber system) are assessed based on the type of odourous matters being identified. Activated carbon can remove hydrocarbons effectively but it is easily affected by humidity and replacement cost is high. Water scrubber can remove soluble odourous substances (e.g. H2S, mercaptans) with lower maintenance cost. However, larger plant space and provision of water supply and drainage facilities shall be considered The study provide a better physio-chemical description of the odourous compounds and enable the evaluation of different odour control methods being adopted for prevention of odour complaints in the neighbourhood of refuse facilities.
Rights: All rights reserved
Access: restricted access

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