olfactometriai

Olfactometry is a field of study and a set of techniques used to measure and characterize odors and the sense of smell. It encompasses the scientific measurement of odor concentration and intensity, as well as the qualitative description of odorants. Olfactometry plays a crucial role in various disciplines, including environmental science, food and beverage industries, perfumery, and toxicology.

The primary methods in olfactometry involve human panelists or instrumental devices. Dynamic olfactometry, the most common method, utilizes a triangular odor bag test where panelists are presented with three odor samples, two of which are identical and one is different. They then identify the different sample. The results are used to calculate the odor concentration, typically expressed in odor units per cubic meter (ou/m³). This allows for the quantification of odor emissions from sources like wastewater treatment plants, industrial facilities, and agricultural operations.

Sensory analysis is another key aspect, where trained panels describe the perceived characteristics of an odor, such as its intensity, hedonic tone (pleasantness or unpleasantness), and specific odor descriptors (e.g., fruity, earthy, sulfurous). This qualitative assessment complements the quantitative measurements and is vital for product development, quality control, and identifying specific odorants. Instrumental olfactometry, using specialized equipment like gas chromatographs coupled with mass spectrometers, can identify and quantify individual chemical compounds responsible for an odor, providing a more detailed chemical understanding.