Olfactory-gas chromatography analysis

The panellist sniffing a sample through the Odour Detection Port (ODP) connected to a TD-GC-MS unit  Odour detection ports have been coupled with a variety of analysis units to aid the identification of odour relevant compounds in complex mixtures.

The output of the gas chromatograph is split between the detector (usually MS) and the odour detection port (ODP).   

The ODP provides humidified flows of the GC output which can be sniffed by trained pannelists. Panellists note the times at which specific odour events occur and provide a description of the odour and an intensity rating. This can be conducted at the press of a button using GERSTEL software and instrument set-up. 

Applications

This technique has great potential in the identification of specific odorants in complex mixtures. Examples of its use include:  

  • Identification of key odorants from industrial processes (biosolids processing, rubber processing) to inform odour management methods using Odour Wheels  

  • Identification of ‘unknown’ nuisance odorants that are challenging to identify analytically (e.g nuisance or musty type odours from drinking water, or packaging contamination)  

  • Confirming the efficacy of odour control devices  

To find out more about this technique, get in touch with Odour@unsw.edu.au

Relevant Publications 

Kamarulzaman NH; Le-Minh N; Fisher RM; Stuetz RM, 2019, 'Quantification of VOCs and the development of odour wheels for rubber processing', Science of the Total Environment, vol. 657, pp. 154 - 168, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.451 

Fisher RM; Barczak RJ; Suffet IHM; Hayes JE; Stuetz RM, 2018, 'Framework for the use of odour wheels to manage odours throughout wastewater biosolids processing', Science of the Total Environment, vol. 634, pp. 214 - 223, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.352 

Barczak RJ; Fisher RM; Wang X; Stuetz RM, 2018, 'Variations of odorous VOCs detected by different assessors via gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and olfactory detection port (ODP) system', Water Science and Technology, vol. 77, pp. 759 - 765, http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.2017.569