Introduction
Odour control is a crucial aspect of sewage, wastewater and industrial effluent treatment. Odours from sewers, treatment facilities, sludge systems and industrial flows can be such serious nuisances that they may eventually affect workers' morale and the quality of life in neighbouring areas, as well as compliance with regulations, environmental quality, etc.
There are currently three broad groups of odour control technology being employed in treatment centres:
- Biological methods (Biocultures)
- Chemical methods
- Physical/mechanical methods
Each technology functions differently, provides unique benefits and has varying limitations. Which one to choose depends on the nature of the installation, odour strength, composition of wastewater, price and safety and environmental requirements.
This blog makes a strong, straightforward and plain language comparison of the three methods to help facility managers write better specs.
Why Does Odour Control Technology Matter?
Smell is more than an annoyance. It affects:
- Health and comfort of workers
- Safety inside confined industrial spaces
- Community relations and complaints
- Regulatory inspections
- Environmental impact
- Operational efficiency
Selecting the incorrect or outdated odor control technology can result in:
- Incomplete odour removal
- High operating costs
- Chemical hazards
- Faster equipment corrosion
- Poor biological performance
- Ineffective sludge management
This is why the choice of odour control technology is so important.
Technology 1 — Bio-Based Odour Abatement with Biocultures
Biocultures are a type of friendly bacteria that help eliminate odours naturally by boosting biological digestion while stopping the production of putrid gases.
How Biocultures Work
Biocultures work by:
- Decompose organic waste before it becomes septic
- Restoring aerobic conditions in wastewater
- Decrease in the formation of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia
- Stabilising sludge and improving digestion
- Outcompeting odour-producing bacteria
- Manufactured enzymes that speed up decomposition
And they eliminate odour at its source instead of covering it up.
Companies such as Amalgam Biotech develop biocultures which are customized for municipal sewage and industrial wastewater odour control.
H3: Advantages of Biocultures
Environment-friendly
Biocultures are 100% natural and have the ability to biodegrade.
Treat the root cause
They don't cover up odour, they eliminate the microbial source of the odour.
Improves treatment performance
Biocultures enhance:
- BOD/COD removal
- Sludge digestion
- Aeration efficiency
- System stability
Cost-effective
They are cost-effective due to lower aeration requirement and lesser use of chemicals.
Safe for personnel and equipment
No toxic, no acid fumes.
Long-lasting effect
They continue to function as long as there is a stable microbial population.
Limitations of Biocultures
- They require proper dosing.
- It can take a couple of days for them to be in full effect.
- Intense chemical shock loads may cause a temporary decrease in microbial activity.
Technology 2 — Chemical Odour Control Technologies
Chemical control of odour applies reactant or masking chemicals to remove or reduce the characteristic compounds of odour.
H3: Typical Chemical Odour Control Techniques
Oxidizing agents
- Sodium hypochlorite
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Potassium permanganate
pH adjustment chemicals
- Lime
- Caustic soda
Masking agents and neutralizers
- Fragrance-based sprays
- Odour neutralizing liquids
These chemicals take effect right away, yet are frequently short-lived in their relief.
Benefits of Chemical Odour Control
Fast action
When used, some chemicals can remove odour within minutes.
Useful in emergencies
Perfect for when you get odour spikes from shock loads.
Suitable for high-load industrial discharge
Industries that have large volume of organic or chemical waste may require initial dose of chemicals.
H3: Limitations of Chemical Methods
Short-term effect
Chemicals won’t treat the cause; odour may come back soon.
High cost
The regular addition of chemicals is costly.
Environmental concerns
Overdose can cause:
- Water pollution
- Toxic byproducts
- Disturbance in biological treatment
Safety risks
Strong chemicals can cause workers harm.
Can damage infrastructure
Some chemicals accelerate equipment corrosion.
Problems like these are why many plants are turning to biological odour control.
Technology 3 – Physical/Mechanical Odour Control Technologies
Physical techniques include elimination, capture or suppression of odour by using mechanical facilities.
Common Odour Control Technology in Physical terms
Activated Carbon Filters
Carbon absorbs smelly gases by trapping them.
Biofilters & Biotrickling Filters
They incorporate natural media and space for microbial activity for de-gassing.
Aeration Systems
Raises oxygen levels to prevent an anaerobic odour build up.
Scrubbers
Gases are scrubbed with water or a neutralizing liquid.
Enclosures & Covers
Sources generating odours such as clarifiers, sludge tanks and drains are also covered to avoid the release of gases.
Ventilation Systems
Dilution using mechanical air movement.
Advantages of Physical Methods
Immediate results
Gas extraction or recovery is rapid.
Great for strong-smelling scents
Applicable to sludge digestors, pumping stations and buildings.
Long-lasting systems
Equipment can be in service for decades with good maintenance.
Limitations of Physical Methods
High installation cost
Biofilters, scrubbers and aeration systems are costly pieces of infrastructure.
Maintenance required
Filters become dirty, media becomes expended and equipment needs to be serviced.
Do not manipulate wastewater
Physical methods are odour removal from the air and not the cause in sewage or sludge.
Space requirement
Those systems like biofilters take big space.
Which Type of Odour Control Should I Choose?
There's a right answer and a wrong this is the best solution The most effective method is often a mix of:
Biocultures to treat the Root of actual evil
Physical systems for the interception or retention of an odour
Chemicals only for emergencies or extreme shock loads
Biological products from Amalgam biotech are used to retain persistent long term odor control in applications such as municipal sewage treatment plants and industrial waste water plants.
Explore Aa Amalgam's Industrial Odour Control Solutions here.
Conclusion
Odour control in sewage and industrial wastewater requires effective and sustainable technology. Biocultures offer the most reliable long-term solution by treating the root cause biologically and reducing harmful gases naturally. Chemical methods work quickly but are not sustainable and may cause environmental and safety concerns. Physical methods like carbon filters, biofilters, and aeration offer strong support but do not treat the wastewater itself.
With a balanced approach and the help of advanced bio solutions offered by Amalgam Biotech, treatment plants can attain consistent, environmentally-friendly and economical odour control.
