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The characterization and quantification of the odour emissions in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) represents a fundamental step in order to identify potential odour problems and establish the best and most appropriate odour management tools. Nowadays odour emissions in WWTP are characterized by the use of sampling techniques which take samples directly from the gaseous phase: i.e. when the emission and consequently the potential problem are already present. The definition of proactive tools for the assessment of potential odour emissions from the emitting sources can prevent the occurrence of potential significant odours events and as consequence complaints. The research presents and describes a novel system, called H2Odour, useful to measure the potential Odour Emission Capacity (OEC) directly from liquids. The system has been designed and developed to standardize the stripping phase of gaseous samples, ensuring the maximization of the odour compounds transfer from the liquid to the gaseous phase. The application on a real full scale WWTP is highlighted. H2Odour represents a novel, proactive device to prevent potential critical situations, allowing a preliminary characterization of the maximum potential odour emissions directly from the liquid phase and through this control activity, leading to a greater environmental and social acceptability of the WWTP.

Anthropogenic Trace Compounds (ATCs) that continuously grow in numbers and concentrations are an emerging issue for water quality in both natural and technical environments. The complex web of exposure pathways as well as the variety in the chemical structure and potency of ATCs represents immense challenges for future research and policy initiatives. This review summarizes current trends and identifies knowledge gaps in innovative, effective monitoring and management strategies while addressing the research questions concerning ATC occurrence, fate, detection and toxicity.We highlight the progressing sensitivity of chemical analytics and the challenges in harmonization of sampling protocols and methods, as well as the need for ATC indicator substances to enable cross-national valid monitoring routine. Secondly, the status quo in ecotoxicology is described to advocate for a better implementation of long-term tests, to address toxicity on community and environmental as well as on human-health levels, and to adapt various test levels and endpoints. Moreover, we discuss potential sources of ATCs and the current removal efficiency of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to indicate the most effective places and elimination strategies. Knowledge gaps in transport and/or detainment of ATCs through their passage in surface waters and groundwaters are further emphasized in relation to their physico-chemical properties, abiotic conditions and biological interactions in order to highlight fundamental research needs. Finally, we demonstrate the importance and remaining challenges of an appropriate ATC risk assessment since this will greatly assist in identifying the most urgent calls for action, in selecting the most promising measures, and in evaluating the success of implemented management strategies. Keywords: Micropollutants, Water, Chemical detection methods, Effect-related bioassays, Elimination strategies, Biofilm-influenced sediment dynamics, Environmental risk assessment