Water and Wastewater Treatment
Problem:
Solve for threshold odor number.
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 | threshold odor number |
 | volume of odor causing sample |
 | volume of odor free water |
Background
The Threshold Odor Number (TON) is a significant parameter in water and wastewater treatment processes. It evaluates the concentration of odor-causing compounds in water, reflecting their impact on overall water quality and consumer acceptance. This metric is pivotal in regulatory compliance and quality assurance within various industries, including municipal water supply, food and beverage processing, and environmental monitoring.
Equation
To determine the Threshold Odor Number, the following equation is used:
- Threshold Odor Number (TON) = A / (A + B)
Where:
- A = Volume of the odor-causing sample
- B = Volume of odor-free water
How to Solve
Steps:
- Measure the volume of the odor-causing sample (A).
- Measure the volume of odor-free water (B).
- Apply the values to the TON equation.
- Calculate the result to find the Threshold Odor Number.
Example
Problem:
- Calculate the Threshold Odor Number if you have 3 liters of an odor-causing sample and 9 liters of odor-free water.
Given:
- The volume of the odor-causing sample, A = 3 liters
- The volume of odor-free water, B = 9 liters
Applying the equation:
- TON = A / (A + B) = 3 liters / (3 + 9 liters) = 3 / 12 = 0.25
Therefore, the Threshold Odor Number is 0.25.
Fields/Degrees It is Used In
- Environmental Engineering: Essential for water quality assessment and treatment processes.
- Public Health: To ensure water supplies are free from offensive odors that may indicate contamination.
- Chemical Engineering: In producing and treating various chemical products influenced by odor.
- Agriculture: For managing water used in the irrigation to avoid contamination from odor-causing substances.
- Food and Beverage Industry: To ensure the taste and smell of products remain unaffected by water quality.
Real-life Applications
- Municipal Water Treatment: To monitor and mitigate odors in public water supplies.
- Bottled Water Production: Assessment of water quality to meet consumer expectations of taste and odor.
- Waste Management Facilities: To control the odors emitted by waste materials.
- Aquaculture: Maintaining water quality to ensure the well-being of aquatic life.
- Industrial Effluents: Monitoring the quality of water released by industries to prevent environmental contamination.
Five Common Mistakes
- Incorrect Volume Measurements: The volumes of both the sample and odor-free water are not accurately measured.
- Wrong Units: Using different units between the sample and odor-free water volumes.
- Ignoring Dilution: Not accounting for dilution factors when the sample is highly concentrated.
- Contaminated Odor-Free Water: Using water that isn't truly odor-free as a baseline.
- Misinterpretation: Confusing the TON with other similar metrics, such as odor intensity or concentration of specific chemicals.
Five Frequently Asked Questions with Answers
- Q: What is the Threshold Odor Number (TON)?
A: The TON measures the concentration of odor-causing compounds in water, indicating its overall quality.
- Q: Why is the TON important in water treatment?
A: It helps ensure water is free from offensive odors, which can impact consumer acceptance and indicate contamination.
- Q: How do I measure the volumes for the TON calculation?
A: The volumes can be measured using standard laboratory equipment, ensuring accurate readings in consistent units.
- Q: Can the TON be zero?
A: Yes, a TON of zero indicates no detectable odor in the water sample.
- Q: Are there standards for acceptable TON levels?
A: Yes, regulatory bodies often set specific TON thresholds that water supplies must meet to be considered safe and acceptable for consumption.
References - Books:
George Tchobanoglous, Franklin L. Burton. 1991. Wastewater Engineering Treatment, Disposal and Reuse. McGraw Hill, Inc.