Change of odor distribution due to improvement of wastewater treatment plants in a tapioca starch industry

Abstract

© 2019, Thai Society of Higher Eduation Institutes on Environment. All Rights Reserved. Odor nuisance is considered as one of the major environmental problems which deteriorate the quality of life. In this study, the emissions and spatial distributions of acetaldehyde which is the major chemical released from the wastewater treatment of tapioca starch factory is evaluated. Emission rate of acetaldehyde was evaluated by direct measurement through the chamber experiment. Results were further used as input data to evaluate the extent and magnitude of spatial distribution of acetaldehyde in the vicinity of the factory. Short-term peak concentrations (over 3 min) derived from one-hour modeled concentrations were also used to assess the odor perception. Quantitative analysis of the existing status of the problem under the business as usual of the factory (opened-lagoon) was compared with the modified covered-lagoon. Results clearly indicated the success of this measure toward the reduction of the extent and magnitude of odor problem.