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Relationship between intensity, concentration, and temperature for drinking water odorants.
Andrew J Whelton1, Andrea M Dietrich
1US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, Water Supply Management Program, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5403, USA. Andrew.Whelton@apg.amedd.army.mil
Water Research
|March 16, 2004
Summary
Water temperature significantly impacts odor intensity for common chemicals like 1-butanol and geosmin. Higher temperatures (45°C) generally increase perceived odor intensity compared to lower temperatures (25°C).
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Consumer perception of tap water quality is often linked to odor.
- Understanding factors influencing odor intensity is crucial for water treatment and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of aqueous concentration and water temperature on the odor intensity of selected chemicals.
- To determine if odor intensity consistently decreases with decreasing concentration.
Main Methods:
- Odor analyses were conducted on water samples containing specific chemicals (1-butanol, chlorine, geosmin, etc.) at various concentrations and temperatures.
- Odor intensity was rated using a standardized scale (e.g., flavor profile rating scale).
Main Results:
- Odor intensity of most tested chemicals (1-butanol, chlorine, geosmin, etc.) was dependent on both concentration and temperature.
- At low concentrations, odor intensity was higher at 45°C compared to 25°C.
- Odor response to isobutanal varied with concentration but not temperature.
- Lowering aqueous concentration did not always reduce odor intensity; some chemicals showed increased intensity at lower concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Water temperature is a significant factor affecting perceived odor intensity of common tap water contaminants.
- Consumer perception of water odor can be complex and is not solely dependent on chemical concentration.