Industrial activities involving metal forming and heat treatment generate complex and variable emission profiles, where both stack and fugitive sources impact ambient air quality and contribute to odor nuisances. In such contexts, odor monitoring is essential not only for regulatory compliance but also to protect public health and uphold the perceived safety of nearby communities [1]. This study reports on the field use of two Instrumental Olfactory Monitoring Systems (IOMS)—WT1 (Ellona, France) and MSEM 3200 (Sensigent, USA)— at a metalworking facility using mineral oils. This was installed in collaboration with ARPA Lombardia at the fence line near a sensitive residential area. Odor samples collected from stack emissions were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and dynamic olfactometry in accordance with EN 13725:2022 [2]. Results revealed a complex mix of VOCs, ketones, alcohols, and sulfur-based compounds, with odor concentrations at the source reaching 6896 ouE/m³. These values were used to calibrate the IOMS devices through a structured training process involving diluted odor samples. Temporal analysis revealed two consistent VOC peaks during weekdays: in the morning (08:30–10:00) at 0.02–0.036 ppm, and in the evening (19:00–20:00) at 0.032–0.074 ppm. Concentrations were minimal during weekends. However, VOC levels alone did not always align with odor peaks, the role of specific odor-active compounds. The WT1 recorded elevated H₂S levels in late afternoons (up to 0.036 ppm), while the MSEM—equipped with 32 heterogeneous sensors (MOS, EC, polymeric)—captured more persistent odor signals, especially during night shifts. Moderate odor levels (251–1000 ouE/m³) were frequent throughout the day, with high-intensity peaks (>1000 ouE/m³) occurring mostly in the evening and night. The results show the importance of using multiple IOMS units to distinguish background odors from short-term spikes in sensitive areas. A planned citizen complaint campaign will help correlate instrumental data with perceived odors, confirming the relevance of odor monitoring and the need for standardized IOMS protocols in industrial contexts.
Franchina, C., Cefali, A., Gianotti, M., Ficocelli, S., Pascariello, S., Piangerelli, L., et al. (2025). Continuous Odour Monitoring at Industrial Boundaries: A Case Study Using Instrumental Olfactory Monitoring Systems. In XXI CONGRESSO NAZIONALE DELLA DIVISIONE DI CHIMICA DELL'AMBIENTE E DEI BENI CULTURALI Cremona, 10 - 13 settembre 2025 Book of Abstract (pp.100-100).
Continuous Odour Monitoring at Industrial Boundaries: A Case Study Using Instrumental Olfactory Monitoring Systems
Franchina, C
Primo
;Cefali, A M;Gianotti, M;Ferrero, L;Bolzacchini, E;
2025
Abstract
Industrial activities involving metal forming and heat treatment generate complex and variable emission profiles, where both stack and fugitive sources impact ambient air quality and contribute to odor nuisances. In such contexts, odor monitoring is essential not only for regulatory compliance but also to protect public health and uphold the perceived safety of nearby communities [1]. This study reports on the field use of two Instrumental Olfactory Monitoring Systems (IOMS)—WT1 (Ellona, France) and MSEM 3200 (Sensigent, USA)— at a metalworking facility using mineral oils. This was installed in collaboration with ARPA Lombardia at the fence line near a sensitive residential area. Odor samples collected from stack emissions were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and dynamic olfactometry in accordance with EN 13725:2022 [2]. Results revealed a complex mix of VOCs, ketones, alcohols, and sulfur-based compounds, with odor concentrations at the source reaching 6896 ouE/m³. These values were used to calibrate the IOMS devices through a structured training process involving diluted odor samples. Temporal analysis revealed two consistent VOC peaks during weekdays: in the morning (08:30–10:00) at 0.02–0.036 ppm, and in the evening (19:00–20:00) at 0.032–0.074 ppm. Concentrations were minimal during weekends. However, VOC levels alone did not always align with odor peaks, the role of specific odor-active compounds. The WT1 recorded elevated H₂S levels in late afternoons (up to 0.036 ppm), while the MSEM—equipped with 32 heterogeneous sensors (MOS, EC, polymeric)—captured more persistent odor signals, especially during night shifts. Moderate odor levels (251–1000 ouE/m³) were frequent throughout the day, with high-intensity peaks (>1000 ouE/m³) occurring mostly in the evening and night. The results show the importance of using multiple IOMS units to distinguish background odors from short-term spikes in sensitive areas. A planned citizen complaint campaign will help correlate instrumental data with perceived odors, confirming the relevance of odor monitoring and the need for standardized IOMS protocols in industrial contexts.
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