Page 17 - Analityka 1/2015

Application of olfactometry

IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Unpleasant smells connected with the presence of odorous substances (malodorous) in
the environment are the cause of numerous complaints of people living in certain areas.
Investigations concerning the presence of odor in environment can be carried out using
olfactometry techniques.
In this work discussed olfactometry technique is one of the implements used in environ-
mental protection. Its application allows to study the fragrance properties of the odorants
in polluted air. Primarily dilution methods, allowing to determine the degree dilution of
sample using odorless air till specific moment when odor is no longer noticeable, are com-
monly used in environmental olfactometry. This paper also presents a brief information
about the classification and application areas of olfactometry in environmental investiga-
tions and olfactometers, which are instruments used for the dilution of the sample by an
inert gas in order to make an objective assessment of odor by group of panelists. Due to
the possibility of carrying out a field investigations olfactometry found many applications,
especially in environmental analytics.
Keywords:
european odour unit, odours, olfactometry environmental techniques, instrument.