AWWA WQTC60787

This paper describes the procedure and application of the 2-of-5 Odor Test for use in routinewater quality monitoring. In the 2-of-5 Odor Test an analyst is asked to determine if the odors oftwo different water samples are the same or different. To perform the test, the analyst is requiredto sort five samples, based on their odor characteristics, into one group of two and another groupof three, even if the decision is a guess. If the samples are correctly sorted, the two waters areconsidered to be noticeably different in odor character and the analyst describes the reason for thedifference. In comparison to other odor tests in use, this test follows a more natural process forevaluating samples using human senses. This test was applied at the Songchon Water TreatmentPlant in Daejeon, Korea, to monitor an earthy/musty taste-and-odor event when the geosminconcentration varied from 0-50 ng/L. The 2-of-5 test is used by personnel at the PhiladelphiaWater Department to decide if drinking water is of acceptable sensory quality after installation orreplacement of new water mains, and to follow up on customer complaints of off -odors. Includes 17 references.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

11/15/2004

Number of Pages:

8

File Size:

1 file , 440 KB