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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #119283
Title: MECHANISMS FOR ODOR PRODUCTION DURING LIME STABILIZATION OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER SOLIDS

Author
item KIM, HYUNOOK
item SUDHIR, MURTHY - CH2M HILL
item MCCONNELL, LAURA
item PEOT, CHRISTOPHER - DC WATER & SEWER AUTH
item RAMIREZ, MAR - DC WATER & SEWER AUTH
item STRAWN, MARY - PEER CONSULTING

Submitted to: Industrial Wastewater
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/15/2002
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Odors from solids handling processes and biosolids have attracted increasing public attention that has led to more stringent requirements for odor reduction. The odors that result from organic sulfides and amines can be a problem for control and treatment within the plant boundaries. The biosolids product that is generated can be a source of nuisance complaints. .Each unit process within a wastewater treatment facility can produce odors However, the odors from solids processing and treatment are difficult to treat and control. Especially, the odors that are generated during the process of post-lime stabilization are very strong and offensive. Among the odors from the lime stabilization process, the 'fishy' odors from amines, especially trimethylamine (TMA), play an important role. A second compound of concern is dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) that produces a 'decaying' odor. The reason for TMA and DMDS generation during lime stabilization (post-liming process) has not been studied in detail. Preliminary data have indicated that TMA is generated from breakdown of cationic polymers. In addition to polymers, proteins in the wastewater solids possess amine and sulfur groups. Partial degradation of these groups may result in the production of amines and sulfur compounds. The objective of this study is to evaluate the odor compounds that originate from lime stabilized biosolids. Four compounds were evaluated: TMA, carbon disulfide (CS2), dimethyl sulfide (DMS), and DMDS. It had been previously determined that these compounds were 'problematic' from lime stabilization. The emphasis of the analysis was to determine the source of odors and mechanisms for odor generation during lime stabilization. SPME (solid phase microextraction) method was applied to analyze the odors from the samples.