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Sources of Odour
Odour producing substances in wastewater, sludges and animal farming are small, relatively volatile molecules having low molecular weights. Most of these substances result from anaerobic decomposition of organic matter containing sulfur and nitrogen with gaseous formation including hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.
H2S is the most common and prevalent odour gas associated with wastewater systems. It has a rotten egg odour and is toxic and corrosive to metals. It is also the precursor to sulfuric acid formation.
Sulfur is present in human and animal excreta and is readily available in wastewater systems. The sulfate ion (SO42-) is the most prevalent anion and is the main source of sulfur in wastewater systems.
Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, found in the digestive tract of both man and animals, is the most common bacteria, which produces H2S. These obligate anaerobes use sulfate as their oxygen source, ammonia as their sole source of nitrogen, and various forms of organic matter as a food supply.
BioSmart microbes interrupt this food chain by oxidation thus preventing foul odour gases from forming at the source.