Speleolog, Vol. 72 No. 1, 2024.
Professional paper
Gases, Temperature and Relative Air Humidity as Hazard Indicators in Speleological Objects with Waste
Najla Baković
Damir Basara
Robert Baković
Gordan Golja
Igor Anić
Abstract
Speleological objects are characterized by a relatively stable air temperature close to the average annual temperature of the wider area and high relative humidity of air. These conditions, combined with the scarcity of organic matter and strong communication with the soil, create a specific "neutral" odor. Olfactory characteristics can change drastically in speleological objects containing waste, especially during the removal of waste. The change in odor can be used as an indicator of the type of waste, which is invaluable information since there is no method that can identify waste in deeper layers. In addition to easily recognizable odors (e.g., dead animals), many chemicals can also have a specific odor that is a potential indicator of chemical waste and a danger to speleologists involved in cleaning. Numerous gases have an unpleasant odor (e.g., hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, mercaptans), but some chemicals can also have a pleasant odor (e.g., esters). Unfortunately, many gases that can pose a danger to speleologists (e.g., carbon oxides, methane) have no color or odor. Therefore, the use of instruments is the only way to detect them. Temperature changes are also an important indicator of danger in speleological objects. An increase or decrease in temperature can be a consequence of chemical reactions in waste (e.g. chemical waste, organic fermentation) as well as a significant decrease in relative air humidity (hygroscopic materials) or an unusual occurrence of haze. Any occurrence of changes in gas composition or temperature changes requires caution and urgent consideration of the decision whether to stop the work. The only reliable way to determine changes in environmental factors that may be indicators of danger for speleologists are instrumental methods. The cleaning of speleological objects carries numerous and serious dangers that should not be ignored, and therefore it is necessary to invest in the education and awareness-raising of speleologists, but also in the mandatory preparation of remediation studies by environmental protection experts.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
329406
URI
Publication date:
13.3.2025.
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