Odorous Volatile Organic Compounds Determined Inside the ISTAC Landfilling Facility and Places at Close Vicinity by Passive Air Sampling Method

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) attract the attention of the authorities due to their detrimental effects on environmental and human health. People are exposed to odor problems, which live in close vicinity of the emission sources. This is the most obvious effect of these emissions. In order to manage and control the emissions, released compounds at least should be monitored at source and receptor points. So that, source contributions can be evaluated.

Landfilling is the most frequent method used in Turkey to manage and dispose the solid wastes. Although, engineering methods during and after the landfilling process minimizes the undesired effects of the wastes in the environment, odorous compounds released to the atmosphere still remains as a serious problem. Especially, people living in the surrounding residential areas are the most vulnerable ones.

Sampling was conducted in the European side of Istanbul. Sampling points were selected to be inside the landfilling facility and residential areas where are reported to be exposed to odor from landfilling activity. Passive sampling method was used in this study. Sample tubes were placed in the area at least for ten days. Then, these tubes were brought to laboratory for further processing and quantification. VOC species were detected and quantified by GC-MS.

Total VOC concentrations were ranged between 50 and 850 ppm. The VOC species with the highest concentrations were m&p xylene, 1,2,4-trimethybenzene, 1,4-diethylbenzene, n-decane, n-undecane. Concentrations observed in summer were considerably higher than in winter. The highest concentrations were observed in active landfilling lot, leachate waste water collection tank and composting facility. 

Keywords

• VOC,passive sampling,landfill gas,passive sampling

Kaynakça

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