Abstract:
This thesis investigates the phenomenon of environmental annoyance from waste
management, specifically landfill odours. The research study identifies the scope and
significance of parameters that influence the extent of impact and includes these in a
framework that can be used to influence the design and development of a population
response model for odours.
The research design considers the physiological, lifestyle and location factors that
influence exposure and response to landfill odour and addresses three research
objectives:
• To produce a framework within which a community based population response
model could be developed.
• Determine and demonstrate the variability of response within a popUlation
exposed to landfill odour.
• To determine and demonstrate how spatial and temporal factors also contribute to
the differential exposure and response of individuals to odour pollution.
The research activity involved the design and implementation of an odour monitoring
panel. Volunteers were recruited in the vicinity of two landfill sites where they
monitored daily for odours for three months. This programme provided information
on their routine activities and exposure to odour at the time.
The thesis concludes by noting the following:
• Location and climatic factors may generate more variability (at this scale of
sample) than interpersonal differences.
• The results from laboratory experiments examining hedonic properties were not
repeated in the external environment.
• The response levels between males and females were inconsistent with current
knowledge and research assessing gender differences in the ability to detect
odours.
Additionally, the research demonstrates how data on the detection of odour in
communities could be included in research activity that links olfactometry and the
experience of odour in the environment.
