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The human nose is the best odor-testing device available. Wave your hand across the water sample to make the odor come to you. A fishy odor may indicate the presence of too much dead algae. This condition may be caused by an unnatural amount of certain chemicals in the water (see phosphates and nitrates). A rotten egg smell would indicate the production of sulfur compounds (see pH). A sewage smell might indicate improperly treated sewage effluent (see phosphates and nitrates).
This list can help provide consistency in naming odors. Students should research the potential sources of these odors although this can sometimes be difficult. If the source can not be determined, be sure to consistently record it's presence for future reference.
| Odor | Such as odors of: |
|---|---|
| Aromatic (spicy) | camphor, cloves, lavender, lemon |
| Balsamic (flowery) | geranium, violet, vanilla |
| Chemical | industrial wastes |
| Chlorinous | chlorine |
| Hydrocarbon | oil refinery |
| Medicinal | phenol and iodine |
| sulfur | hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg) |
| Disagreeable | (pronounced, unpleasant) |
| Fishy | dead fish |
| Septic | stale sewage |
| Earthy | damp earth |
| Peaty | peat |
| Grassy | crushed or mowed grass |
| Musty | decomposing straw |
| Moldy | damp cellar |
| Vegetable | potatoes |
For More information about the Environmental Quality Center, please contact:
Attn: Mr. Brian Oram, Professional Geologist (PG)
Laboratory Director
Wilkes University
Environmental Engineering and
Earth Sciences Department
PO Box 111
84 West South Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766
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