Hydrogen sulfide levels in the ambient air of municipal solid waste management facilities: A case study in Portugal

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW) management facilities have been linked to odor nuisance and human health effects both for workers and people living in the surrounding areas. Two field campaigns were conducted to characterize H2S concentrations in the ambient air of MSW management facilities in Portugal: a mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) plant with an associated landfill of residual waste; and a sealed landfill. H2S concentration exhibited a similar spatial distribution during both monitoring campaigns. The highest values were recorded in the mechanical treatment hall of the MBT plant and the lowest were consistently found in the sealed landfill, indicating that fresh waste, containing a high load of fermentable organic matter, was a major source of H2S to the ambient air. 50 % of the data obtained in the MBT plant were higher than the limit value recommended by the Portuguese regulation on occupational health, and therefore emphasize the importance of conducting routine H2S monitoring and equipment maintenance programs in MSW management facilities, in order to promote a safe and healthy work environment.