Identification Of The Different Sources Responsible For The Olfactory Annoyance, Using An E-Nose

Abstract

Abstract. The aim of this work is to quantify simultaneously two complex odor sources in a mixture. Odorous samples were taken in the environment, measured with a MOS-based e-nose, then mixed together; the mixture was then measured on the same e-nose. The results proved that even though the results are not accurate du to the high variability of the samples, it is possible to measure simultaneously real odorous samples using an e-nose.Keywords: e-nose, MOS, olfactory annoyance, odor, environment PACS: 07.07.Df, 07.88.+y, 89.60.-k SUMMARYThe olfactory annoyance perceived at the receptor site of an industrial area is often the result of a combination of different smells, emitted by several industrial sources. The major issue in the case of complaints is to identify the responsible. For this purpose, the determination of the contribution of each source to the perceived annoyance would be a solution. The electronic nose is able to identify the major odour source in a mixture [1] and has been evaluated to determine simultaneously the proportions of pure compounds in a synthetic mixture [2], but never for complex odorous samples in the environment. To study the ability of the e-nose to identify the components of a mixture, an approach similar to the ones used in air pollution to determine the contributions of VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) sources is proposed [3], using receptor models such as CMB (Chemical Mass Balance), applied to e-nose data. This paper presents the first results of identification of odour sources contained simultaneously in a mixture, using a metal oxide-based e-nose.