Abstract
Odour emissions from waste treatment activities represent a major environmental concern due to their potential effects on air quality and quality of life in nearby communities. Effective odour management in waste recycling plants requires the identification and characterization of the different emission sources contributing to the overall impact, as well as the assessment of their dispersion in the surrounding environment. In this context, the present study proposes an integrated framework combining source identification, dynamic olfactometry and atmospheric dispersion modelling for odour impact assessment. The research presents the development and application of an integrated framework for the identification, characterization and control of the odour emission sources in waste recycling facilities located in sensitive environments. Field campaigns were carried out at two full-scale plants of different size and configuration, located in the municipality of Tito and Latronico (Basilicata Region, Italy). The first facility operates two treatment lines for multimaterial sorting and solid recovered fuel (SRF) production, while the second consists of a single sorting line combined with external storage areas for end-of-waste materials. Point, areal and volumetric odour sources were identified and characterized through dynamic olfactometry in accordance with UNI EN 13725. Odour dispersion and impact areas were assessed using the CALPUFF modelling chain, applying the acceptability criteria established by the Basilicata Regional Law (L.R. 39/2021) for odour impact assessment. The results highlighted the presence of point, passive areal and volumetric sources, with measured odour concentrations ranging from 61 to 688 OUE/m3. The odour impact assessment demonstrated that both plants comply with the regulatory acceptability criteria, even under worst-case scenario modelling conditions.
