Conditions affecting obnoxious smells from waste stabilisation ponds in tropical countries

摘要

Odours from waste stabilisation ponds (WSPs) in tropical countries are common phenomena and of public concern, especially when the ponds are located within the vicinity of neighbourhood. A small WSP in a residential area at Taman Sri Pulai, Johor, Malaysia, was investigated. Parameters monitored were pH, organic content, temperature and biological conditions related to obnoxious smell. Odours were measured using human olfactory sense. It was found that high temperature of wastewater made the tropical countries was more vulnerable to obnoxious odour. High temperature of wastewater, protein source and anaerobic condition were the main conditions which might turn the odour intensity and hedonic odour tone to strong odour and unpleasant.