Characterization Of Odors Originating From Pulp And Paper Wastewater Lagoons , 2004 Paper Summit, Spring Technical & International Environmental Conference, (including Papermakers; Process Control, Electrical & Information; Product & Product Quality)

The generation of unpleasant odors is a major concern at many pulp and paper mills. A study was conducted to estimate the airborne concentrations of odorants arising from lagoon systems treating wastewater from 35 pulp and paper mills located in the United States and Canada. The atmospheric concentration of odor compounds near the lagoon surface was estimated by headspace gas chromatography. Certain compounds were found to be emitted at concentrations that exceed the published odor threshold by less than ten times. These compounds include; acetic acid, propionic acid, thiophene, furfuraldehyde, 2- furan methanol, camphor, and 2-butoxyethanol. These compounds may contribute significantly to odors near the lagoon, but are likely diluted to concentrations that are well below the odor thresholds as the air moves away from the lagoon. Several compounds were frequently measured at concentrations that greatly exceeded the odor thresholds. These compounds included; ethyl mercaptan, butyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, dimethlsulfide, dimethyldisulfide, dimethyltrisulfide, butyric acid, borneol, and 2-methoxyphenol.