MEASUREMENT OF THE REDUCTION IN THE INTENSITY OF FOUL GASES ENTERING INTO TOILETS THROUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF TRAPS

MEASUREMENT OF THE REDUCTION IN THE INTENSITY OF FOUL GASES ENTERING INTO TOILETS THROUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF TRAPS.

(CASE STUDY OF A TRAP INTRODUCED AT THE DRAIN PIPE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INSPECTION CHAMBER).

ABSTRACT

The conventional method of toilets construction in modern buildings making use of a trap at the base of water closet, vent pipe offshoot from the inspection chamber and a wastepipe connection from the inspection chamber to the septic tank only has proven in some cases not to be completely efficient in reducing the intensity of odour escaping from the septic tank into the toilet. Consequently, the occupants of the building are frequently dissatisfied with the condition of the toilet. This research seeks to introduce a trap along the waste pipe connection between the   inspection chamber and the septic tank to reduce the escape of foul gases from the septic tank to the toilet. The method described by Weber Fechner which essentially uses odour perception rating was used in the study. To achieve these objectives, a total of seven persons comprising of five women and two men were used for the observation survey. The findings from the research suggest that the use of vent pipes in toilet construction reduces the intensity of odour in the toilet. The findings also suggest that the introduction of a trap in the waste pipe connection between the inspection chamber and the septic tank will greatly mitigate the intensity of odour in the toilet. Therefore, this research recommends that the Nigerian construction industry imbibe the culture of using a trap in the waste pipe connection in order to further mitigate the level of odour intensity in toilets.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0                                                    INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Odour can be defined as a sensation perceived from the stimulus reception by the senses of the olfactory system. Whether the odour is pleasant or not, it is caused by inhaling air-borne  inorganics or organics.  In the light of  increasing  population growth, rapid industrialization and urbanization, the problem caused by odour is worth focusing on. Rapid population growth  without adequate sanitation facilities is the primary cause of problems associated with odour. An increase in yhe growth of various  industries hascompounded the problem through  industrial operations that bring about dangerous odourous substances. Undesirable odour contributes to air quality concerns and affect human lifestyles. Odour is definitely the most difficult challenge that could be encountered of all the problems associated with  air pollution

Foul odour in most cases may not cause immediate damage to health, toxic stimulants of odour may bring about ill health, nauseating or respiratory symptoms.. a very distinct odour may cause   nasal irritation  in individuals having problems with breathing  or having asthma

(International Union of Environment (IUE) Commission of IULTCS Document, 2006).

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Considering the numerous challenges   faced by the construction industry in Nigeria and especially the mechanical services in building (plumbing), it has become important to device new and innovative ways to deal with these challenges. One of such major challenge can involve a situation where sanitary fittings in the building might ooze out unpleasant odour, especially in the toilet. Therefore the major problem that would be tackled in this research would be based on remedy actions for various degrees of odour intensity emitted by the water closet toilet system. We would attempt to answer the following questions in the research;

1. What is the effect of having a vent pipe in toilet construction?
2. What is the effect of using a trap in the waste pipe connection between the inspection chamber and the septic tank?

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

1.3.1 Aim

The sole aim of this research is to measure the degree of odour intensity in a toilet if the water closet is subjected to various trap and vent pipe applications.

1.3.2 Objectives

The objective of this research is to determine the intensity of odour in the toilet when;

• The vent pipe is opened
• The vent pipe is closed
• A trap is introduced in the waste pipe connection between the inspection chamber and the septic tank with the vent pipe opened.
• A trap is introduced in the waste pipe connection between the inspection chamber and the septic tank with the vent pipe closed.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The use of in-house toilet in modern construction is rising at a progressive rate, therefore it becomes important to ensure that the plumbing system, especially the toilet must always be in good condition in order to provide comfort for the occupants.

A foul odour is known to be unpleasant; therefore we will bring out added measures that can be taken to reduce the chances of sensing foul odour in the toilet.

1.5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Observation survey will be employed and data collection will be by the use of both primary and secondary data collection instruments. The data will be presented and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This research work is focused on the evaluation of odour intensity in a toilet in various trap and vent pipe applications. However, the study was limited only to reports derived from the observers and this is due to the lack of scientific equipment that can be used to measure the odour intensity in the toilet.

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 AIR QUALITY (ODOUR)

An odour  is caused by volatilized organic and inorganic compounds, it is usually  in reduced concentration so that it can be perceived by humans and animals using the  olfactory sensory system.. Odours can also be referred to as  scents and can be categorized as unpleasant or pleasant (Wang, J., Luthey-Schulten, Z., & Suslick, K. S., 2003).

The sensing of smell enables the perception of odours to occur which is always facilitated by the olfactory nerve.The cells of the olfactory receptor  which are called    neurons can be found in the olfactory epitheliumthis is a tiny bit of tissue present  at  the back of the nasal cavity.   millions of these neurons present in the olfactory receptor can perform the function signaling sensory cells (Wang, J., Luthey-Schulten, Z., & Suslick, K. S., 2003).

odours that people are familiar with such as their own body odour, are less noticeable to people than   odours they are unfamiliar with. This is as a result of habituation, which is due to continuous   exposure to odour (Chaudhury, D., 2010).

Odours may be caused by various environmental conditions for example odour is more noticeable in cool dry air (Salthammer, T., & Bahadir, M., 2009).

The ability to distinguish odours after being subjected to continuous exposure is usually affected by habituation. (Devriese, S., Winters, W., Stegen, K., Van Diest, I., Veulemans, H.,  Nemery, B., & Van Den Bergh O., 2000).

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