Simple olfactometric evaluation of microporous covers for the reduction of mushroom substrate preparation odors

Three microporous covers of varying weight and porosity were compared for their ability to impede the transmission of odors released from mushroom substrate piles. Moist cotton flannel 10 cm×10 cm fabric swatches were used to assess the intensity of odors emitted from four test piles; one with no cover and one with each of the three covers under investigation. Upon completion of all test runs, five panelists were asked to sniff swatches from each pile and each exposure time and rate the intensity of the odor from zero to five. Quantitative tests yielded trends which were compatible with those obtained qualitatively, thus validating the effectiveness of the testing procedure employed. Ten minute duration test results indicated that cover A was most effective with a 37.9% average reduction in odor intensity, followed by cover C (35.8% average reduction) and cover B (18.4% average reduction).