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Chemosphere

Title:		Odours from pulp mill effluent treatment ponds: the origin of significant levels of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB)
Author(s):		Watson SB; Ridal J; Zaitlin B; Lo A;
Address:		"National Water Research Institute, Ont., L7R 4A6, Burlington, Canada. swatson@ucalgary.ca"
Journal Title:		Chemosphere
Year:		2003
Volume:		51
Issue:		8
Page Number:		765 - 773
DOI:		10.1016/S0045-6535(03)00030-4
ISSN/ISBN:		0045-6535 (Print) 0045-6535 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Pulp and paper mills are well known for their sharp, sulphurous stack emissions, but the secondary treatment units also can be significant contributors to local odour. This study investigated the source(s) of earthy/musty emissions from a mixed hardwood pulp mill in response to a high local odour. Samples from five sites in the mill over five months were analyzed for earthy/musty volatile organic compounds (VOCs), examined microscopically, and plated for bacteria and moulds. In all cases, activated sludge showed substantial geosmin levels and to a lesser extent 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) at 2000-9000 times their odour threshold concentrations (OTCs). These VOCs were lower or absent upstream and downstream, suggesting that they were produced within the bioreactor. Geosmin and MIB were highest in late summer and declined over winter, and correlated with different operating parameters. Geosmin was most closely coupled with temperature and MIB with nitrogen uptake. Cyanobacteria were present in all sludge samples, but actinomycetes were not found. Gram-negative bacteria and one fungal species isolated from the bioreactor and secondary outfall tested negative for geosmin or MIB. We conclude: (i) geosmin and MIB contribute significantly to airborne odours from this mill, but are diluted below OTC levels at the river; (ii) these VOCs are generated by biota in the activated sludge; and (iii) cyanobacteria are likely primary source(s). The growth of cyanobacteria in activated sludge represents a loss of energy to the heterotrophic population; thus earthy/musty odours may represent a diagnostic for less than optimal conditions"
Keywords:		"Actinobacteria Bioreactors Camphanes/*analysis Cyanobacteria Environmental Monitoring Industrial Waste Naphthols/*analysis *Odorants Paper Seasons *Waste Disposal, Fluid;"
Notes:		"MedlineWatson, Susan B Ridal, Jeff Zaitlin, Beryl Lo, Amy eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2003/04/02 Chemosphere. 2003 Jun; 51(8):765-73. doi: 10.1016/S0045-6535(03)00030-4"