Authors: Donal Keane, Suresh Pillai, Lorraine Gibson, Justin Holmes and Michael Morris
Summary: EPA Research Report 226 on An Investigation into Air Purification of Malodorous Methyl Mercaptan by Photocatalysis and Adsorption
Odour accounts for 66% of all complaints received by the EPA regarding licensed sites (waste and industrial) in 2016. Exposure to offensive odours can cause stress and/or reduced quality of life. The resolution of odour problems at licensed sites continues to remain a key priority for the EPA.
Odour is inherently difficult to define as it involves many chemical compounds at extremely low concentrations. A number of methods are available to successfully remove odour and best practices exist, although each method has certain disadvantages. Novel technologies include combining existing methods synergistically to improve performance and reduce operating costs. Future green solutions would most likely involve utilizing renewable energy, such as solar radiation (visible light photocatalysis), for odour abatement. Finally, as part of a future odour management plan, low-cost miniaturized odour sensors (electronic noses) would be integrated. This would replace on-site human olfactometry and off-site laboratory chemical analysis which is slow and expensive. Based on laboratory methods and results shown in this study, potential exists for development of a laboratory photocatalytic air/odour purification prototype unit. Based on the laboratory methods and results shown in this study, potential exists for development of a laboratory photocatalytic air/odour purification prototype unit.
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