ASTM D1292-15(2021)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Odor in Water
Standard Test Method for Odor in Water
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The odor of water is a subjective property which is recognized as having a significant effect on its quality. This test is intended to provide a reproducible test method for determining the intensity of odor in waters for comparative or control purposes.
5.2 The test may be useful in checking the quality of raw or treated waters, determining the effectiveness of treatment procedures, or in tracing sources of contamination or leaks in industrial processes.
5.3 The results of the test are very dependent upon the observers, since the sensitivity of individuals to odor is highly variable and changes from day to day. Careful standardization of the conditions is essential.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method 2 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 The values stated in SI or inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see the warning statement under 10.1.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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Designation: D1292 − 15 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Odor in Water
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1292; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—The WTO caveat was added editorially in December 2021.
1. Scope ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
2 Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the odor
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
(thatis,thepropertythataffectsthesenseofsmell)ofwater.A
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
suggested system for classifying odors is given as Annex A1.
The test method is applicable to the determination of odor
2. Referenced Documents
intensity in terms of odor intensity index or threshold odor
2.1 ASTM Standards:
number.
D1066Practice for Sampling Steam
1.2 Effluents may carry a myriad of compounds, difficult to
D1129Terminology Relating to Water
measure individually, which contribute to odor problems.
D1193Specification for Reagent Water
Combinations of compounds can cause an odor intensity or
D2777Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of
develop a characteristic that cannot be anticipated from odors
Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
of the individual substances.
D3370Practices for Sampling Water from Flowing Process
1.3 Because of the variation in human sensitivity, high Streams
precision in determining odor intensity is not possible. There
3. Terminology
willnotalwaysbeagreementonodorcharacteristicsbyvarious
testers. Odor analysis provides the tool to measure variation in
3.1 Definitions:
odor intensity at a given sampling point. The degree of
3.1.1 The terms odor-intensity index and odor threshold
variation may indicate the magnitude or importance of an odor
number in this standard are defined in accordance with
problem. Determining the cause of the variation or the source
Terminology D1129 as follows:
oftheobjectionablecharacteristicmaydefinetheodorproblem
3.1.2 odor-intensity index, n—the number of times the
better than analysis for individual compounds.
concentration of the original sample is halved by addition of
odor-free water to obtain the least definitely perceptible odor.
1.4 The values stated in SI or inch-pound units are to be
regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are 3.1.3 odor threshold number, n—the greatest dilution of the
for information only. sample with odor-free water to yield the least definitely
perceptible odor.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2 For definitions of other terms used in this test method,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
refer to Terminology D1129.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4. Summary of Test Method
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
For specific hazard statements, see the warning statement
4.1 A sample of water is diluted with odor-free water until
under 10.1.
a dilution is obtained that has the least definitely perceptible
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
odor. The test is made by two or more testers. One makes
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
dilutions and the others determine odor intensity. Samples are
tested in generally increasing concentration of odorant, al-
though not in consecutive sequence of dilutions, until the odor
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D19 on Water
is perceived. The persons making the test select the odorous
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.05 on Inorganic Constituents
in Water.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2021. Published December 2021. Originally
approved in 1953. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D1292–15. DOI: For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
10.1520/D1292-15R21E01. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
This test method is based on a procedure proposed by the Dow Chemical Co. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
in a private communication. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D1292 − 15 (2021)
sample from among three flasks, two of which contain odor- to make the preliminary screening and prepare the dilutions
free water. Odor is measured without regard to the presence of and the other or others to make the actual odor determination.
suspended matter or immiscible substances in the sample. The testers making the determination shall not know the
Cognizance is taken of the fact that there is no absolute odor dilutions; in no case shall they make the dilutions. Dilutions
value and that the test is to be used for comparison only. The shall be tested by presenting samples ranging from lower to
test is carried out at 40°C. higher concentrations but they must not be presented in
sequence. Insertion of a set of blanks or lower concentrations
5. Significance and Use
into the series is recommended. This lessens the chance of
memorizing odors or guessing.
5.1 The odor of water is a subjective property which is
recognizedashavingasignificanteffectonitsquality.Thistest
6.4 Color is often imparted by various contaminants in
isintendedtoprovideareproducibletestmethodfordetermin-
wastewater. This color is often evident below perceptible odor
ing the intensity of odor in waters for comparative or control
levels. A colored lighting system may be used to eliminate
purposes.
color bias in selection of the odor-containing flask by the
5.2 The test may be useful in checking the quality of raw or testers. Photographic safelights with interchangeable filters are
useful for this purpose.
treated waters, determining the effectiveness of treatment
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
in 6.4 may not eliminate this bias. In such instances, external
5.3 The results of the test are very dependent upon the
masking of the flasks may be necessary. Painting the flasks to
observers, since the sensitivity of individuals to odor is highly
make them opaque is a means of masking turbidity.
variable and changes from day to day. Careful standardization
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
6.1 The area used for the test shall be free of interfering
dilution operator from the odor tester and permits greater
odors. An ideal laboratory has a separate room equipped with
control of background odor in the odor measuring area.
activated-carbon filtered inlet air of controlled, constant tem-
7. Apparatus
perature and humidity. A relative humidity of 50% is recom-
mendedwherevercontrolisfeasible.Cleanlinessisanabsolute
7.1 Constant-Temperature Bath, capable of maintaining a
necessity.Allequipmentusedinthetestshallbecleanandfree
temperature of 40 6 1°C.
ofodorandshallberestrictedtouseforodordetermination.An
7.2 Sample Bottles, Glass-Stoppered—Biochemical oxygen
odorless detergent shall be used to cleanse the hands and faces
demand (BOD) bottles are satisfactory for this purpose.
of the persons participating in the test from tobacco, shaving
preparation,cosmetic,andotherodors.Testersshallnotsmoke, 7.3 Flasks, 500 mL, wide-mouth Erlenmeyer, glass-
chew tobacco or gum, or eat food of pronounced taste or odor stoppered or covered by watch glasses.
for at least 30 min prior to the determination.
8. Reagents
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
same effect. Therefore, for prolonged testing, frequent rest
8.2 Water, Odor-Free—Prepare odor-free water by passing
periods, preferably in fresh, odor-free air, are necessary for
reagent water conforming to Specification D1193,Type I or II,
recuperation. Under ordinary circumstances no operator shall
through a glass column 0.9 m (3 ft) long and 51 mm (2 in.) in
carryoutodortestsforlongerthan15minwithoutrestinorder
diameter, packed with granular activated carbon, at a flow rate
to avoid olfactory fatigue. This is an average time. Stronger
of less than 11 L/h. The water used to prepare odor-free
odorants may dull olfactory response within a few minutes
dilution water shall have a total dissolved solids content not
while waters of good quality may be tested over longer time
exceeding that of the sample being tested. Use glass connec-
intervals. If personnel are limited, the testers may check their
tions and tubing in making the system. The column ends may
observationsafterallowingsufficienttimetorelaxtheolfactory
be packed with glass wool to support the carbon. Test the
system.
column effluent at 40°C. This is necessary since the quantities
and nature of impurities in the water will affect useful carbon
6.3 Not all persons are capable of carrying out this test.The
life. It has been found that columns used infrequently may
testers should be thoroughly screened to obtain the best
develop a biological growth which imparts odor. To check the
possible precision, especially for research purposes. However,
condition of the column after an idle period (such as a
if due care is exercised, most persons qualify for routine work.
weekend) a simple test is recommended. Fill a short glass tube
At least two testers are necessary, but more are preferred: one
4 5
Baker, R. A., “Critical Evaluation of Olfactory Measurement,” Journal of the Baker, R. A., “Odor Testing Laboratory,” Journal of the Water Pollution
Water Pollution Control Federation, Vol 34, No. 6, June 1962, pp. 582–591. Control Federation, Vol 35, No. 11, November 1963, pp. 1396–1402.
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D1292 − 15 (2021)
withfreshcarbonandfilterwaterthroughit.Thereagentwater make a series of dilutions at the beginning. Odor testing
so prepared should be checked against the column effluent to however must be from the highest dilution toward lower
besureasubtleodorisnotpresent.Odor-freewatershouldnot dilutions.
bestoredbutshouldbepreparedonthedaythetestismade.In
10.4 If the odor is detected in the initial dilution, dilute at
order to save time during analyses, maintain the supply of
least 12.5 mL of original sample to a measured volume and
odor-free water at 40 6 1°C.
record this primary dilution. Make subsequent lower dilutions
and record the aliquot at which odor is just perceptible.
9. Sampling
Calculate the estimated order of magnitude of the odor
intensity in accordance with Section 12.
9.1 Collect the sample in accordance with the applicable
practice, Practices D1066 and D3370.
11. Procedure
9.2 Determine odor on separate, freshly-obtained samples.
11.1 The choice of dilutions for odor measurement depends
Sampling is very important. Glass-stoppered bottles shall be
on the order of magnitude of odor intensity determined in
used and shall be completely filled. Although larger volumes accordance with Section 10. The tester who determined the
may be necessary in some cases, the standard BOD bottles are
odorintensityinthepreliminarytestshallnowassumetherole
ideal for this use. If the sample is at a temperature greater than of making the dilutions for the other tester or testers, but shall
40°C, cool it before testing for odor.
do no testing himself. Primary dilutions shall contain at least
12.5 mL of sample. If greater dilutions are necessary, add
9.3 Storage of water may lead to errors through modifica-
odor-free water to the primary dilution. Use such subsequent
tion of odor intensity and character. Biological, chemical, and
dilutions in the evaluation.
physicalreactionsarefactorsinthisdegradation.Iftheanalysis
11.2 The dilution tester shall code three clean, odor-free
cannot be made promptly, refrigerate the sample during stor-
flasks for the test, adding approximately half the estimated
age.Althoughthiswillnotguaranteethatodorchangeswillnot
quantityofsample(preliminarytest)tooneoftheflasks.Dilute
take place, it minimizes the effect in most cases. Store the
the contents of each flask to a total volume of 200 mL with
sample in a glass-stoppered bottle to minimize contamination
odor-free water. Stopper each flask and adjust the temperature
with refrigerator odors. Precooling the sample in an ice bath
to 40°C in a water bath. Vigorously swirl the stoppered flasks
and in an odor-free atmosphere before refrigeration is advised.
and present them to the odor tester. In presenting the flasks to
9.4 Recordthesampletemperatureatthetimeofcollection.
the tester the position of the odor-containing flasks in the array
This frequently is useful when relating laboratory results to
shall be randomized. The odor tester shall swirl a flask
field conditions.
vigorously exercising care to avoid spilling the contents. The
flasksshallbeheldbytheflatbottomwithafingeronthecover
10. Preliminary Test
or stopper during swirling. This minimizes imparting an odor
near the opening of the flask prior to testing. Swirling distrib-
10.1 Preparation of a test series can be greatly simplified if
utes the odorous substance uniformly in the vapor space. The
an approximation of odor intensity is first made as follows:
tester shall remove the stopper or watch glass cover, place his
thoroughly scrub all glassware with a brush and odorless
nose at the top of the flask and test for odor using normal
detergent. Rinse with tap water and clean with chromic acid
inhalation. If the odor tester fails to detect an odor, the dilution
solution. Rinse with reagent water, rinse with odor-free water,
tester then shall decrease the dilution (increase the concentra-
and store filled with odor-free water. Check all flasks to make
tion) until a dilution is found at which the odor is per
...
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