The creation of bad odors in the sewer system in the city of Pereira Barreto: a public health problem

Abstract

The presence of sulfides, particularly hydrogen sulfide, is responsible for the emanation of odors and corrosive attack on pipe line of wastewater treatment facilities. The present research was developed based on a research with the population of the city of Pereira Barreto. The result of this study has been used to identify and analyze the problems caused by the generation of bad odors in the local sewerage system, due to the formation of hydrogen sulfide, focusing on it as a public health problem, and also evaluating the quality control method implemented to reduce the emanation of intense odors. This research concluded that the nitrification method with ammonia nitrate is efficient to inhibit the production of sulphydric gas (H2S) concentrations over 1,0 mg/L H2S. However in, the area where the stabilization lagoon is found, the dosage of said salt was inadequate, therefore, it is necessary to evaluate it again. The symptoms presented by the interviewed people who had been exposed to the frequent and offensive odors were: headache, nausea, nose irritation, dizziness and mood alterations. These symptoms disappeared as soon the odor was controlled and the intensity was reduced.