The influence of the methods of measuring odours nuisance on the quality of life

• Published in: Environmental impact assessment review Vol. 86; p. 106491
• Main Authors: Wojnarowska, Magdalena, Sagan, Adam, Plichta, Jarosław, Plichta, Grażyna, Szakiel, Jerzy, Turek, Paweł, Sołtysik, Mariusz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01-01-2021
• Subjects: Expert research; Measurement; Methods; Odour nuisance; Quality of life; Sensory research; Measurement; Sensory research; Expert research; Odour nuisance; Methods; Quality of life
• ISSN: 0195-9255; 1873-6432
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2020.106491

Quality of life in urban space has become an increasingly common problem arising from cooperation between various stakeholders, especially in the context of increasing odour nuisance. That is why it is extremely important to know and shape the expectations and perceptions of residents regarding quality of life by accepting the place of residence, especially in the context of the development of cities and urban areas.
The analysis of the previous research has revealed a research gap that results from the imperfections of existing odour measurement methods and the lack of an objective measurement methodology that would allow for objectification of the subjective feelings of people to the extent of perception of unpleasant odours.
The purpose of this article is to verify the hypothesis about the possibility of objectifying the assessment of odour nuisance based on the comparison of quantitative research results based on the opinions of residents and sensory tests. The specific objective is to verify residents' assessments of odour nuisance by an expert team and identify a gap in those assessments.
The analysis of discrepancies gives the opportunity to identify the imperfections of various research methods and look for ways to improve them. The analysis of compliance of results, on the other hand, gives the opportunity to objectify measurements and build a methodology that may be used for the purpose of assessing odour nuisance by various stakeholders.
Systematic measurement of odours in a public space may serve the basis for resolving local conflicts, creating maps of odour nuisance, assessing the attractiveness of places to live, work, spending free time and tourist value, as well as conscious actions of public authorities in shaping local policies in a specific area.
•There is a difference in the results of the olfactory assessment in the studied groups.•There is a need to objectify the methods of measuring odour nuisance.•The discrepancy analysis can improve the method of measurement of odour nuisance.