Wastewater treatment plants are essential infrastructures for protecting the environment and public health. These facilities treat wastewater from households and industries, removing contaminants and impurities before reintroducing the water into the ecosystem. The treatment process involves multiple stages to ensure that the treated water meets quality standards and can be safely reused or discharged into groundwater or surface water. By preventing water pollution, wastewater treatment plants significantly contribute to maintaining ecological balance and protecting public health. However, these facilities are often associated with the emission of unpleasant odors, which can cause significant discomfort to nearby communities. Efficient management of these odors is crucial for maintaining a positive relationship between plant operators and neighboring residents.

Odors from wastewater treatment plants originate from the decomposition of organic and inorganic materials during the water treatment process.

The most common sources of odors are:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S): A gas resulting from the decomposition of organic materials, known for its rotten egg smell.
• Ammonia (NH₃): Another compound released from the decomposition of organic matter and the use of disinfectants.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Emitted at various stages of the treatment process, these can include a variety of chemicals with strong odors.

Unpleasant odors can have a significant negative impact on the quality of life of residents near treatment plants. Odor discomfort can lead to community complaints, affecting the reputation of operators and creating local tensions. Additionally, prolonged exposure to certain chemical substances can have health effects.

The Odosense solution by Oizom

To enable efficient management of odor discomfort, Oizom has developed the innovative Odosense solution, a continuous monitoring technology specifically designed for installation near wastewater treatment plants and other odor-generating industries. Odosense uses advanced sensors to detect and measure concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and other substances, in real time. Real-time reporting allows operators to respond promptly to increases in monitored values.

By integrating the Odosense solution from Oizom, wastewater treatment plants gain significant support in their efforts to achieve sustainability goals and protect public health. Proactive monitoring enables rapid interventions and helps reduce community complaints, while data analysis ensures optimization of treatment processes, reduction of operational costs, and minimization of environmental impact.