Odor Management Research Articles

Artificial Neural Network in the Measurement of Environmental Odours by E-Nose

Odour measurement plays a crucial role in environmental odour management. Continuous odour measurement systems are promoted to keep the situation always under control, such as being able to adopt the most suitable mitigation measures in real time to avoid odour complaints and impacts. Electronic Nose (eNose) represents currently the instrument of having the highest future developing potential to guarantee continuous odour measurements. To use an eNose, a training phase is however mandatory, which has the scope to create the Odour Monitoring Model (OMM) that is able to identify the presence of odour, the different odour classes and the quantification of the odorous stimuly. Statistical or biological inspired measurement techniques are applied to create the optimum OMM.The study presents and discusses the elaboration of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique to recognize environmental odour with eNose. The proposed system was architected on a feed-forward neural network with Bayesian Regularization algorithm using Matlab R2017a software.The elaborated ANN was tested and validated using the seedOA eNose, realized by the Sanitary Environmental Engineering Division (SEED) of the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Salerno (Italy). Tests were carried out analyzing odour samples collected at a large Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The comparison between the Odour Monitoring Model (OMM) elaborated through the proposed ANN system and the traditional statistical techniques, such as the Partial Least Square (PLS) and the Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), is also discussed.Results shown the efficiency of the elaborated ANN to identify the different odour classes and predict the odour concentration in terms of OUm-3. The artificial neural network shows smaller Root Mean Squared Errors (RMSE) and greater coefficient of determination (R2) as compared to the traditional statistical methods. The main advantages of neural networks are their adaptability in terms of learning, self-organization, training and noise-tolerance.

A new methodology based on citizen science to improve environmental odour management

This paper outlines a new methodology to gather valid real time odour observations in the impact area of an odour emitting activity by using citizen science tools and a quadruple helix approach (Cavallini et al., 2016), to involve the public authorities, the odour emitting industries, the Academia and the citizens and co-design local solutions to reduce nuisance. The results of the proposed innovative bottom-up approach can contribute to identify improvements in the daily practice of the industries such us operations that cause peaks of emissions, or the critical times of the day that increase nuisance due to non-favourable meteorological conditions, while improving the relationships with the citizens and the local environmental authorities, as well as increasing transparency. In addition, the cost of traditional odour studies can be reduced since the real time odour observations gathered by the citizens have no associated costs.

Improvement of sensory odour intensity scale using 1-butanol reference solutions for environmental odour evaluation

<p>For appropriate evaluation of environmental odours, it is necessary to develop a reliable odour measurement scale. Odour intensity reflects people’s perception of odours and contributes to effective odour management. In this study, Japanese conventional six-point odour intensity scale was reconsidered to ensure equal intervals between odour intensity levels. A new series of six dilution steps of 1-butanol solutions with a concentration of 0, 10, 600, 2600, 9000 and 22500 ppm (vol/vol) was proposed and explanatory labels for odour intensity levels were determined. In addition, polyethylene (PE) bottles were proposed as containers for 1-butanol odour intensity reference solutions for convenience in on-site handling, and the effectiveness of PE bottles was suggested. These results showed that the new odour intensity scale would be applicable to on-site investigations and practically useful for all people related to environmental odour evaluation.</p>

Wound odor: current methods of treatment and need for objective measures.

Chronic wounds are an enormous burden to society, costing billions of dollars annually in the USA alone. Despite the extensive research into methods to heal chronic wounds, many remain unhealed for months to years. There is a need to focus on patient reported outcomes to improve quality of life in patients with non-healing wounds. Wound odor has a significant impact on patient quality of life; however, relatively little information is available on the management of wound odor. We review the current data available on wound odor and discuss the need for standardized objective measures of odor to improve research quality. An independent search of the PubMed and Embase databases was conducted using combinations of the following words or phrases: "wounds," "chronic wounds," "diabetic ulcers," "venous leg ulcers (VLUs)," "malignant ulcers," "odor," "odour," "smell," "malodor," "artificial olfaction," "electronic nose," and "e-nose." Article references were also searched for significance. There are few overall studies on wound odor, and fewer randomized controlled trials. Current trials on odor have consistent weaknesses such as subjective measures and poor methodology. No single odor treatment modality has been demonstrated to be widely effective for wound odor or superior to other methods. Future research should incorporate objective measures of odor such as electronic noses into clinical trials.

Sewer catchment effects on wastewater and biosolids odour management.

The composition of wastewater in sewer catchments is known to affect the performance of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, there is limited knowledge as to how catchment characteristics, such as types of catchment industries, impact odour emissions from downstream sludge processing and biosolids management. Odorous emissions from biosolids processing at WWTPs can represent a significant community impact when the local population is exposed to odours. The main odorants emitted from biosolids are volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), however, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in emissions may also be perceptable after the removal of VSCs in odour abatement systems. Types of compounds present in emissions throughout biosolids processing at five WWTPs of varying sizes and levels of treatment (primary only and primary and secondary) were analysed. The ratio of total VSCs to VOCs in emissions, and the sensorial importance of each class varied between the sites. As a number of the VOCs in emissions were of industrial origin, this variation is likely dependent on industrial flows into the upstream sewer catchment. The impact of different emission compositions on both activated carbon and biologically based odour abatement systems were discussed.

Framework for the use of odour wheels to manage odours throughout wastewater biosolids processing

Odorous emissions from wastewater biosolids processing can cause nuisance impacts to the surrounding community. Odour Wheels are an effective tool for environmental odour management, but have yet to be provided for wastewater biosolids processing. Emissions throughout the biosolids processing from eight wastewater treatment plants, each with different unit operation configurations, were surveyed to identify odorants present and their olfactory properties. Chemical and olfactory methods identified a range of odorants and odours emitted throughout biosolids processing. Within the biosolids processing locations studied Sulfur type odours, described as rotten eggs or cabbage, were typically encountered. However, there was also a varying presence of Rancid/putrid and Faecal/manure type odours. Odour Wheels were generated to communicate both the olfactory and chemical components of emissions which were measured throughout biosolids processing. Examples based on the operation of the eight wastewater treatment plants were used to demonstrate how the Odour Wheels can be used as an onsite odour management aid. The paper demonstrates how Odour Wheels can be prepared using chemical and olfactory measurements and then used to communicate olfactory properties, as well as identify the causes of nuisance emissions throughout biosolids processing at wastewater treatment plants. The linking of odours and odorants to process conditions throughout biosolids processing facilitates effective abatement and management practices.

Emission potential of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) and ammonia from sludge compost with different bio-stability under various oxygen levels

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) and ammonia from biowaste-derived residues is influenced by both the degree of bio-stability and atmosphere of oxygen level (i.e., either anaerobic, aerobic or anoxic conditions). By means of odor emission potential (OEP) test, present study directly examined how these two factors jointly affected the emissions of different odorous compounds from sludge compost. Results reveal that (1) the cumulative amount of ammonia and VSCs ranged from 0.08 to 0.38 mg/g-DM and 1.92 to 6.42 μg-S/g-DM, respectively. (2) High degree of bio-stability and oxygen level decreased the emission rates and cumulative amounts of ammonia, carbonyl sulfide, carbon disulfide, and especially methlymercaptan, who was even extinguished in the late stage. (3) Dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide showed no decline trend with increasing of bio-stability degree and oxygen level, suggesting their formation was mainly abiotic; cumulative amount of dimethyl disulfide was even higher under an atmosphere of high oxygen level. (4) Methlymercaptan was the dominant contributor to odor nuisance. The olfactory threshold of ammonia, dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide also exceeded their limited value. Hence, these odor compounds are priority when came to odor management of sludge compost. Overall, high stability degree and oxygen level alleviated the emission of ammonia, carbonyl sulfide, carbon disulfide and methlymercaptan, while the abatement of dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide should lie in controlling oxygen level in a certain range rather than extremely high oxygen level. Methlymercaptan can be regarded as an alternative indicator of the degree of bio-stability.

Optimal wound care management in hidradenitis suppurativa

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) presents the problem of a chronic, relapsing, painful, draining wound. There is a myriad of HS wound care management strategies implemented by clinicians and patients centered around which dressings to use. Many factors affect which HS wound care dressing is the most appropriate to use such as the type of HS wound, cost, ease of application, patient comfort, absorbency and odor management among many others.Aim: In this work, the authors aim to prepare a set of guidelines for optimal HS wound care dressing use based on a tier system, ideal characteristics of HS dressings and the type of HS lesion. The dressing recommendations focus on cost-effectiveness for patients, ease of accessibility and ultimately, improvement in the quality of life of patients suffering from HS.Methods: PubMed was utilized to search the terms ‘wound care + HS’; ‘non-surgical wound care + HS’; ‘optimal wound care + HS’; ‘HS wounds’; and ‘optimal wound dressings’.Results: Silver-impregnated foam is considered the most optimal HS wound care dressing because it contains nearly all characteristics of an ideal wound care dressing.Conclusion: However, silver-impreganted foam is expensive and difficult to access for patients, so lower-tier HS wound care dressings must be considered prior to utilizing this tier 4 dressing.

Distribution and sensorial relevance of volatile organic compounds emitted throughout wastewater biosolids processing

A diverse range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from wastewater biosolids processing. Odorous emissions are predominately made up of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) which are typically the only odorants measured. However, a range of VOCs are known to contribute to malodours yet previous studies often overlook the contribution of VOCs in comparison with VSCs. This study aims to evaluate how emissions are affected by different biosolids processing configurations, and if any non-sulfur VOCs should be included in odour measurement and management. Non-sulfur VOCs emitted from biosolids throughout six wastewater treatment plants in the Sydney, Australia region were measured at six locations on average twice each week over 2–3weeks at each site. Variations in types of VOCs emitted throughout and between the sites were assigned to differences in WWTP processing configurations, plant operation and variations in industrial and municipal flows to the sewer network, referred to as sewer catchments. The presence of VOCs is likely due to biotic generation as well as industrial or residential additions to the sewer network. The dewatered and stored biosolids samples had the highest levels of VOC emissions. Sensorially important odorants were p-cresol and butanoic acid, based on the frequency of detection and odour activity values. Other compounds with a high risk of nuisance impacts were trimethylamine, indole and phenol emitted from the dewatered and stored biosolids, and volatile fatty acids from the anaerobic digester inlet and outlet at one particular site. The findings show that non-sulfur VOCs should be added to odorant monitoring campaigns at WWTPs. Identification of VOCs as sensorially important odorants opens opportunities for the more efficient management of nuisance odours, through targeted odour control or process improvement.

Palliative Care in the Management of Pain, Odor, and Exudate in Chronic Wounds at the End of Life

Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing 19(1):p 26-27, February 2017. | DOI: 10.1097/NJH.0000000000000318

Palliative Care in the Management of Pain, Odor, and Exudate in Chronic Wounds at the End of Life

Palliative care approaches that effectively manage distressful symptoms associated with wounds at the end of life remain elusive. This 4-week study examined a topical wound powder RGN107 for reducing pain, odor, and exudate in 50 patients with pressure ulcers, skin tears, and malignant/fungating and vascular wounds receiving hospice or palliative care and explored quality of life for the caregiver. Through an observational design, the outcomes were measured with visual analog scales, 2 pain questionnaires, and a caregiver quality-of-life instrument. Intent-to-treat analyses were used. Statistically significant reductions in pain (P = .001), odor (P = .04), and exudate (P = .00003) were observed. Caregiver quality of life remained unchanged (P = .28); however, improvements were noted in 3 subscales. Findings suggest topical RGN107 reduced pain, odor, and exudate in a highly challenged population with wounds at the end of life. A larger comparative effectiveness trial should be conducted with other wound powder comparators and usual care approaches and should include cost benefits.

Recycling of Greenhouse Gas and Odor Management in Landfills Near Urban Area

Recycling of Greenhouse Gas and Odor Management in Landfills Near Urban Area

A Comprehensive Review of Topical Odor-Controlling Treatment Options for Chronic Wounds.

The process of wound healing is often accompanied by bacterial infection or critical colonization, resulting in protracted inflammation, delayed reepithelization, and production of pungent odors. The malodor produced by these wounds may lower health-related quality of life and produce psychological discomfort and social isolation. Current management focuses on reducing bacterial activity within the wound site and absorbing malodorous gases. For example, charcoal-based materials have been incorporated into dressing for direct adsorption of the responsible gases. In addition, multiple topical agents, including silver, iodine, honey, sugar, and essential oils, have been suggested for incorporation into dressings in an attempt to control the underlying bacterial infection. This review describes options for controlling malodor in chronic wounds, the benefits and drawbacks of each topical agent, and their mode of action. We also discuss the use of subjective odor evaluation techniques to assess the efficacy of odor-controlling therapies. The perspectives of employing novel biomaterials and technologies for wound odor management are also presented.

Characterization of odours emitted by liquid waste treatment plants (LWTPs)

<p>Odour emissions from liquid waste treatment plants (LWTPs) generally cause significant effects on the environment in terms of nuisance to exposed population. The particular and complex nature of the mixture of the volatile substances, its variability in time and the strong influence of the atmospheric conditions, are the elements that delayed their regulation and relative management.</p> <p>Limited data are available in the technical and scientific literature, regarding the odour emissions characterization from liquid waste treatment plants. Moreover there isn’t a common strategy from the different European Countries in the regulation of their emissions.</p> <p>Different methods can be used to measure odour emissions from environmental engineering plants, and currently, in Europe, the most used techniques for odour emissions characterization and quantification is the dynamic olfactometry, according to EN 13725:2003.</p> <p>The aim of this study is the characterization of the odour emissions from different liquid waste treatment plants (LWTPs), trough a case study of two large real LWTPs, in order to identify the principal odour sources and to define their related odour emissions.</p> <p>Odour Concentration Index (OCI) is proposed as a useful and simply odour management tool for the identification of the priority actions necessary to identify and control the main odorous sources. Relationship between the measured odour emissions and the types of treated liquid waste (identified in terms of EWC code, COD and NH4<sup>+</sup>) is also discussed.</p> <p>Results show that the influent collection tank is the source with the highest detected odour emissions. OCI results are useful for the definition of a clear priority action for odour control, similar for both investigated plants. Between the characterized types of liquid waste treated by LWTPs the leachate (EWC 190703) show the maximum odour emissions.</p>

Breeding and production performance profile of Black Bengal goats in rural areas of Mymensingh in Bangladesh

The present study was conducted to know the breeding and performance profile of Black Bengal goat in 4 upazila (Mymensingh Sadar, Fulbaria, Trishal and Muktagacha) of Mymensingh district. The data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire from 100 goat rearers. The questionnaire included primary information about goat owners, total number of goats, color pattern, birth information, fate of male kids, weight of kids, breeding system and source of breeding males, breeding cost, litter size, kid mortality, some management parameters on goat and goat rearing system under rural condition. On an average, goat per family at Mymensingh district was found to be 3.56 ±1.77 where the percentage of does and bucks were 90.61% and 9.39% respectively. Most of the farmers were found not to keep male kid for bad odor and difficult management and hence castrate them. Almost all farmers depend on natural mating to serve their does by passing a significant distance. The average service charge was found BDT 70.90±1.77, which differs significantly (P< 0.05) among four upazilas. No significant difference was found in performance of goats among four upazilas. The average body weight at 3 and 6 months of age of female goats were 4.67 ± 0.15 and 7.12±0.14 kg respectively. The average litter size was found 1.76±0.75 and the average kid mortality rate was 12.88% in Mymensingh district. From this study, it became evident that acute shortage of Black Bengal breeding bucks exists in the rural areas which may represent the overall situation of the country.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2016. 45 (2): 46-51

Antimicrobial Effects of Free Nitrous Acid on Desulfovibrio vulgaris: Implications for Sulfide-Induced Corrosion of Concrete.

Hydrogen sulfide produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in sewers causes odor problems and asset deterioration due to the sulfide-induced concrete corrosion. Free nitrous acid (FNA) was recently demonstrated as a promising antimicrobial agent to alleviate hydrogen sulfide production in sewers. However, details of the antimicrobial mechanisms of FNA are largely unknown. Here, we report the multiple-targeted antimicrobial effects of FNA on the SRB Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough by determining the growth, physiological, and gene expression responses to FNA exposure. The activities of growth, respiration, and ATP generation were inhibited when exposed to FNA. These changes were reflected in the transcript levels detected during exposure. The removal of FNA was evident by nitrite reduction that likely involved nitrite reductase and the poorly characterized hybrid cluster protein, and the genes coding for these proteins were highly expressed. During FNA exposure, lowered ribosome activity and protein production were detected. Additionally, conditions within the cells were more oxidizing, and there was evidence of oxidative stress. Based on an interpretation of the measured responses, we present a model depicting the antimicrobial effects of FNA on D. vulgaris These findings provide new insight for understanding the responses of D. vulgaris to FNA and will provide a foundation for optimal application of this antimicrobial agent for improved control of sewer corrosion and odor management.IMPORTANCE Hydrogen sulfide produced by SRB in sewers causes odor problems and results in serious deterioration of sewer assets that requires very costly and demanding rehabilitation. Currently, there is successful application of the antimicrobial agent free nitrous acid (FNA), the protonated form of nitrite, for the control of sulfide levels in sewers (G. Jiang et al., Water Res 47:4331-4339, 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2013.05.024). However, the details of the antimicrobial mechanisms of FNA are largely unknown. In this study, we identified the key responses (decreased anaerobic respiration, reducing FNA, combating oxidative stress, and shutting down protein synthesis) of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough, a model sewer corrosion bacterium, to FNA exposure by examining the growth, physiological, and gene expression changes. These findings provide new insight and underpinning knowledge for understanding the responses of D. vulgaris to FNA exposure, thereby benefiting the practical application of FNA for improved control of sewer corrosion and odor.

Complementary and alternative therapies for management of odor in malignant fungating wounds: a critical review

Complementary and alternative therapies for management of odor in malignant fungating wounds: a critical review Georgina Gethin,1 Caroline McIntosh,2 Sebastian Probst3 1School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway, 2Discipline of Podiatric Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; 3School of Health, University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland Abstract: Malignant fungating wounds (MFWs) affect an estimated 5%–10% of all people with cancer. They have a profound effect on the individual, and their associated symptoms such as bleeding, odor, exudate, and pain cause much distress, anxiety, and social isolation. Odor is cited by patients and clinicians as the worst aspect of such wounds. Strategies to manage odor at the wound site include the use of complementary and alternative therapies. This review aimed to synthesize the current evidence for the use of complementary and alternative therapies in the management of odor in MFWs. No restrictions on date, language, or care setting were applied. Nine databases were searched yielding four papers meeting our criteria. Of the four papers, one was a randomized controlled trial (RCT), and three were case studies. Two papers investigated the use of green tea teabags as a secondary dressing, while others used essential oils either combined with a cream applied directly to the wound or as a secondary dressing. In an RCT, green tea was used as a solution to cleanse the wound followed by the application of green tea teabag as a secondary dressing versus metronidazole powder for the management of odor over 7 days. All patients reported a reduction in odor and physical discomfort, and an improvement in social interaction and appetite, but the difference between groups was not statistically significant. The case studies all reported an improvement in odor management. The use of complementary and alternative therapies in the management of MFW-associated malodor is not supported by evidence from RCTs. Green tea may have potential as a secondary dressing to manage odor. Further research in this area is warranted. Keywords: malignant fungating wound, odor, complementary medicine, alternative medicine&nbsp

Innovative Odor Mapping and Management Method Sets the Stage for Targetted Foul Air Treatment

Innovative Odor Mapping and Management Method Sets the Stage for Targetted Foul Air Treatment

A Conceptual Sewer Process Model as a Tool for Odor and Corrosion Management

A Conceptual Sewer Process Model as a Tool for Odor and Corrosion Management

Innovative odor mapping and management method sets the stage for targetted foul air treatment

Innovative odor mapping and management method sets the stage for targetted foul air treatment