The Sanitation Odor Control Project

Effective methods for controlling and treating odors are important for the successful adoption of new toilet or sanitation technologies. Researchers at Duke and the University of Colorado, Boulder are developing practical, cost-effective means of treating odor using adsorption onto biochars and biodegradation using biological filters.

Biofiltration experiments at Duke are evaluating the effect of factors such as air flow, loading, type of odor, substrate and moisture on odor removal.  Research at UC Boulder is focused on correlating adsorption characteristics with physical and chemical biochar properties. 

In addition, a survey has been conducted among sanitation solution providers, stakeholders and users in developing countries to better understand the sources, strength and impact of odor.