Statistical Modeling to Forecast Odor Levels of Biosolids Applied to Reuse Sites
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 132, Issue 5
Abstract
Proper use or disposal of wastewater solids is an important responsibility of wastewater treatment plants. At present, there are several options for wastewater solids, including agriculture, forestry, and mine reclamation reuse; production of marketable products such as compost and dried pellets; and disposal in landfills and incinerators. Land application of biosolids products is beneficial as part of recycling efforts on local farms, forests, tree farms, and mines and has gained greater acceptance of late. Coupled with these beneficial aspects are odors, which must be managed relative to the receiving populations. In this paper we present several statistical models that predict biosolids odor levels based on processing and management variables as well as ambient conditions. Such models are useful to managers at advanced wastewater treatment plants in helping them to better forecast the biosolids odors and minimize the “odor footprint,” thus making these biosolids products better received.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Professors Eric Seagren and Oliver Hao at the University of Maryland for insightful comments and discussions as well as Jason North and Dorian Tolbert who provided assistance at DCWASA.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 132 • Issue 5 • May 2006
Pages: 479 - 488
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: May 10, 2004
Accepted: Jun 21, 2005
Published online: May 1, 2006
Published in print: May 2006
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