Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.P.H.

Degree Name

MS in Public Health (M.S.P.H.)

Degree Granting Department

Public Health

Major Professor

Amy Stuart, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Polina Maciejczyk, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Jason Beckstead, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Laurent Calcul, Ph.D.

Keywords

air quality, air toxics, community odors, legacy industrial corridor, passive diffusive tubes, volatile organic compounds, EPA TO-17

Abstract

For many years, residents in Childs Park, Saint Petersburg, Florida, have reported unpleasant odors. Although there have been prior efforts to address the issue, the odors continue to be a concern for the community, who worry about possible health implications. This research aimed to equip residents with information to address the issue by identifying the presence of airborne pollutants that generate odors, quantifying the concentrations of toxic organic pollutants, and exploring the sources and environmental conditions that contribute to odors and their perception.

To accomplish these aims, the study utilized different methods. First, two walking measurement campaigns were conducted to detect the presence and locations of known types of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen dioxide. Ambient concentrations were measured using a handheld portable monitor (Aeroqual S500). Residents and students utilized it during both campaigns. Second, a passive sampling campaign followed by laboratory analysis using EPA method TO-17 was conducted to quantify levels of 35 toxic organics. During the passive sampling campaign, thermally conditioned diffusive sorbent tubes (Cromosorb 106©, Supelco) were placed at the four cardinal points around the industrial corridor in areas identified as potentially having the highest presence of odors for a period of two weeks (03/30/2023–04/13/2023). Measured levels from both types of campaigns were compared with existing benchmark levels and research literature to assess potential hazards to health. Lastly, 5-minute data on wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity were collected by a local meteorological station installed in Childs Park. The data collected were analyzed using graphical and statistical methods to explore how environmental conditions impacted odors and pollutant levels.

The study identified areas with the highest measured concentrations of odorous and toxic compounds in Childs Park around the industrial corridor. Volatile organic compounds and hydrogen sulfide levels were consistently elevated during the walking campaigns in Childs Park, exceeding odor thresholds and highlighting localized sources. The passive sampling campaign detected 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane (Freon 113) at all sites, with the highest concentrations near the industrial corridor, though all levels were well below odor thresholds. Additionally, several compounds, including benzaldehyde, 2-methylbutane, and dimethyl ether, were tentatively identified with high confidence, underscoring their potential role in odor pollution despite not being targeted for quantification by the analytical method used. Meteorological analysis revealed that relative humidity, wind speed, and temperature significantly influenced pollutant concentrations, with relative humidity strongly associated with hydrogen sulfide levels. However, wind direction from the centroid of the industrial corridor was not a significant predictor of pollutant levels, indicating a need for further investigation into potential source relationships. The findings were shared with the Neighborhood Association of Childs Park and the City of Saint Petersburg Sustainability Office to develop an action plan to mitigate the odors and also promote public awareness of air quality issues.

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