Modeling Odors and Hydrogen Sulfide in the Sewers of San Francisco

Abstract

A detailed measuring campaign targeted on hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) was undertaken in the Bayside drainage area of San Francisco. The purpose was to assess whether a conceptual sewer process model could reproduce H 2 S concentrations and other wastewater characteristics to a level where it could be applied to further improve odor and H 2 S management. The campaign covered 12 locations in the drainage area and included measurements in the wastewater as well as the sewer atmosphere. The tested model was based on the WATS sewer process concept, which previously had yielded promising results for catchment scale modelling, but never been calibrated to such an extensive dataset. The study showed that the model was capable of reproducing the general levels of wastewater H 2 S concentrations, wastewater pH values, and sewer H 2 S gas levels. It could also reproduce the general variability of these parameters, albeit with some uncertainty. It was consequently concluded that the model could be applied for the purpose in mind.

Prediction of hydrogen sulfide emission from an energy dissipation chamber and assessment of its distribution in the ambient air

“…Active research is also underway in the field of in-depth study of the physics of hydrogen sulfide mass transfer through the air-water phase boundary [12 -15]. Attention is paid to the issue of odor intensity from sewerage system [16,17] and its reduction [18,19]. Work is also under way to study the factors affecting the gases emission within networks and their distribution.…”