In odor management, which would not reduce sewer odors?

In odor management, which would not reduce sewer odors?

• A. Aeration
• B. Chlorine
• C. Sulfuric acid
• D. Hydrogen peroxide

Answer: (C)

Odor control in wastewater focuses on removing or neutralizing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and other volatile sulfur compounds. Oxidizing these sulfides converts them to non-volatile forms, so odors decrease. Aeration introduces oxygen and helps oxidize H2S to sulfate, reducing the odor. Chlorine and hydrogen peroxide act as oxidants that rapidly convert sulfide to sulfate as well, diminishing odors. Sulfuric acid, however, lowers the pH of the wastewater. When pH is low, most sulfide exists as H2S gas, which is highly odorous and readily volatilizes. Lowering pH can actually increase or sustain odor rather than reduce it, and acidifying the sewer can also drive corrosion and other problems. So, sulfuric acid would not reduce sewer odors.

Odor control in wastewater focuses on removing or neutralizing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and other volatile sulfur compounds. Oxidizing these sulfides converts them to non-volatile forms, so odors decrease. Aeration introduces oxygen and helps oxidize H2S to sulfate, reducing the odor. Chlorine and hydrogen peroxide act as oxidants that rapidly convert sulfide to sulfate as well, diminishing odors.

Sulfuric acid, however, lowers the pH of the wastewater. When pH is low, most sulfide exists as H2S gas, which is highly odorous and readily volatilizes. Lowering pH can actually increase or sustain odor rather than reduce it, and acidifying the sewer can also drive corrosion and other problems. So, sulfuric acid would not reduce sewer odors.