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Odors due to malodorous gas and vapor emissions from units of Izmir Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) were studied and evaluated with respect to chemical composition. Altogether 29 target compounds consisting of 4 different groups of chemicals were identified and quantified in the odorous gas samples from wastewater and sludges. Total volatile malodorous organic compounds (VMOC) consisted of reduced sulfur compounds (RSCs) and different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes, monoaromatics (BTX) and some halogenated organics. Among these components the most abundant group was the monoaromatics (69% of the total VOC). A statistically significant linear relationship was found between odor concentrations determined by olfactometry and total VOC concentrations (r2 = 0.89, n = 5, P < 0.05) in the samples of odorous gases. Based on the odor contribution ratios of the compounds studied, the results of the study revealed that hydrogen sulfide, propanal and toluene were dominating in the odor emissions and these were explaining 99% of the variability in odor concentrations (r2 = 0.99, n = 5, P < 0.05). It was shown that not only the hydrogen sulfide and RSCs but also other organics were important in forming the odors from sludge units and sludge management areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daily average SO2 concentrations were measured during August 1999–September 2000 period in the mountains around Izmir. Sampling devices to collect integrated daily SO2 samples were located at four different sites. These sites were Yamanlar Mountain in the north, Tekketepe height of Karabelen Mountain in the south, and two mountain villages (Kiziluzum and Bespinar) located east of Izmir. Samples were analyzed by using standard methods. Maximum daily SO2 concentrations up to 433 μg m-3 were found with the average values ranging between 75–135 μg m-3 per day at the four mountain stations. Annual mean values were above the threshold levels acceptable for the health of trees. It is concluded that such high SO2 pollution might have caused the noted decline in the forests. In order to decide the sources of such high levels of pollution on the forested mountains, trajectory analyses were carried out. Results obtained at Tekketepe station are given in this article and they point to the fractional contributions of dense industrial areas around Izmir, to the forested heights of Tekketepe. Local topography and location of industrial zones around the city are seen to have a strong effect on the deteriorated air quality over the mountains. The annual and seasonal averages and ten maximum daily measurements at the Tekketepe sampling site indicate that the highest contribution to the deterioration of air quality is associated with the northerly wind sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]