Impact assessment of hydrogen sulfide emitted from a wastewater treatment plant using AERMOD air dispersion model and field data

The North Wastewater Treatment Plant of Ciudad Juárez (the Plant) had odor and corrosion problems associated with hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) gases emitted by daily plant operations. There have been many odor concerns from residents living near the Plant, namely those on the United States of the border. After several attempts to remediate the situation, the Plant implemented the use of surface cover and Sol-Air Ultraviolet (UV) units to reduce the H2S emissions. A three-phase air impact study was performed to determine the effectiveness of the UV units in reducing the H2S emissions from the entrance canal and lift screw areas at the Plant. Onsite meteorological measurements and on- and offsite H2S concentrations were collected to quantify the concentrations of H2S prior to and after the installation of surface cover and UV systems at the Plant. H2S impact on the surrounding areas were estimated using the emission rates, developed from field data and emission models, and an U.S. EPA preferred air dispersion model, AERMOD. (Abstract shortened by UMI.