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NOW

OFFERING:

Geosmin & 2-MIB

QUALITY IN THERESULTS.

Geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol

(2-MIB) are two of the most

commonly occurring chemicals

attributed to the unpleasant

taste and odor of drinking water.

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Geosmin literallytranslates to

earth smell

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Geosmin and 2-MIB are produced by several classes o

microbes, including cyanobacteria (blue-green algaeand actinobacteria (such as streptomyces), and release

when these microbes die.

Communities whose water supply depends on surfac

water can periodically experience episodes o

unpleasant-tasting water when these bacteria die. Th

is most common during the fall and late summer whe

algae blooms are most prevalent.

Both Geosmin and 2-MIB (2-Methylisoborneol) can b

detected by the human nose at extremely low levels

around 5-10 parts per trillion (ppt). One ppt is th

equivalent to 1 drop of water into 20, two-meter dee

Olympic-size swimming pools.

Interestingly, geosmin decomposes into odorles

substances under acidic conditions and can be treate

at water treatment facilities. Analyzing sources o

geosmin and 2-MIB is key in determining the mos

appropriate treatment options and procedures as we

as verifying odor and taste contributors.

Due to geosmin and 2-MIBs low odor threshold high

sophisticated instrumentation is necessary to detec

these compounds at ppt levels. Chemtech-For

Laboratories utilizes new GC/MS instrumentatio

coupled with emerging solid-phase micro-extractio

(SPME) technology in order to meet these requirement

and establish a minimum reporting limit of 2 ppt.

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Geosmin & 2-MIBGeosmin and 2-MIB are

organic chemicals that have

a distinct earthy, musty

smell and taste. They are

commonly found in drinkingwater, wine, and certain fish

species.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

2-MIB

OH

Geosmin

OH

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APPLICATION

Advantages of Geosmin and 2-MIB Testing

The Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD) provides water to

communities throughout Southern Utah. St. George City, WCWCDs largest

consumer, provides drinking water to over 80,000 residents. In July of 2006, St.

George City received a record number of complaints regarding a dirty, moldy

odor in their drinking water. Water samples collected from Quail Creek Reservoir

were found to contain 2-MIB concentrations between 50-60 ng/L. After this

event, WCWCD launched a program to identify and control 2-MIB and geosmin

producers in Quail Creek Reservoir. Reservoir samples are monitored bi-weeklyand treatment plant influent/effluent is monitored twice a week for 2-MIB and

geosmin concentrations. If plant influent or reservoir samples increase by 5 ng/L

of 2-MIB or geosmin within five days, reservoir sampling is immediately repeated.

This sampling program allows the WTP to effectively monitor and appropriately

treat for 2-MIB and geosmin at both the reservoir and WTP.

Early detection of 2-MIB and geosmin has been crucial to preventing taste and

odor episodes from the Quail Creek Reservoir and avoiding cost removal

processes at the WTP. Ultimately, WCWCD has been able to decrease the overallamount of customer complaints while increasing the quality of drinking water to

their customers through their proactive sample monitoring.

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CHEM

TECH-F

ORDLABORATORIES

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Testing Overview

Bottles: Two Amber 40-mL Vials

Preservative: None, 4C

Hold Time: 72 Hours

Reporting Limit: 2 ng/L (ppt)

Cost: $150

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Geosmin & 2-MIB

CHEM

TECH-F

ORDLABORATORIES

Call us today to order your sample kit

801-262-7299