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The Analytical Scientist / Issues / 2013 / Oct / What’s that Smell?
Environmental Environmental

What’s that Smell?

A “nauseating odor” that alarmed citizens of Mangalore, India, apparently remains unidentified despite laboratory analysis.

By Rich Whitworth 10/16/2013 1 min read
  • Full Article
  • Summary

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Objective:

To report on the incident of a mysterious gas-like smell in Mangalore and the subsequent investigation.

Approach:
  • Incident Description: On September 20, 2013, residents of Mangalore experienced panic due to a gas-like smell, prompting many to seek safety outdoors.
  • Investigation: Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) officials conducted air quality checks using a volatile organic compound meter, which detected the smell at 50 parts per million.
  • Sample Analysis: Two days later, air samples sent for laboratory analysis did not reveal any chemical substances, raising questions about the effectiveness of gas sample collection.
Key Findings:
  • The mysterious odor was quantified at 50 parts per million.
  • Laboratory results did not show the presence of any chemical substance.
  • The gas sample may have been diluted before reaching the lab.
Interpretation:

Limitations:
  • The source of the smell remains unidentified.
  • The analysis may have been compromised due to dilution.
Conclusion:

Sources:
  • New Indian Express
  • Times of India
  • Times of India

This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.

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References

  1. newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/Mystery-odour-sends-Mangalore-into-tizzy/2013/09/21/article1795640.ece
  2. articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-21/mangalore/42271546_1_odour-state-pollution-control-board-new-mangalore-port
  3. articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-22/mangalore/42291957_1_smell-state-pollution-control-board-kspcb

About the Author(s)

Rich Whitworth

Rich Whitworth completed his studies in medical biochemistry at the University of Leicester, UK, in 1998. To cut a long story short, he escaped to Tokyo to spend five years working for the largest English language publisher in Japan. "Carving out a career in the megalopolis that is Tokyo changed my outlook forever. When seeing life through such a kaleidoscopic lens, it's hard not to get truly caught up in the moment." On returning to the UK, after a few false starts with grey, corporate publishers, Rich was snapped up by Texere Publishing, where he spearheaded the editorial development of The Analytical Scientist. "I feel honored to be part of the close-knit team that forged The Analytical Scientist – we've created a very fresh and forward-thinking publication." Rich is now also Content Director of Texere Publishing, the company behind The Analytical Scientist.

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