Application of field inspections and odour observation diaries in the assessment of air quality and odour in urban areas

Abstract

The choice of an odour nuisance assessment method depends on many factors, such as: the type and quantity of objects, the diversity and type of odour sources, the location of the object, the social situation and the number of complaints about odor nuisance, the type and physico-chemical parameters of the emitted gases and the conditions of dispersion of pollutants in the air. In most cases, in order to fully assess the situation and take integrated actions to reduce odour nuisance, both an instrumental/sensory analysis and a sociological research method should be used simultaneously. Such an approach enables researchers to get a real picture of the problem and develop the optimal and necessary minimization of odour impact solutions. The work presents the results of field and sociological research aimed at identifying odour sources and odour nuisance in a selected urban area located in the southern part of Poland. The studied area is complex in terms of the type and amount of odour emission sources, hence the use of several methods in the assessment of air quality was justified. The conducted research allowed the identification of emission sources and the extent of their impact on the area of the examined city and community.