Human exposure to hydrogen sulphide concentrations near wastewater treatment plants

Abstract

The hydrogen sulphide (HS) levels from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Curitiba, Brazil have been quantified for the first time. HS generated by anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in WWTPs is a cause for concern because it is an air pollutant, which can cause eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, and nausea. Considering the requirement for WWTPs in all communities, it is necessary to assess the concentrations and effects of gases such as HS on populations living and/or working near WWTPs. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the indoor and outdoor concentration of HS in the neighbourhood of two WWTPs located in Curitiba, as well as its human health impacts. Between August 2013 and March 2014 eight sampling campaigns were performed using passive samplers and the analyses were carried out by spectrophotometry, presenting mean concentrations ranging from 0.14 to 32μgm. Eleven points at WWTP-A reported HS average concentrations above the WHO recommendation of 10μgm, and 15 points above the US EPA guideline of 2μgm. At WWTP-B the HS concentration was above US EPA guideline at all the sampling points. The I/O ratio on the different sampling sites showed accumulation of indoor HS in some instances and result in exacerbating the exposure of the residents. The highest HS concentrations were recorded during the summer in houses located closest to the sewage treatment stations, and towards the main wind direction, showing the importance of these factors when planning a WWTP. Lifetime risk assessments of hydrogen sulphide exposure showed a significant non-carcinogenic adverse health risk for local residents and workers, especially those close to anaerobic WWTPs. The data indicated that WWTPs operated under these conditions should be recognized as a significant air pollution source, putting local populations at risk.

Development of CuO/Cu4(OH)6SO4 Nanoparticle Mixtures to Optimize the H2S Adsorption

“…The simplicity and control that this method affords have the potential to significantly advance the field since the synthesis can be conducted using basic laboratory equipment and relatively benign chemicals, allowing it to be readily upscaled for applications demanding large amounts of sorbent material. Examples of cases that could utilize this level of demand could include the production of sorbent material for filters fitted to protective clothing used where there are high levels of H 2 S release, such as in oil or gas wells, , or in areas where harmful concentrations of the pollutant are released from wastewater treatment facilities . The facile nature of its production also means that this sorbent could be utilized in filters in disposable devices in the medical sector, thus improving the quality of patients’ lives and care.…”

Determination of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions from a commercial dairy farm with an exercise yard and the health-related impact for residents

“…Farm workers, which on the other hand are likely to be exposed to higher concentrations, have not been considered either. An example of a risk assessment study on human exposure to H 2 S concentrations near two wastewater treatment plants in Curitiba, Brazil, that has considered different groups, can be found elsewhere (Godoi et al 2018 ). Overall, the contour lines show a similar shape as the wind rose, which indicates that the nature of health-related exposure is intimately connected to the meteorology of a particular site (Brancher et al ( 2019 ).…”

H2S Exposure Aggravates Inflammation Induced by LPS in Chicken Liver By microRNA-216a/PKCα Axis Modulating NF-κB/TNFα Pathway

“…Sulfur-containing organic matter in accumulated feces is decomposed under anaerobic conditions and reduced by bacterial sulfate to form hydrogen sulfide gas. H2S exposure at a low concentration may cause headache, fatigue, nausea [4]. The high concentration of H2S will adversely affect the normal growth and reproduction of poultry.…”