Odor Concentration Analysis in Karengata and Ongata Rongai; a Case Study of Karen Brooks Area

Abstract

Sanitation and hygiene promotion is an integral part of national development strategy. Karengata and Ongata Rongai are peri-urban areas that have undergone rapid urbanisation and population growth and has created a need for purchase of large plots of land that are subdivided and developed without the consideration of the physical development plan leading to heavy pressure on sanitation services. Using Slovin’s formula a representative sample of 400 people was obtained. They were sampled from eight zones in Ongata Rongai and Karengata using spatial stratified systematic random sampling. This has resulted in odor emissions. The complaints of people, often not systematic and variously distributed, in general do not allow us to quantify the perceived annoyance. This study sought to perform odor analysis in Karengata and Ongata Rongai areas, with a case study of Karen Brooks area. The combination of olfactometric analyses allowed both the quantification of the emissions and the evaluation of their impact in the area. Analysis of the results showed that at night, the pungent plume moves much faster due to increased wind velocity and less air resistance at night, thus the residences furthest from the pond experience horrific odours during the night when they are sleeping.