Environmental impact of odors on local communities

Environmental impact of odors on local communities

The accumulation of organic matter from poultry farms creates a significant source of bad odor, toxic gases, and attracts vectors that can pose a danger to public health, particularly in eastern Antioquia, Colombia. According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health, the high concentration of gases such as ammonia, methane, and carbon dioxide is a significant contributor to odor emissions. These emissions have negative impacts on the quality of life of surrounding communities, leading to complaints, public protests, and social conflict. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and implement mitigating measures that reduce the odor emissions from poultry farms. (1)

While the quantification of offensive odor is not yet established in Colombia, two methods are commonly used internationally: sensory methods and analytical methods. In a study published in the International Journal of Poultry Science, sensory evaluation techniques, including triangle and duo trio tests, were used to evaluate perceived odor intensity. The results showed a strong correlation between the gas concentrations of hydrogen sulphide and ammonia and perceived odor intensity. Furthermore, analytical methods utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) and proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) have been developed as a more objective approach to quantify odor intensity. These methods provide reliable measurements of specific odorant compounds, which could inform mitigation strategies. (2)

There are various ways to prevent and reduce unpleasant odors in poultry farming. According to a study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, the use of impermeable and permeable covers as well as chemical and biological amendments are effective in adsorbing and converting odors into odorless forms. Additionally, modifying animal diets to improve nutrient retention and decrease excretion is another effective approach. The use of specific microorganisms, which have the ability to eliminate malodorous compounds in animal wastes, has also been investigated. In a study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, researchers identified specific strains of bacteria capable of degrading odorous compounds from swine wastewater and achieving significant deodorization. The selection of appropriate microorganisms for eliminating odorous compounds is critical for effective odor mitigation. (3)

While Colombia has not yet established regulations to mitigate the emission of odors, other countries have implemented specific regulations. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established regulations for odors from animal feeding operations. In Canada, the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment has developed a protocol for measuring and managing odors, while Switzerland has established guidelines to manage odor emissions from livestock operations. These regulations provide a model for Colombia to develop similar measures that address the issue of odor emissions from animal operations. (4)

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