MP3 Heterogeneous Chemistry of Atmospheric Particles and Trace Gases
Monday, 14 November 2005: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM in Exhibit Hall

(MAR-1117-808782) Emission of VOCs and odours: a case of study with a waste collection centre in Florence, Italy.

Martellini, T¹, Cincinelli, A¹, Begliomini, C², Pisani, I², Del Bubba, M¹, Lepri, L¹, ¹ Department of Chemistry- University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy² SAFI S.p.A., Bagno a Ripoli, Florence, Italy

ABSTRACT- Municipal solid waste collection sites represent a potential source of VOCs which may be associated with release through direct emission or evaporation of residues in materials which have been disposed and/or with aerobic and anaerobic biological processes of solid waste. Most of these VOCs are odorants and responsible of offensive odours that can create annoyance and impact in the surrounding community. The objective of this study were to identify and quantify VOCs emitted from a solid waste collection centre, located in San Casciano, Florence (Italy) and to evaluate the intensity and extent of odours attributable to emissions from this site. The present Italian legislation does not foresee limits to odour emissions, however the limit of Lombardia Region (200 UO/mc) seems to be widely adopted. The innovative aspect of this study was to perform olfactometric simultaneously to analytical analysis. Air samples were collected at the potential odour sources of the waste collection centre, storage area and stack, and at six different sites located at various distances from the plant (sensitive areas). The principal VOCs identified were alkanes, aromatic compounds (e.g. toluene and xylenes), terpenes (e.g. pinene and limonene) and oxygenated (e.g. alcohols, ketons). Pinene and limonene, both particularly odorous but not toxic, were individuated as specific markers of the malodour sources. High concentrations of these organic compounds were found in the inner sites because their presence is a result of microbial processes or of deodorants used to reduce malodorous. Concentrations at traces levels in the surrounding area has demonstrated the plant influence to the air quality. On the contrary olfactometric data were useful to evaluate the extent of odours at stationary source points but not at outside sites because values were similar to air background levels (50-60U.O/mc).

Key words: VOCs, solid waste, urban atmosphere, odorous compounds