In various industries, from manufacturing, food and beverage, to the health sector, water is not just a complement, but a vital component. However, often the quality of raw water does not meet the expected standards, one of which is indicated by an unpleasant odor that is disturbing.
The problem of odor in raw water is not just a matter of comfort. This is an indicator of biological or chemical contamination which, if not handled properly, can disrupt the production process, reduce product quality, and create negative perceptions from consumers towards your brand.
The Impact of Bad Odors in Raw Water
A strange odor in raw water indicates that the water is not naturally clean, and potentially contains hazardous substances. Some of the impacts that can arise include:
1. Decrease in the Quality of the Final Product
The food, beverage and cosmetic industries are highly dependent on water quality. Odors in water can alter the taste, aroma or stability of a product. Consumers will immediately notice a difference in quality, even if there is only a small sensory change.
2. Disruption in the Production Process
Water odor is generally related to the presence of complex organic compounds, microorganisms, or gas compounds such as H₂S. These substances can interfere with chemical reactions, fermentation, or sanitation processes that require stable water conditions.
3. Increases the Risk of Corrosion and Fouling
Some odor-causing substances such as sulfur compounds, iron, and manganese can trigger corrosion in pipes and industrial equipment. In addition, the accumulation of organic materials in the piping system also accelerates fouling, thereby reducing the overall efficiency of the system.
Read Also: Scaling and Corrosion in Boilers: A Hidden Threat to Face
4. Difficulty Meeting Regulatory Standards
Smelly water indicates that there are water parameters that exceed safe limits, such as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Organic Carbon (TOC), or microbes. This makes it difficult for industries to meet industrial water quality standards, SNI, or even certain export standards.
5. Affect the Company’s Image
Especially in the hospitality industry such as hotels, restaurants, and hospitals, the smell of tap water or bathrooms will immediately create a negative experience for users. In the digital age, customer complaints about water quality can spread quickly and affect the reputation of a business widely.
Causes of Bad Odor in Raw Water
To effectively address odor issues, it is important to understand what causes them. In general, the causes of odor in raw water can be classified into several categories:
1. Activity of Microorganisms
Bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms can produce organic compounds that cause odor, especially in stagnant surface water. The two main compounds are:
- Geosmin – Causes an earthy or mossy odor, usually from cyanobacteria.
- MIB (Methyl Isoborneol) – Causes a musty or moldy odor, also produced by algae and aquatic microorganisms.
2. Dissolved Gases such as Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)
This gas gives a distinctive odor like rotten eggs and is commonly found in groundwater or water that has anaerobic conditions. H₂S appears due to the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria that thrive in low-oxygen environments.
3. Dissolved Organic Matter
Organic materials such as rotting leaves, moss, and agricultural waste can decompose and produce unpleasant odors. These substances also increase the organic load (COD/TOC) which burdens the water treatment process.
Read Also: How to Overcome High COD and BOD in Wastewater?
4. Contamination from Industrial or Domestic Waste
Water contaminated with household or industrial waste often carries chemical compounds such as phenol, ammonia, or detergents that produce a sharp, pungent, or even chemical-like odor.
5. Heavy Metals and Minerals
Water with high iron and manganese content can cause a strong metallic odor. In addition, both can stain clothing, equipment, and ruin the aesthetics of the water.
6. Environmental Conditions
Long dry seasons that reduce the volume of river or reservoir water can cause an increase in the concentration of odor-causing compounds. In addition, changes in water temperature also affect the growth of microorganisms.
Odor Treatment Solutions in Raw Water
The problem of odor in raw water cannot be solved with a single solution. An integrated approach is needed that combines source analysis and appropriate treatment strategies. Here are some methods that have proven effective:
1. Water Quality Testing and Technical Consultation
Before determining a treatment system, it is essential to conduct comprehensive laboratory testing, including:
- Organic parameters: COD, TOC, BOD
- Microbiological content
- Dissolved metal and gas content
Lautan Air Indonesia provides complete water analysis services along with technical consulting support to design systems that suit customer specific needs.
2. Aeration System
Aeration is used to remove dissolved gases such as H₂S, enhance oxidation of metals such as iron and manganese, and help control the growth of anaerobic microorganisms. Aeration systems can be designed mechanically or with venturi technology.
3. Ozonization (Ozone Treatment)
Ozon adalah oksidator kuat yang mampu menghancurkan senyawa organik kompleks, membunuh mikroorganisme penyebab bau, serta memperbaiki kualitas warna dan rasa air. Ozonisasi juga tidak meninggalkan residu berbahaya seperti halnya disinfektan kimia.
4. Activated Carbon
Adsorption technology using activated carbon is very effective in removing odor, taste, and color from water. Activated carbon absorbs small organic compounds such as geosmin and MIB.
Lautan Air Indonesia provides various types of activated carbon—granular and powder—based on coconut shells and coal.
5. Coagulation and Flocculation
To handle odors caused by dissolved organic matter, a combination of coagulants and flocculants is needed to precipitate fine particles and odor-causing compounds. Types of coagulants such as PAC, ACH, or Aluminum Sulfate can be used according to water characteristics.
Lautan Air Indonesia has a coagulant plant in Indonesia, ensuring fast distribution and stable supply of water treatment chemicals.
6. Multi-Stage Filtration
The use of layered media filters such as silica sand, anthracite, DMI-65, and activated carbon can filter pollutants physically and chemically. This filtration system can be used as part of a pre-treatment or post-treatment unit.
7. UV Light for Disinfection
UV disinfection is very effective in deactivating bacteria and algae that contribute to odor. This technology does not use chemicals and does not produce harmful by-products.
Eliminate Bad Odors in Raw Water with Laut Air Indonesia
The problem of bad odor in raw water is often caused by contamination of organic materials, the growth of microorganisms, dissolved metals such as iron and manganese, to gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). The impact is not only limited to water quality, but can also disrupt the production process, cause an unpleasant odor in the final product, and accelerate the corrosion of industrial equipment.
Lautan Air Indonesia is here with an integrated solution to overcome odor in raw water, starting from analyzing water characteristics, selecting chemicals such as coagulants, flocculants, and disinfectants, to providing filter media such as activated carbon and DMI-65. We also provide treatment systems such as ozonation, UV disinfection, and modular carbon filters that are designed according to industrial needs. Supported by operation and maintenance (O&M) services, operator training, to IoT-based control, we ensure that your system runs optimally and sustainably.
Trust your water treatment needs to Lautan Air Indonesia, a partner with more than 40 years of experience. Contact us for reliable, efficient water treatment consultations and solutions that suit your industrial needs.