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Volume 13
Issue 4
10.3390/pr13041077
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This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Review

Malodorous Gases in Aquatic Environments: A Comprehensive Review from Microbial Origin to Detection and Removal Techniques

by
Gabriela Meléndez-Plata
1,*,†,
Jesus R. A. Mastrogiacomo
1,*,†,
Martha L. Castellanos
2,†,
Juan P. Romero
2,
Victor Hincapié
2,
Héctor Lizcano
2,
Juan D. Acero
2,
María Francisca Villegas-Torres
3,
Jorge M. Gómez
1,
Juan C. Cruz
4 and
Luis H. Reyes
1,*
1
Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota 111711, Colombia
2
Enel, Bogota 110221, Colombia
3
Centro de Investigaciones Microbiológicas (CIMIC), Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota 111711, Colombia
4
Departament of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota 111711, Colombia
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Processes 2025, 13(4), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041077
Submission received: 3 March 2025 / Revised: 19 March 2025 / Accepted: 26 March 2025 / Published: 3 April 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Green Processes)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Malodorous gases—particularly hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), and volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs)—significantly degrade water quality, threaten public health, and disrupt ecosystems. Their production stems from microbial activity, nutrient overload, and industrial discharges, often magnified by low dissolved oxygen. This review integrates current insights into the microbial sulfur and nitrogen cycles to elucidate how these gases form, and surveys advances in detection technologies such as gas chromatography and laser-based sensors. We also assess diverse mitigation methods—including biotechnological approaches (e.g., biofilters, biopercolators), physicochemical treatments, and chemical conversion (Claus Process)—within relevant regulatory contexts in Colombia and worldwide. A case study of the Bogotá River exemplifies how unmanaged effluents and eutrophication perpetuate odor issues, underscoring the need for integrated strategies that reduce pollution at its source, restore ecological balance, and employ targeted interventions. Overall, this review highlights innovative, policy-driven solutions and collaborative efforts as pivotal for safeguarding aquatic environments and surrounding communities from the impacts of odorous emissions.
Keywords: malodorous gases; water quality; microbial processes; detection techniques; removal techniques malodorous gases; water quality; microbial processes; detection techniques; removal techniques

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Meléndez-Plata, G.; Mastrogiacomo, J.R.A.; Castellanos, M.L.; Romero, J.P.; Hincapié, V.; Lizcano, H.; Acero, J.D.; Villegas-Torres, M.F.; Gómez, J.M.; Cruz, J.C.; et al. Malodorous Gases in Aquatic Environments: A Comprehensive Review from Microbial Origin to Detection and Removal Techniques. Processes 2025, 13, 1077. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041077

AMA Style

Meléndez-Plata G, Mastrogiacomo JRA, Castellanos ML, Romero JP, Hincapié V, Lizcano H, Acero JD, Villegas-Torres MF, Gómez JM, Cruz JC, et al. Malodorous Gases in Aquatic Environments: A Comprehensive Review from Microbial Origin to Detection and Removal Techniques. Processes. 2025; 13(4):1077. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041077

Chicago/Turabian Style

Meléndez-Plata, Gabriela, Jesus R. A. Mastrogiacomo, Martha L. Castellanos, Juan P. Romero, Victor Hincapié, Héctor Lizcano, Juan D. Acero, María Francisca Villegas-Torres, Jorge M. Gómez, Juan C. Cruz, and et al. 2025. "Malodorous Gases in Aquatic Environments: A Comprehensive Review from Microbial Origin to Detection and Removal Techniques" Processes 13, no. 4: 1077. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041077

APA Style

Meléndez-Plata, G., Mastrogiacomo, J. R. A., Castellanos, M. L., Romero, J. P., Hincapié, V., Lizcano, H., Acero, J. D., Villegas-Torres, M. F., Gómez, J. M., Cruz, J. C., & Reyes, L. H. (2025). Malodorous Gases in Aquatic Environments: A Comprehensive Review from Microbial Origin to Detection and Removal Techniques. Processes, 13(4), 1077. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041077

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