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The Lack of Knowledge About the Atmospheric Chemistry of Emitted Odorous Compounds and the Potential Resulting Impact on Smell

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Determining the general impact of odour emissions requires several levels of knowledge, such as characterizing the emissions, understanding the dispersion of odorants from the source to the receptor environment, and assessing the chemical effect and/or sensorial feeling at the considered location. From the kinetic emission fluxes characterization perspective, two main source types are considered: canalised or area. The emission type, which defines the source term in dispersion models, is a key point for estimating the impact of the odorous pollution. At the receptor level, tracers of odorous pollution can be identified using physicochemical analysis or highly sensitive artificial sensors. Still at the receptor level, the odour presence can be indicated by qualified panellists according to EN-16841 standard or citizen science with participation of the public. If all the process from emission to reception seems covered by techniques and expertise, it still exists a strong lack of knowledge considering the atmospheric chemistry of emitted odorous compounds. For selected species, the atmospheric chemistry is well described for reactions of compounds in the stratospheric layer; however, the impact of odorants in the lower tropospheric layer is neglected, assuming that the quickness of dilution and dispersion does not allow enough time for significant reactions and then for emitted mixture evolution. The goal of this paper is to highlight that the atmospheric evolution of odorous compounds has been little studied.
DOI: 10.3303/cet26127023
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $545
OpenAlex ID: W7213488682
FWCI:
Cites: 17
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Related to: 10