Odor and Microbiological Nuisance of the Sewage Treatment Plant - A Case Study

Air emissions of nuisance odors and bioaerosols are a serious problem related to an impact of municipal facilities on their employees, nearby residents and the natural environment. The article presents an overview of odor and microbiological nuisance assessment and elimination methods at the Central Sewage Treatment Plant Kozieglowy near Poznan. In particular, research results were presented on numbers of mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria, mannitol-positive and mannitol-negative Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas fluorescens (4 degrees C and 26 degrees C), actinobacteria, coliform and microscopic fungi from the air samples collected in all seasons at the eight sampling stations. Based on the research results it was established that in the area of the treatment plant there were facilities potentially emitting odors and microorganisms into the air, including the bar-screen building and grit chamber. The research confirmed that hermetization of the plant technological facilities significantly contributed to effective reduction of microorganism emission into the environment. It was confirmed that in the territory and around the municipal facilities (sewage treatment plants, waste processing sites, etc.) a maximal odor and bioaerosol emission reduction was required, which might be achieved via hermetization of the most nuisance facilities. Additionally, an appropriate equipment exploitation and safety at work regulations should be obeyed, while knowledge on health risks must be regularly refreshed.