Measurement and assessment of odorous sulfur compounds

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) and other volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are found naturally and also as a by-product of many industries, in particular wastewater treatment, waste management and some food production industries (Bentley & Chasteen, 2004; Fisher et al., 2018b; Rochat et al., 2007). VSCs are probably the most impactful odorants due to their foul smell, low odour threshold, and relative abundance in natural and industrial processes. As a result, there are numerous methodologies to appropriately assess VSCs as an odour. VSC monitoring and assessment is accomplished by a number of approaches that are partially determined by the desired outcomes. For instance, constant monitoring of known VSC emissions is possible through online sensors, such as "e-noses", which are useful for gross VSC emissions but are typically unable to provide detailed analysis. Comparatively, detailed results of VSC concentrations and speciation require a series of steps that evaluate the appropriateness of VSC capture options. From here gas chromatography (GC) separation, followed by subsequent analysis using various chemical detectors, is suitable depending on the VSCs under investigation. VSC sampling and monitoring are challenging due to their low odour thresholds and volatility. These qualities render sampling to be assessed for its capacity to appropriately store the VSCs.