ASTM D1292-86(1999)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Odor in Water
Standard Test Method for Odor in Water
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the odor (that is, the property that affects the sense of smell) of water. A suggested system for classifying odors is given as Annex A1. The test method is applicable to the determination of odor intensity in terms of odor intensity index or threshold odor number.
1.2 Effluents may carry a myriad of compounds, difficult to measure individually, which contribute to odor problems. Combinations of compounds can cause an odor intensity or develop a characteristic that cannot be anticipated from odors of the individual substances.
1.3 Because of the variation in human sensitivity, high precision in determining odor intensity is not possible. There will not always be agreement on odor characteristics by various testers. Odor analysis provides the tool to measure variation in odor intensity at a given sampling point. The degree of variation may indicate the magnitude or importance of an odor problem. Determining the cause of the variation or the source of the objectionable characteristic may define the odor problem better than analysis for individual compounds.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Note under 10.1.
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An American National Standard
Designation: D 1292 – 86 (Reapproved 1999)
Standard Test Method for
Odor in Water
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1292; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of
2 Applicable Methods of Committee D-19 on Water
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the odor
D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Con-
(that is, the property that affects the sense of smell) of water.A
duits
suggested system for classifying odors is given as Annex A1.
The test method is applicable to the determination of odor
3. Terminology
intensity in terms of odor intensity index or threshold odor
3.1 Definitions:
number.
3.1.1 The terms odor-intensity index and odor threshold
1.2 Effluents may carry a myriad of compounds, difficult to
number in this test method are defined in accordance with
measure individually, which contribute to odor problems.
Terminology D1129 as follows:
Combinations of compounds can cause an odor intensity or
3.1.2 odor-intensity index—thenumberoftimestheconcen-
develop a characteristic that cannot be anticipated from odors
trationoftheoriginalsampleishalvedbyadditionofodor-free
of the individual substances.
water to obtain the least definitely perceptible odor.
1.3 Because of the variation in human sensitivity, high
3.1.3 odor threshold number—the greatest dilution of the
precision in determining odor intensity is not possible. There
sample with odor-free water to yield the least definitely
willnotalwaysbeagreementonodorcharacteristicsbyvarious
perceptible odor.
testers. Odor analysis provides the tool to measure variation in
3.1.4 For definitions of other terms used in this test method,
odor intensity at a given sampling point. The degree of
refer to Terminology D1129.
variation may indicate the magnitude or importance of an odor
problem. Determining the cause of the variation or the source
4. Summary of Test Method
oftheobjectionablecharacteristicmaydefinetheodorproblem
4.1 A sample of water is diluted with odor-free water until
better than analysis for individual compounds.
a dilution is obtained that has the least definitely perceptible
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
odor. The test is made by two or more testers. One makes
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
dilutions and the others determine odor intensity. Samples are
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
tested in generally increasing concentration of odorant, al-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
though not in consecutive sequence of dilutions, until the odor
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
is perceived. The persons making the test select the odorous
statements, see Note 1 under 10.1.
sample from among three flasks, two of which contain odor-
free water. Odor is measured without regard to the presence of
2. Referenced Documents
suspended matter or immiscible substances in the sample.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3 Cognizance is taken of the fact that there is no absolute odor
D1066 Practice for Sampling Steam
3 value and that the test is to be used for comparison only. The
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
3 test is carried out at 40°C.
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The odor of water is a subjective property which is
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D-19 on Water
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.05 on Inorganic Constituents
recognizedashavingasignificanteffectonitsquality.Thistest
in Water.
isintendedtoprovideareproducibletestmethodfordetermin-
Current edition approved Aug. 29, 1986. Published October 1986. Originally
ing the intensity of odor in waters for comparative or control
published D1292–53 T. Last previous edition D1292–80.
This test method is based on a procedure proposed by the Dow Chemical Co. purposes.
in a private communication.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 1292 – 86 (1999)
5.2 The test may be useful in checking the quality of raw or testers. Photographic safelights with interchangeable filters are
treated waters, determining the effectiveness of treatment useful for this purpose.
procedures, or in tracing sources of contamination or leaks in 6.5 Turbidity in some wastewaters may be evident below
industrial processes. perceptible odor levels. The colored lighting system described
5.3 The results of the test are very dependent upon the in 6.4 may not eliminate this bias. In such instances, external
observers, since the sensitivity of individuals to odor is highly masking of the flasks may be necessary. Painting the flasks to
variable and changes from day to day. Careful standardization make them opaque is a means of masking turbidity.
of the conditions is essential. 6.6 For maximum control, the odor laboratory should be
divided into two areas separating the sample preparation and
6. Interferences and Precautions the odor detection activities. This allows isolation of the
dilution operator from the odor tester and permits greater
6.1 The area used for the test shall be free of interfering
control of background odor in the odor measuring area.
odors. Anideallaboratoryhasaseparateroomequippedwith
activated-carbon filtered inlet air of controlled, constant tem-
7. Apparatus
perature and humidity. A relative humidity of 50% is recom-
7.1 Constant-Temperature Bath, capable of maintaining a
mendedwherevercontrolisfeasible.Cleanlinessisanabsolute
temperature of 40 6 1°C.
necessity.Allequipmentusedinthetestshallbecleanandfree
7.2 Sample Bottles, Glass-Stoppered—Biochemical oxygen
ofodorandshallberestrictedtouseforodordetermination.An
demand (BOD) bottles are satisfactory for this purpose.
odorless detergent shall be used to cleanse the hands and faces
7.3 Flasks, 500-mL, wide-mouth Erlenmeyer, glass-
of the persons participating in the test from tobacco, shaving
stoppered or covered by watch glasses.
preparation,cosmetic,andotherodors.Testersshallnotsmoke,
chew tobacco or gum, or eat food of pronounced taste or odor
8. Reagents
for at least 30 min prior to the determination.
6.2 The physical condition of the participants is important.
8.1 Activated Carbon, water purification grade. Carbon
The odor tester shall be free from any conditions affecting the
should be renewed after treating approximately 20 L of water,
olfactory system. Prolonged use of the sense of smell causes
or more often as necessary.
olfactory fatigue. Repeated smelling of the same odor has the
8.2 Water, Odor-Free— Prepare odor-free water by passing
same effect. Therefore, for prolonged testing, frequent rest
reagent water conforming to Specification D1193, Type II,
periods, preferably in fresh, odor-free air, are necessary for
through a glass column 0.9 m (3 ft) long and 51 mm (2 in.) in
recuperation. Under ordinary circumstances no operator shall
diameter, packed with granular activated carbon, at a flow rate
carryoutodortestsforlongerthan15minwithoutrestinorder
oflessthan11L/h.Thewaterusedtoprepareodorfreedilution
to avoid olfactory fatigue. This is an average time. Stronger
water shall have a total dissolved solids content not exceeding
odorants may dull olfactory response within a few minutes
that of the sample being tested. Use glass connections and
while waters of good quality may be tested over longer time
tubing in making the system.The column ends may be packed
intervals. If personnel is limited, the testers may check their
with glass wool to support the carbon.Test the column effluent
observationsafterallowingsufficienttimetorelaxtheolfactory
at 40°C. This is necessary since the quantities and nature of
system.
impuritiesinthewaterwillaffectusefulcarbonlife.Ithasbeen
6.3 Not all persons are capable of carrying out this test.The
foundthatcolumnsusedinfrequentlymaydevelopabiological
testers should be thoroughly screened to obtain the best
growth which imparts odor. To check the condition of the
possible precision, especially for research purposes. However,
column after an idle period (such as a weekend) a simple test
if due care is exercised, most persons qualify for routine work.
is recommended. Fill a short glass tube with fresh carbon and
At least two testers are necessary, but more are preferred: one
filterwaterthroughit.Thereagentwatersopreparedshouldbe
to make the preliminary screening and prepare the dilutions
checked against the column effluent to be sure a subtle odor is
and the other or others to make the actual odor determination.
notpresent.Odor-freewatershouldnotbestoredbutshouldbe
The testers making the determination shall not know the
prepared on the day the test is made. In order to save time
dilutions; in no case shall they make the dilutions. Dilutions
duringanalyses,maintainthesupplyofodor-freewaterat40 6
shall be tested by presenting samples ranging from lower to
1°C.
higher concentrations but they must not be presented in
sequence. Insertion of a set of blanks or lower concentrations
9. Sampling
into the series is recommended. This lessens the chance of
9.1 Collect the sample in accordance with the applicable
memorizing odors or guessing.
practice, Practice D1066 and Practices D3370.
6.4 Color is often imparted by various contaminants in
9.2 Determine odor on separate, freshly-obtained samples.
wastewater. This color is often evident below perceptible odor
Sampling is very important. Glass-stoppered bottles shall be
levels. A colored lighting system may be used to eliminate
used and shall be completely filled. Although larger volumes
color bias in selection of the odor-containing flask by the
may be necessary in some cases, the standard BOD bottles are
4 5
Baker, RobertA., “Critical Evaluation of Olfactory Measurement,” Journal of Baker, R. A., “Odor Testing Laboratory,” Journal of the Water Pollution
the Water Pollution Control Federation, Vol 34, No. 6, June 1962, pp. 582–591. Control Federation, Vol 35, No. 11, November 1963, pp. 1396–1402.
D 1292 – 86 (1999)
ideal for this use. If the sample is at a temperature greater than 12.5 mL of sample. If greater dilutions are necessary, add
40°C, cool it before testing for odor. odor-free water to the primary dilution. Use such subsequent
9.3 Storage of water may lead to errors through modifica- dilutions in the evaluation.
tion of odor intensity and character. Biological, chemical, and 11.2 The dilution tester shall code three clean, odor-free
physicalreactionsarefactorsinthisdegradation.Iftheanalysis flasks for the test, adding approximately half the estimated
cannot be made promptly, refrigerate the sample during stor- quantityofsample(preliminarytest)tooneoftheflasks.Dilute
age.Althoughthiswillnotguaranteethatodorchangeswillnot the contents of each flask to a total volume of 200 mL with
take place, it minimizes the effect in most cases. Store the odor-free water. Stopper each flask and adjust the temperature
sample in a glass-stoppered bottle to minimize contamination to 40°C in a water bath. Vigorously swirl the stoppered flasks
with refrigerator odors. Precooling the sample in an ice bath and present them to the odor tester. In presenting the flasks to
and in an odor-free atmosphere before refrigeration is advised. the tester the position of the odor-containing flasks in the array
9.4 Recordthesampletemperatureatthetimeofcollection. shall be randomized. The odor tester shall swirl a flask
This frequently is useful when relating laboratory results to vigorously exercising care to avoid spilling the contents. The
field conditions. flasksshallbeheldbytheflatbottomwithafingeronthecover
or stopper during swirling. This minimizes imparting an odor
10. Preliminary Test
near the opening of the flask prior to testing. Swirling distrib-
utes the odorous substance uniformly in the vapor space. The
10.1 Preparation of a test series can be greatly simplified if
tester shall remove the stopper or watch glass cover, place his
an approximation of odor intensity is first made as follows:
nose at the top of the flask and test for odor using normal
thoroughly scrub all glassware with a brush and odorless
inhalation. If the odor tester fails to detect an odor, the dilution
detergent. Rinse with tap water and clean with chromic acid
tester then shall decrease the dilution (increase the concentra-
solution. Rinse with reagent water, rinse with odor-free water,
tion) until a dilution is found at which the odor is perceptible,
and store filled with odor-free water. Check all flasks to make
using the same procedure. The dilution tester shall record the
surenoresidualodorexistsbytestingwith200mLofodor-free
results. Give the samples to the tester in generally increasing
water at 40°C.
concentration but not in a sequence of higher concentrations.
NOTE 1—Warning:Chromic acid is toxic and is a very powerful
Insert sets of blanks, all flasks containing odor-free water, and
oxidizing agent. Extreme caution should be exercised in its use.
some lower concentrations during the testing to eliminate
10.2 To determine the estimated order of magnitude of the
guessing or anticipation of the threshold level.
odor intensity, the dilution tester shall pipet 25 mL of sample
11.3 If there is odor perception, the dilution tester shall
into a clean, glass-stoppered (or watch-glass covered) 500-mL
empty all the flasks and prepare two blanks of odor-free water
conicalflask.Dilutethistoatotalvolumeof200mLbyadding
and one 200-mLdilution containing half as much sample as in
175mLofodor-freewaterat40°C.Forthispreliminarytestthe
11.2. Repeat this procedure until the odor tester fails to detect
dilutionwatermaybeaddedfromagraduatedcylinder.Donot
an odor.At this point the dilution tester shall make up the least
allow the pipet or the sample solution to touch the neck of the
perceptible dilution and the odor tester shall repeat the test. If
flask. Stopper and warm the flask to 40°C in a water bath.
the odor tester fails to confirm his first result, then the dilution
Avoid prolonged or direct heating.
tester shall double the sample concentration until perception is
10.3 Mixbyvigorouslyswirlingthreeorfourtimes,remove
again obtained.
the stopper, and place the nose at the top of the flask. Test for
odor,usingnormalinhalation.Comparewithaflaskcontaining
12. Calculation
odor-free water. Note whether
...
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