Hala Muhiar / Chemistry & Biochemistry / Faculty Mentor: Kevin Schug
Municipal solid waste handling operations (WHOs) emit trace gases consisting of volatile organic compounds, including ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, aromatics, sulfur-containing, and amine-containing compounds, most of which have an unpleasant odor. This presents living concerns to communities residing in close proximity to these facilities. Based on the odor profiles determined for client WHOs, specific odor neutralizers are selected to counteract the odorous compounds. This research focuses on determining which odor neutralizers are most effective using headspace-gas chromatography-vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy (HS-GC-VUV). The VUV detector measures the absorbance of compounds at the 125-240 nm wavelength range, where unique absorption character is observed. For sample preparation, a concentrated odor compound standard is spiked into a formulated odor neutralizer in a headspace vial. Using VUV detection, pseudo-absolute quantitative analysis is performed to quantify the number of molecules detected based on the analyte’s cross-section and to determine a partition coefficient (Kp). It is assessed how the odor partitions between the neutralizer and the headspace of the vial. Based on evaluations made on formulated odor neutralizers and single components, it is found that an amino acid mixture, greater terpene concentration, and polyethyleneimine increases neutralization against most compound classes observed in gas emissions.
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