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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Design, Fabrication, and Administration of the Hand Active Sensation Test (HASTe)

Design, Fabrication, and Administration of the Hand Active Sensation Test (HASTe)

Published on: September 8, 2015

The attribute rating test for sensory analysis.

A M Dietrich¹, A J Whelton, R C Hoehn

¹Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0246, USA. andread@vt.edu

Water Science and Technology : a Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research

|July 9, 2004

Summary

A new sensory method, the attribute rating test, effectively measures odor intensity. This method trains individuals to compare odor levels to a standard, proving useful for water treatment facilities monitoring earthy odors.

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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

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Area of Science:

Sensory Science
Analytical Chemistry
Environmental Monitoring

Background:

Odorants in water sources, like geosmin, can cause customer complaints.
Existing methods for odor evaluation may lack efficiency or standardization.
A reliable method is needed to quantify odor intensity and assess treatment effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce and validate a new sensory method for evaluating odorant intensity.
To establish a standardized procedure for odor assessment in water treatment.
To demonstrate the method's applicability in real-world monitoring scenarios.

Main Methods:

Developed a modified paired-comparison format termed the attribute rating test.
Trained individuals to compare sample odor intensity against a prepared standard.
Utilized a rating scale: 'not detected,' 'less than,' 'equal to,' or 'greater than' the standard.

Main Results:

The attribute rating test successfully trained individuals within an hour.
The method accurately assessed odor intensity and type.
Demonstrated effectiveness in monitoring geosmin levels and evaluating powdered activated carbon treatment at a water facility.

Conclusions:

The attribute rating test provides a practical and efficient sensory method for odor evaluation.
This method is applicable for monitoring known odorants with available standards.
It aids in assessing the efficacy of water treatment processes for odor control.