Impact of Odor from a Landfill Site on Surrounding Areas: A Case Study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract

Airborne and odor pollutions generated from landfill operations can adversely affect human health and social well-being. These pollutants should be thus controlled and regulated. Further, the dispersion of odors in the areas surrounding landfills can create public complaints regarding air quality and can increase social tension. Therefore, in this context, we investigated the odor emission from a landfill in surrounding areas using a combination of measuring odor concentrations and conducting a questionnaire survey. The odor measured in three areas, namely, 1, 2, and 3 were at a distance of 1.5 km, 8.2 km, and 10 km from the landfill site, respectively. Results show that the level of odor concentration in area 1 is much higher than the acceptance level of 10-15 ou/m3with a mean value of 109.75±39.46 ou/m3. Odor concentration levels detected 8.2 km and 10 km from the landfill were 18.97±10.84 ou/m3and 10.97±10.50ou/m3, respectively. Additionally, odor concentration and people’s perception of odor varied with geography.This study provides useful information for the management of odor from the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management facility in a developing country like Vietnam. Policymakers should consider public perception when framing regulations or making decisions about MSW facilities that also ensure environmental protection.

Keywords

• odorconcentration
• landfill
• odor perception
• health symptom
• wind direction