ELIF: We aim to reduce odour nuisance from wastewater treatment

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ELIF: We aim to reduce odour nuisance from wastewater treatment

Denmark In Danish

Project period: June 2025 - december 2026
Supported by VUDP

With new technology, it is now possible to better support wastewater treatment plants in addressing odour complaints, saving resources, and strengthening security of supply.

Odour nuisance can have a negative impact on the operation of wastewater treatment plants and the relationship with neighbouring communities. It can create challenges in relation to plant expansions and new initiatives, and can also result in statutory orders. Existing odour measurement methods provide very little information, making the process of finding solutions both costly and time-consuming, and, in the end, this can affect security of supply.

A more stable, efficient, and cost-effective method

The ELIF project (Emission of Odorous Substances from Wastewater Treatment: Identification and Prevention) will test a method for quickly obtaining an overview of odour problems and their sources, thereby enabling faster identification of viable solutions.

Using the PTR-MS method—a form of advanced chemical odour measurement—we will identify the chemical compounds causing odour, determine where and under which conditions they are produced. This method provides a much larger data basis than current approaches. Analyses can be carried out both on-site and in the laboratory, which significantly reduces the cost of odour measurement and simplifies the procedures for documentation and management of odour nuisance.

We aim to develop a protocol for sampling measurements that can be widely used across the wastewater sector.

Fewer environmentally harmful chemicals and reduced emissions

Precise measurement of odorous substances, followed by targeted intervention, can reduce the need for chemicals in treatment processes and lead to lower emissions of environmentally damaging substances into the surrounding area, benefiting employees at the wastewater plant and neighbouring communities.

By identifying the specific problematic substances, efforts can be focused on removing them using targeted methods, rather than expensive “catch-all” solutions like activated carbon filters.

Although the project focuses on odorous substances, the PTR-MS method can also measure a broad range of VOCs. As such, data from measurements may also help identify potentially hazardous substances in the air.

Project partners:

  • BIOFOS
  • Vejle Spildevand