MODELING THE GENERATION AND DISPERSION OF ODORS FROM MUSHROOM COMPOSTING FACILITIES

An odor source generation model and an odor dispersion model were deve loped to predict the local distribution of odors emanating from mushro om composting facilities. The odor source generation model allowed for simulation of various composting wharf configurations and odor source strengths. This model was linked to a Gaussian plume diffusion model that predicted odor dispersion. Dimethyl disulfide production at a rat e of 1760 mu g/h was simulated by the source generation model and six different atmospheric conditions were analyzed to demonstrate the effe ct of wind speed, atmospheric stability, and source generation on the dispersion of this odor producing compound. Detectable levels of dimet hyl disulfide were predicted to range from less than 100 m from the so urce during very unstable conditions to almost 5000 m during very stab le conditions.