Odour detection methods: olfactometry and chemical sensors

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Sensory Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Olfaction, one of the oldest senses, plays a crucial role in detecting danger, communication, and potential illnesses.
• Odours, perceived through complex molecular interactions, are significant in industrial processes and environmental impact assessments, particularly concerning air pollution.
• While human olfactory systems are primary for odour evaluation, industrial and environmental concerns necessitate objective analytical methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of human and instrumental sensing techniques for odour detection.
• To compare the strengths and weaknesses of human sensory panels and electronic noses (E-Noses) in odour assessment.
• To evaluate the application of these methods in environmental odour emission monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of olfactometric techniques utilizing trained human expert panels.
• Description of the features and working principles of modern electronic noses (E-Noses).
• Review of odour emission monitoring studies employing both human and instrumental sensing.

Main Results:

• Human odour assessment, while effective, has inherent limitations.
• Electronic noses (E-Noses) offer objective and potentially more performant solutions for environmental analysis.
• Both human and instrumental sensing provide complementary data for comprehensive odour monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Human olfaction remains critical but is increasingly supplemented by instrumental methods.
• Electronic noses (E-Noses) show significant promise for objective and efficient odour detection in environmental applications.
• Integrating human and instrumental sensing approaches offers a robust strategy for odour emission monitoring.