The purpose of this study was to identify, quantify, and determine source locations of significant volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) associated with the activated sludge treatment process at a large wastewater treatment plant. Flux chamber and wastewater headspace sampling techniques were used to capture odorous gases followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. Olfactometric analysis corroborated the results from the chemical analysis. Dimethylsulfide (DMS) and dimethyldisulfide (DMDS) concentrations in wastewater were strongly correlated with sludge blanket depth [DMDS: r ¼ 0.86 (p , 0.001, df ¼ 24) and DMS: r ¼ 0.72 (p , 0.001, df ¼ 24)]. A strong statistical correlation also was established between concentrations of these two odorants in the gas samples and the recognition odor concentration [DMS: r ¼ 0.85 (p , 0.001, df ¼ 13) and DMDS: r ¼ 0.81 (p , 0.001, df ¼ 13)]. Results indicate that settled sludge in the anoxic environment of the secondary sedimentation basin is the most important contributor to the formation of VSCs in the activated sludge treatment system. Water Environ. Res., 80, 2261Res., 80, (2008.
A wastewater treatment plant consists of unit processes designed to achieve specific waste reduction goals. Offensive odors associated with these treatment processes are a constant source of public complaints. The purpose of this study was to statistically determine the process parameters that influence the formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in the secondary treatment system. A statistical model was developed to relate the process parameters to the formation of VSCs in this system. The model established that F/M ratio, sludge blanket depth and SSV(60) were the dominant process parameters that influenced the formation of VSCs in the secondary sedimentation basin. This model provides a useful tool for plant engineers to predict and control the VSC formation in a secondary activated sludge treatment system.
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