Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • Acrolein, hydrogen sulfide, isobutyraldehyde, m-xylene, p-xylene, and ethanol were identified as characteristic odor substances; acrolein was ubiquitous across all emission points, indicating its role as a universal tracer for odor control in ink manufacturing. • • Odor dispersion extended 1.4–2.6 km beyond the facility boundary, defining the required buffer zone and informing setback distances for sensitive receptors. • • Vertical odor impact at a sensitive point 1 km away peaked at 30 m height (about 10 stories), demonstrating that mid-rise buildings face the highest odor exposure, which is critical for urban planning near industrial zones. • • The sewage treatment station exhaust stack contributed 53.26% of total odor emissions, making it the primary target for upgrading air pollution control devices to achieve cost-effective odor reduction.
Abstract
This study investigated odor emissions from a large-scale ink manufacturing enterprise through comprehensive analyses of odor concentration, substance concentration, and characteristic odor compounds across all exhaust stacks. The aim was to assess odor dispersion patterns and identify critical odor-generating processes to inform strategic upgrades of air pollution control systems. The results showed that acrolein, hydrogen sulfide, isobutyraldehyde, m-xylene, p-xylene, and ethanol were screened as typical odor substances, with acrolein being ubiquitously present across all emission processes. The odor dispersion radius extended 1.4–2.6 km beyond the facility boundary. Vertical odor impact at a sensitive point 1 km from the plant boundary revealed a parabolic profile: concentrations initially increased with height, peaked at 30 m (equivalent to a 10-story building), then decreased at higher heights. The exhaust stack of the sewage treatment station accounted for 53.26% of total odor emissions, establishing this system as the priority control node for implementing enhanced air purification technologies in industrial air quality management.
1. Introduction
Odor pollution from industrial facilities remains a persistent environmental challenge, particularly in the chemical sector. Ink manufacturing, a significant contributor to global chemical production, emits a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other odorants with low olfactory thresholds. While regulatory frameworks such as China's GB 37824-2019 set limits for hazardous air pollutants, they often overlook the sensory impact of trace-level odorants. Existing impact assessments predominantly focus on municipal sources like landfills and wastewater treatment plants, leaving a gap in understanding odor dispersion from ink production. This study addresses that gap by systematically characterizing odor emissions from a large-scale ink enterprise, identifying key odorants, and modeling their dispersion to assess impacts on surrounding sensitive receptors.
The research employs a comprehensive methodology combining odor concentration measurements, chemical analysis, and air dispersion modeling. By screening characteristic odor substances and quantifying their emission rates, the study pinpoints the sewage treatment station as the dominant odor source, contributing over half of the total odor load. The vertical profile of odor impact, peaking at 30 meters, highlights the vulnerability of mid-rise residential buildings, a common feature in urban-industrial interfaces. These findings provide actionable insights for prioritizing control measures and refining environmental impact assessments for the ink industry.
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SHANG Xibin, ZHANG Yan, NING Xiaoyu, CUI Huanwen, WANG Gen, MENG Jie (2026). Characteristics and Impact Assessment of Odor Pollution in an Ink Manufacturing Enterprise. Environmental Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025011503
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dominant odor-active compounds in ink manufacturing, and how were they identified?
The dominant odor-active compounds were acrolein, hydrogen sulfide, isobutyraldehyde, m-xylene, p-xylene, and ethanol. They were identified through comprehensive chemical analysis of exhaust samples from all stacks, combined with odor activity value (OAV) calculations. Acrolein was present in all emission points, indicating its role as a key indicator compound.
How far does the odor impact extend beyond the facility boundary, and what does this imply for regulatory compliance?
The odor dispersion radius extends 1.4–2.6 km beyond the facility boundary. This suggests that odor nuisance may occur at distances greater than typical buffer zones, necessitating more stringent emission controls or larger setback distances to protect sensitive receptors.
Why does the odor impact peak at a height of 30 meters, and what are the implications for building design and urban planning?
The peak at 30 meters is likely due to atmospheric dispersion patterns and the height of the exhaust stacks. This implies that mid-rise buildings (around 10 stories) are at higher risk of odor exposure. Urban planners should consider this vertical profile when siting residential areas near industrial facilities.
What is the contribution of the sewage treatment station to overall odor emissions, and how should control strategies be prioritized?
The sewage treatment station exhaust stack contributes 53.26% of total odor emissions. Therefore, upgrading its air pollution control systems, such as installing biofilters or scrubbers, should be the top priority for reducing overall odor impact from the facility.
How does this study's approach differ from traditional odor impact assessments, and what advantages does it offer?
Traditional assessments often rely on measuring concentrations of specific regulated pollutants, which may underestimate odor nuisance due to the presence of trace-level odorants. This study uses odor concentration (measured by olfactometry) and odor activity values, which better represent the sensory impact. This approach provides a more accurate basis for evaluating odor impacts and designing mitigation measures.
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