Characteristics of organic pollution from typical urban odor sources and its impact on surrounding air quality

YU Bowen; JIANG Tao; LIAO Xiangyu; LI Yongkang; YOU Liangfang; CAO Gang; ZHU Rongshu; LU Yunhe; LI Haiyan

doi:10.13205/j.hjgc.202510026

Volume 43 Issue 10

Oct. 2025

Turn off MathJax

Article Contents

Article Navigation > ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING > 2025 > 43(10): 235-244

YU Bowen, JIANG Tao, LIAO Xiangyu, LI Yongkang, YOU Liangfang, CAO Gang, ZHU Rongshu, LU Yunhe, LI Haiyan. Characteristics of organic pollution from typical urban odor sources and its impact on surrounding air quality[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2025, 43(10): 235-244. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202510026

Citation:

YU Bowen, JIANG Tao, LIAO Xiangyu, LI Yongkang, YOU Liangfang, CAO Gang, ZHU Rongshu, LU Yunhe, LI Haiyan. Characteristics of organic pollution from typical urban odor sources and its impact on surrounding air quality[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2025, 43(10): 235-244. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202510026

Citation:

YU Bowen, JIANG Tao, LIAO Xiangyu, LI Yongkang, YOU Liangfang, CAO Gang, ZHU Rongshu, LU Yunhe, LI Haiyan. Characteristics of organic pollution from typical urban odor sources and its impact on surrounding air quality[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2025, 43(10): 235-244. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202510026

PDF( 1625 KB)

Characteristics of organic pollution from typical urban odor sources and its impact on surrounding air quality

doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202510026

1. Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Prevention and Control, School of Eco-Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China;
2. Shenzhen Ecological Environment Monitoring Station, Shenzhen 518000, China

Received Date: 2023-07-18
Accepted Date: 2023-09-15
Rev Recd Date: 2023-08-30

Available Online: 2025-12-03

Publish Date: 2025-10-01

Abstract

Abstract

This study employed the cornbine SUMA canister sampling-atmospheric pre-concentration-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS） technique to investigate key odor-complaint enterprises and their surrounding residential areas in an urban district of a southern Chinese city. It focused on detecting major malodorous volatile organic compounds （MVOCs）， including aromatic hydrocarbons， carbonyl compounds， alkanes， alkenes， halogenated hydrocarbons， and sulfur-containing compounds， to explore the feasibility of tracing MVOCs pollution through synchronous sampling of pollution sources and surrounding residential areas. The results showed that the 24-hour average concentration of VOCs from odor sources at Sewage Plants A， B， and C ranged from 34.3 to 44.1 ppb， predominantly composed of aromatic hydrocarbons， carbonyl compounds， alkanes， and halogenated hydrocarbons. Differences in VOC composition among the sewage plants were primarily related to the types of wastewater being treated. Other enterprises with odor complaints， including sludge treatment companies， pharmaceutical companies， and biotechnology firms， exhibited 24-hour average VOC concentrations ranging from 13.5 to 206 ppb， with distinct major pollutants varying according to their core business activities. In contrast， the 24-hour average VOC concentrations in the ambient air of surrounding residential areas ranged from 4 to 24.3 ppb， with similar chemical compositions across different residential zones， predominantly consisting of aromatic hydrocarbons， alkanes， and carbonyl compounds. Key MVOCs species， such as styrene and carbon disulfide， were either undetected or barely reached the detection limits in residential ambient air， while the highest detected concentrations of ethyl acetate， toluene， and xylene （o-， m-， p-xylene） did not exceed the limits set by the "Triangle Odor Bag Method" and the "Emission Standards for Odor Pollutants". Comparative analysis of 24-hour synchronous sampling results between odor sources and ambient air in surrounding residential areas revealed high concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons and carbonyl compounds at all sampling points. During winter sampling， it was found that with the high concentration detection of characteristic MVOCs species， such as dichloromethane and trichloromethane， in sewage treatment plants and enterprises， higher concentrations of dichloromethane and trichloromethane also appeared in the ambient air of the residential areas. This study provides strong support for tracing the impact of odor pollution sources on surrounding residential areas and offers valuable data and scientific evidence for environmental regulatory agencies to manage odor pollution effectively.
- odor pollution,
- odor sources tracing,
- VOCs,
- GC-MS

FullText(HTML)

References(28)

References

[1]	WANG X，LI Y，LIU J，et al. Augmentation of protein-derived acetic acid production by heat-alkaline-induced changes in protein structure and conformation［J］. Water Research，2016，88（Jan. 1）:595-603.
[2]	YANG W，XIAO X，WANG G，et al. Emission characteristics of volatile odorous organic compounds in the fragrance and flavor industry［J］. Environmental Chemistry，2021，40（4）:1071-1077. 杨伟华，肖咸德，王亘，等. 香精香料企业挥发性恶臭有机物排放特征分析［J］. 环境化学，2021，40（4）:1071-1077.
[3]	ZHAI Z，MENG J，WANG G，et al. Emission characteristics and characteristic substance identification of volatile odorous organic compounds in industries using organic solvents［J］. Environmental Science，2018，39（8）:3557-3562. 翟增秀，孟洁，王亘，等. 有机溶剂使用企业挥发性恶臭有机物排放特征及特征物质识别［J］. 环境科学，2018，39（8）:3557-3562.
[4]	DENG Q，LI Z，LIU T，et al. Odorous volatile organic compounds and their odor intensities in Anding waste sanitary landfill in Beijing［J］. Acta Scientiae Circumstantiae，2016，36（1）:201-209. 邓强，李振山，刘添添，等. 北京市安定生活垃圾填埋场VOCs恶臭物质及其臭气强度［J］. 环境科学学报，2016，36（1）:201-209.
[5]	TANG X，WANG B，ZHAO D，et al. Sources and components of MVOC from a municipal sewage treatment plant in Guangzhou［J］. China Environmental Science，2011，31（4）:576-583. 唐小东，王伯光，赵德骏，等. 城市污水处理厂的挥发性恶臭有机物组成及来源［J］. 中国环境科学，2011，31（4）:576-583.
[6]	ZHANG Y，ZHENG M，CAI J，et al. Comparison and overview of PM_2.5 source apportionment methods［J］. Chinese Science Bulletin，2015，60:109-121. 张延君，郑玫，蔡靖，等. PM_2.5源解析方法的比较与评述［J］. 科学通报，2015，60:109-121.
[7]	XIE L. Research on odor pollution source apportionment technology and traceability system［D］. Tianjin:Hebei University of Technology，2014. 谢蕾. 恶臭污染源解析技术及溯源系统研究［D］. 天津:河北工业大学，2014.
[8]	LIU S，WANG B，HE J，et al. Quantification assessment of the relationship between chemical and olfactory concentrations for malodorous volatile organic compounds［J］. Environmental Science，2011，32（12）:3582-3587. 刘舒乐，王伯光，何洁，等. 城市污水处理厂恶臭挥发性有机物的感官定量评价研究［J］. 环境科学，2011，32（12）:3582-3587.
[9]	DONG L，ZHANG X，SU H，et al. Investigation on the types and concentrations of malodorous gases emitted from wastewater treatment plants［J］. Water & Wastewater Engineering，2022，58（6）:35-42 董磊，张欣，苏晗辰，等. 大型污水处理厂恶臭气体成分及来源的现场实测研究［J］. 给水排水，2022，58（6）:35-42.
[10]	ZHANG W，DAI Q，YANG X，et al. Odor characteristics of wastewater treatment plant sludge during treatment and disposal and emission reduction control measures:a short review［J］. Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering，2023，17（2）:351-367. 张伟军，戴巧芸，杨晓芳，等. 污水处理厂污泥处理处置过程中的恶臭污染特征与恶臭物质减排控制措施［J］. 环境工程学报，2023，17（2）:351-367.
[11]	MA J，WANG Y，GUO X，et al. Odor characteristics and pollution estimation of biopharmaceutical wastewater treatment processes［J］. Environmental Engineering，2019，37（9）:34-39. 马嘉伟，王彦杰，郭雪松，等. 生物发酵制药废水产生的恶臭与VOCs特征及评估［J］. 环境工程，2019，37（9）:34-39.
[12]	CHEN C，QIAN W，ZHANG H. Application of chemical absorption combination process in waste gas treatment system for wastewater treatment system of pharmaceutical plant［J］. China Resources Comprehensive Utilization，2019，37（9）:25-27. 陈超宇，钱薇，张浩哲. 化学吸收法用于制药企业废水处理站废气除臭系统的调试与优化［J］. 中国资源综合利用，2019，37（9）:25-27.
[13]	GU X，XIU G. Screening of volatile organic odorants in typical industries based on SPECIATE database［J］. Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering，2019，13（3）:716-724. 顾鑫生，修光利. 基于SPECIATE数据库的典型行业挥发性有机恶臭物质筛选［J］. 环境工程学报，2019，13（3）:716-724.
[14]	YAN M，HUANG X，ZHANG W，et al. Pollution characteristics and ozone formation potential of ambient volatile organic compounds in Shenzhen［J］. Environmental Science & Technology，2021，44（2）:57-65. 颜敏，黄晓波，张文忠，等. 深圳大气挥发性有机物污染特征及臭氧生成潜势［J］. 环境科学与技术，2021，44（2）:57-65.
[15]	ZHENG P，SUN T，ZHU B，et al. Vertical distribution characteristics of atmospheric VOCs in Shenzhen based on tower observation［J］. China Environmental Science，2023，43（1）:29-37. 郑品梅，孙天乐，朱波，等. 基于铁塔观测的深圳大气VOCs垂直分布特征［J］. 中国环境科学，2023，43（1）:29-37.
[16]	KONG L，HU T，NIU Z，et al. Characteristics and causes of air condition in Shanghai during COVID-19 prevention periods［J］. Environmental Engineering，2021，39（9）:110-116. 孔琳，胡婷莛，牛植，等. 新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情防控时期上海市空气质量特征及成因分析［J］. 环境工程，2021，39（9）:110-116.
[17]	SONG K，YU Y，LU S，et al. Variation and reactivity of ambient volatile organic compounds in autumn of Zhuhai［J］. Acta Scientiae Circumstantiae，2020，40（7）:2323-2332. 宋锴，俞颖，陆思华，等. 珠海市秋季大气挥发性有机物变化趋势和大气化学反应活性［J］. 环境科学学报，2020，40（7）:2323-2332.
[18]	State Environmental Protection Administration. Emission standard for odor pollutants:GB/T 14554—1993［S］. Beijing:Standards Press of China，1994. 国家环境保护局. 恶臭污染物排放标准:GB/T 14554—1993［S］. 北京:中国标准出版社，1994．
[19]	Ministry of the Environment，Japan. On the enforcement of the offensive odor control law［EB/OL］.［ 1972-06-07］. http://www.env.go.jp/hourei/10/000013.html. 日本环境省. 悪臭防止法の施行について［EB/OL］.［ 1972-06-07］. http://www.env.go.jp/hourei/10/000013.html.
[20]	REN X，LI H，LI J，et al. Odor emission control standards in Japan and its enlightenment for China［J］. Chinese Journal of Environmental Management，2023，15（1）:110-118. 任晓灵，李海青，李剑颖，等. 日本恶臭排放标准体系研究及对中国的借鉴［J］. 中国环境管理，2023，15（1）:110-118.
[21]	LU S，BAI Y，ZHANG G，et al. Study on the characteristics of VOCs source profiles of vehicle exhaust and gasoline emission［J］. Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Pekinensis，2003（4）:507-511. 陆思华，白郁华，张广山，等. 机动车排放及汽油中VOCs成分谱特征的研究［J］. 北京大学学报（自然科学版），2003（4）:507-511.
[22]	LI L，LI H，WANG X，et al. Pollution characteristics and health risk assessment of atmospheric VOCs in the downtown area of Guangzhou，China［J］. Environmental Science，2013，34（12）:4558-4564. 李雷，李红，王学中，等. 广州市中心城区环境空气中挥发性有机物的污染特征与健康风险评价［J］. 环境科学，2013，34（12）:4558-4564.
[23]	ZHU L，ZHAN D，LI T，et al. The research on the composition of VOCs and ozone generation contribution from vehicle emissions［J］. Environmental Science and Technology，2024，37（6）:6-10. 朱林，詹德昊，李涛，等. 机动车尾气中VOCs组成及O₃的生成贡献研究［J］. 环境科技，2024，37（6）:6-10.
[24]	BARLETTA B，MEINARDI S，SHERWOOD R，et al. Volatile organic compounds in 43 Chinese cities［J］. Atmospheric Environment，2005，39:5979-5990.
[25]	ATKINSON R，AREY J. Atmospheric degradation of volatile organic compounds［J］. Chemical Reviews，2003，103:4605-4638.
[26]	CHEN F，WANG Y，ZHOU S，et al. Study on characteristics of VOCs in sewage treatment plant［J］. Bulletin of Science and Technology，2017，33（11）:261-265. 陈芳，王奕奕，周姗，等. 污水处理厂挥发性有机污染物特征研究［J］. 科技通报，2017，33（11）:261-265.
[27]	HUANG C，LIN J，TONG L，et al. Emission characteristics and health risk assessment of volatile organic compounds from a sewage treatment plant［J］. Environmental Pollution & Control，2018，40（6）:704-709. 黄岑彦，林佳梅，佟磊，等. 污水处理厂的挥发性有机物排放特征及健康风险评价［J］. 环境污染与防治，2018，40（6）:704-709.
[28]	LI T，WANG J，MA C，et al. The characteristics and influencing factors of VOCs emissions from typical chemical pesticide sewage stations［J］. Environmental Chemistry，2025，44（9）:1-10. 李婷，王建成，马陈熀，等. 典型化学农药企业污水站VOCs排放特征与影响因素［J］. 环境化学，2025，44（9）:1-10.