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STUDY ON EFFECTIVE MONITORING OF ODOUR POLLUTION NEAR AN INDUSTRIAL SITE IN RIGA USING A PORTABLE SENSOR SYSTEM
Abstract
In a study over a two-month period, identifying the volatile compounds of potential odorous substances (hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, benzene, toluene, xylene, etc.), which periodically spread in the area adjacent to the Free Port of Riga and have a negative impact on the quality of life and health of residents of these areas. Potential sources of odours were identified as far as possible and the results obtained were assessed in the context of complaints from citizens and the results obtained in the reference measurements. In an experimental part, four portable air quality monitoring sensor equipment was installed, combining them into a unified monitoring network in the area adjacent to the Riga Free Port. The developed sensor system consists of 7 different metal oxide sensors intended for extensive use (for the determination of volatile organic compounds, ammonia, airborne pollutants etc.), which are mostly cross-sectoral with multiple substances at the same time. An assessment of the episodic nature of complaints registered by the most frequent population, the impact of meteorological factors and the location of potential sources of odours, identified the potentially most efficient assembly and location of odour monitoring equipment. It can be concluded that completed smell sensor matrices provide sufficient quality and adequate information on environmental quality changes, are able to identify pollution and have high potential in environmental quality metrics. The resulting sensor measurements shall be used in the development of a data processing algorithm for the purpose of using the measurements obtained for the calculation of notional odour units as it has been done in the processing of the results obtained in the study. Not only the results of sensor measurements but also the meteorological indicators are essential for the development of the sensor measurement algorithm; although not decisive, monitoring of wind speed and wind direction at equivalent temporal exposure is statistically important. The reference measurements show that the variability of wind direction in the area studied is high, which should be considered when analyzing the results. This also means that it is important to use meteorological masts at reference stations for odour pollution measurements, or in cases where measurements are planned to be carried out in areas where no meteorological mast exists, provision should be made for measurement of wind speed.
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References2
Bax, C.; Sironi, S.; Capelli, L. How can odors be measured? An overview of methods and their applications.
Atmosphere 2020, 11, DOI: 10.3390/atmos11010092
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