Monitoring networks and autonomous platforms for odor impact assessment using electronic noses

Project Information

SENSODOR

Grant agreement ID: 101033564

DOI

10.3030/101033564

Project closed

EC signature date 31 March 2021

Start date 1 October 2021

End date 3 January 2025

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Europe In A Changing World - Inclusive, Innovative And Reflective Societies

Total cost

€ 224 438,40

EU contribution

€ 224 438,40

Coordinated by

POLITECHNIKA WROCLAWSKA
Poland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SENSODOR (Monitoring networks and autonomous platforms for odor impact assessment using electronic noses)

Reporting period: 2021-10-01 to 2024-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The SENSODOR project addresses the challenge of odour pollution, a growing environmental and societal issue, particularly in urban areas and industrial zones. Traditional odour monitoring methods rely on sensory panels and periodic measurements, which lack precision, real-time capabilities, and scalability. This project seeks to overcome these limitations by developing an advanced electronic nose (e-nose) system, capable of providing continuous, real-time odour detection and quantification.
Why is it important for society?

Odour emissions from waste treatment plants, industrial facilities, and urban sources significantly impact public well-being, leading to health concerns, complaints, and regulatory challenges. Effective odour monitoring and mitigation are crucial for:

- Improving air quality and reducing health risks associated with volatile compounds.
- Enhancing environmental compliance for industries and municipalities.
- Supporting regulatory frameworks for odour impact assessment and pollution control.
- Increasing public satisfaction by addressing odour-related nuisances in residential areas.

By introducing real-time, scalable odour monitoring solutions, the project contributes to sustainable urban development, improved industrial air quality management, and enhanced public health protection.

The project aims to:

- Develop an innovative, nanotechnology-based e-nose with high sensitivity, selectivity, and real-time monitoring capabilities.
- Implement a monitoring network for spatially and temporally resolved odour tracking in waste management facilities and industrial sites.
- Integrate the e-nose with drone platforms to enable dynamic, mobile odour mapping in hard-to-reach areas.
- Validate and optimize the system through field trials, ensuring its applicability for industrial and environmental monitoring.
- Enhance knowledge transfer and policy contributions, fostering industry adoption and supporting regulatory efforts for better odour management strategies.

By addressing these objectives, SENSODOR establishes a new standard in odour monitoring, providing cost-effective, scalable, and precise solutions for environmental air quality management.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

From the start of the SENSODOR project until the reporting period, significant progress has been made in developing and deploying an advanced odour monitoring system. The key achievements include:

- Development of a Nanotechnology-Based Electronic Nose (E-Nose)
- Designed and validated high-sensitivity gas sensors based on metal oxide nanomaterials (CuO, SnO2, WO₃).
- Achieved detection limits as low as 5 ppb for H2S with high selectivity and long-term stability.
- Integrated the sensors into a functional, modular e-nose capable of real-time odour quantification.

Implementation of a Monitoring Network for Odour Impact Assessment
- Deployed the e-nose system at five industrial sites, including waste treatment plants and biogas facilities.
- Established a stationary odour monitoring network at a selected site, ensuring continuous, autonomous operation.
- Captured high-resolution spatial and temporal odour data, providing actionable insights for odour mitigation strategies.

Integration of the E-Nose with a Drone Platform
- Adapted the e-nose for mobile, drone-mounted applications to enable real-time odour dispersion mapping.
- Conducted a successful field trial at selected facility, demonstrating the ability to monitor odours in inaccessible areas.

Exploitation and Dissemination of Results
- Published seven peer-reviewed papers, with more in preparation.
- Presented findings at multiple international conferences and webinars.
- Conducted public outreach activities (science festivals, media appearances) to raise awareness of odour pollution and air quality monitoring.

The project is set to successfully advance odour monitoring technology once all results are published, offering scalable solutions for industries, environmental agencies, and urban planners. The combination of stationary networks, mobile systems, and AI-driven data analysis will establish a new benchmark in odour impact assessment, supporting regulatory compliance and sustainable air quality management.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The SENSODOR project has advanced odour monitoring by developing a nanotechnology-based e-nose, a real-time monitoring network, and a drone-integrated odour detection system. Key innovations include:

- High-sensitivity gas sensors (CuO, SnO2, WO₃) with detection limits of 5 ppb for H2S and long-term stability.
- Real-time odour monitoring network, capturing spatial and temporal variations.
- Drone-mounted e-nose, enabling odour mapping in hard-to-reach areas.


By project completion, SENSODOR aims to:

- Further refine the e-nose technology and expand the monitoring network.
- Optimize drone-based odour mapping and real-time data analysis.
- Publish scientific papers and explore commercialization with industry stakeholders.

Potential Impacts

- Improved environmental compliance and cost savings for industries through automated odour monitoring.
- Better air quality management and reduced odour-related complaints.
- New market opportunities in waste management, industrial monitoring, and smart cities.

The project sets a new benchmark in odour impact assessment, supporting sustainable air quality management and regulatory frameworks.

The illustration presents the key stages and outcomes of the project