International Water Association (IWA) and Robert Gordon University take great pleasure in inviting you to the 9th symposium on off-flavours in the aquatic environment to be held in the city of Aberdeen. Set in the beautiful North-East of Scotland where tradition meets modern to provide a warm welcome.

Off-flavours are recognized by the water community worldwide to be major causes of consumer complaints and a loss in confidence of drinking water safety by the general public. Such problems arise from natural (e.g. algal) and anthropogenic (industry, spillages) sources. Off-flavour concerns are also seen in fish tainting and bottled water. Despite considerable research over the past twenty years, many issues remain unresolved.

This Symposium will bring together a large group of environmental scientists and industry professionals from around the world for the five-day event. The Symposium provides specialists and interested participants from water suppliers, academic institutions, research centres, and industry a forum to share their latest findings on the causes, origins, mitigation and management of off-flavours in drinking water, wastewater, and related aquatic environments such as lakes, rivers, and estuaries.

Call for Papers

We invite submission of high quality abstracts for oral or poster presentation in the selected topic areas:

1. Off-Flavours in Source Water
2. Analytical Methods
3. Water Treatment Technology
4. Biological Odour Production
5. Odours in Fish and Aquaculture
6. Source Water Management
7. Minerals & Metals: Desalinated, Bottle and Tap Water
8. Waste Water Treatment; Odours in Air and Water
9. Taste and Odour In Distribution Systems
10. Perception at Tap

Important Dates

Workshop featuring eNose technology - 19 August St Andrew Street.

IWA Symposium Abstract Guidelines (Word 15KB)

IWA Symposium Example Abstract (Word 17KB)

Invitation for Sponsors

Find out how your business can benefit from this prestigious international symposium.

Organisation

Details of the Organising Committee for the Symposium.

Programme of Events

• Download a copy of the IWA Conference Final programme

Programme Schedule

Sunday 14^th August 2011

18.00-21.00

Registration and Welcome Reception

Robert Gordon University, Student Union, Schoolhill, City Centre, Aberdeen.

Monday 15^th August 2011

9.00-9.45

Registration

Aberdeen Business School, Garthdee Campus, Aberdeen.

9.45-10.00

Opening Ceremony

Session 1 - Biological Odour Production

10.00-10.50

Key Note Invited Speaker - Friedrich Juttner:

Biochemical and ecophysiological basis of microbial odour formation in freshwater

10.50-11.20

Coffee/Tea Break

11.20-11.40

Algal polyunsaturated fatty acids: sources of taste-odour, teratogens and toxins? Management implications for fish and drinking water industries

S.B. Watson, G. Caldwel and H. Dunstan.

11.40-12.00

Temporal and spatial variation of odour compounds in Lake Chaohu (China) in relation to environmental factors.

L. Liu, L. Li, W. Chen, L. Peng, Y. Jia, S. Zhao, Q. Zhou and L. Song.

12.00-13.00

Lunch

Session 2 - Off-Flavours in Source Waters

13.00-13.20

Modelling the impact of climate on the budget of cyanobacterial odorants in reservoirs

T.F. Lin, Y. M. Chen, P. P. Hobson and M. D. Burch.

13.20-13.40

Sensory proficiency testing, validation and training of tasters to detect off flavours in source water

R. Boughton, S. Hadman and D. Smith.

13.40-14.00

Recent trends in off-flavour problems in drinking water treatment systems in Japan

N. Kishida, Y. Konno and M. Akiba.

14.00-14.20

Sensory characteristic evaluation and odour causing compounds identification in the source water of Huangpu River

D.L. Sun, J.W. Yu, D Zhang and M. Yang.

14.20-14.25

Occurrence of taste and odour compounds of landscape water in Beijing city, China

F. Qi, B. Xu, Z. Chen, L. Feng, L. Zhang and D. Sun.

14.25-14.30

Transformation of odour types and corresponding odorous compounds with the aggravation of Microcystis bloom

L. Li, L. Liu, K. Shan, Q. Zhou, Y. Wu and L. Song.

14.30-15.00

Coffee/Tea Break

Session 3 - Analytical Methods

15.00-15.20

Amino acids as precursors of odorous substances in tap water - observed by fluorescence excitation-emission-matrices

A. Grübel, W. Schmidt and E. Worch.

15.20-15.40

Threshold odour number versus flavour profile analysis: a case study in the endeavour to measure consumer acceptance.

R. D. Desrochers, M. S. Dale, S. M. Labernik and M. S. Moylan.

15.40-16.00

Determination of odour-causing compounds in water at ultra-trace level

X. Qian, Z. Yang and L. Zhang.

16.00-16.20

Development of odour wheels for use in response to odour complaints

J. Curren, C. L. Snyder and I.H. (Mel) Suffet.

16.20-16.40

The rapid analysis of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol from aqueous samples and solid sample extracts using solid phase extraction and pulsed splitless injection gas chromatography - mass spectrometry

C. McKenzie, C. Pestana, E. Buksh, C. Edwards and L.A. Lawton.

16.40-17.30

Poster Session

Tuesday 16^th August 2011

Session 4 - Water Treatment Technology

9.30-9.50

Removal of geosmin and 2- MIB from source water by cascade aeration, air stripping and nanofiltration.

M. Zat and A. D. Benetti.

9.50-10.10

Water treatment technology by CNT( Carbon Nano Tube)-Bio Ball and stepping stone.

J.J. Song, H.N. Seo, S.E. Kim and K.H. Yang.

10.10-10.30

Removal of volatile organic sulphur chemicals in water by oxidants: kinetics, choice and case study.

X. Zhang, C. Chen, Y. Li, W. Rong, S. Zhou, W. He, Y. Chen and J. Cheng.

10.30-11.00

Coffee/Tea Break

11.00-11.20

Formation and quantification of disinfection by-products during chlorination of algal odorants.

K. Zhang, N. Gao, Y. Deng and L. Li.

11.20-11.40

Comparison of 2-methylisoborneol adsorption capacities on super-powdered and powdered activated carbon

Y. Matsui, T. Taniguchi, S. Nakao, T. Matsushita and N. Shirasaki.

11.40-12.00

Degradation of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol in water by catalyzed ozonation processes

W. J. Huang, C. F. Hsu, W. L. Yu and Y. M. Wang.

12.00-12.05

Removal of volatile organic sulphur chemicals in water by ozone and granular activated carbon processes.

X. Zhang, Y. Li, D. Sheng, Y. Yuan, Y. Qie, H. Dong and C. Chen.

12.05-12.10

A pilot study to determine an effective technology to remove geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol for the city of Fairmont

J. Westrick , S. LaBuhn, D. Szlag, B. Southwell and M. Anderson.

12.10-13.15

Lunch

Session 5 - Biological Water Treatment

13.15-13.35

Biodegradation of off-flavour compound 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) using enriched microbial consortia isolated from reservoir sediments.

S. T. Ngoh, M.H.D. Bayer, W. Y. Tin, Z.H. Bao, Z. Lifeng, S. Y. Ngoh and A. O. Abaoag.

13.35-13.55

Biodegradation mechanism and microbial ecology of DMSO-containing TFT-LCD wastewater treatment.

D. W. Putri, P. Chen, T. Fukushima, and L. Whang.

13.55-14.15

A simulative experiment on the sorption, diffusion and biodegradation of geosmin and 2 methylisoborneol in sediment.

Y. Zuo, L. Li, L. Liu and L. Song.

14.15-14.45

Coffee/Tea Break

Session 6 - Odours in Fish and Aquaculture

14.45-15.05

Introduction to taste and odour in aquaculture

L.A. Lawton and C. Edwards.

15.05-15.25

Detection of geosmin and MIB synthesis genes in closed-circuit aquaculture system, using quantitative PCR

M. Auffret, É. Proux, A. Pilote, G. Vandenberg and R. Villemur.

15.25-15.45

Preliminary results of a GSM and 2-MIB destructing reactor in Dutch recirculation aquaculture systems.

W. Wilhelm.

15.45-16.05

State of the detection and control of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol in aquacultural systems.

G.D. Boardman and G. J. Flick.

16.05-16.25

Novel treatment technology for removal of T&O compounds in recirculating aquaculture systems.

B. Bawden,  C. McKenzie, C. Pestana, C. Edwards and L.A. Lawton

16.25-17.30

Poster Session

Wednesday 17^th August 2011

Session 7 - Minerals and Metals; desalinated, bottle and tap

9.30-9.50

Perception and preference for minerals in drinking water

A. M. Dietrich.

9.50-10.10

Age associated variation in human sensory detection of iron in drinking water and its relationship to olfactory functions.

S. Mirlohi, A. M. Dietrich, and S. E. Duncan.

10.10-10.30

Flavour assessments to predict consumer attitudes to blends of conventionally treated and desalinated waters.

V. García, A. Fernández, M. E. Medina, O. Ferrer, J.L. Cortina, F. Valero  and R. Devesa.

10.30-10.35

The industry of life in GCC countries.

K.Y. Abid, A. Rahman, A. Ahmed and A. Kahramaa.

10.35-11.05

Coffee/Tea Break

Session 8 - Taste and Odour in Distribution Systems

11.05-11.45

Key Note Invited Speaker - Catherine Henneuse  

Odour and emissions from plastic materials

11.45-12.05

Diagnosis of tastes and odours in distribution systems: determination of their origin and recommendations.

S. Gaborit, D. Benali-Raclot, D. Benanou, E. Corbi and S. Jacob.

12.05-12.25

Odorous aldehydes and nitriles from chlorination of amino acids: effect of pH and bromide ion.

H. Driessen, C. Joll and A. Heitz.

12.25-12.45

Solved and unsolved taste and odour episodes in the files of inspector cluzeau: the 1998-2002 period

A. Bruchet and C. Hochereau.

12.45-12.50

Evidences of regional differences in chlorine perception by consumers: Sensitivity differences or habituation?

P. Piriou, R. Devesa, S. Puget, T. Thomas-Danguin, V. Roche and K. Glucina.

13.00-17.30

Tour with visit to castle or distillery with tasting.

19.00

Reception and Gala Dinner (reception hosted by Aberdeen City Council).

Guest Speaker Gary Burlingame.

Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, City Centre, Aberdeen

Thursday 18^th August 2011

Session 9 - Waste Water Treatment:  Odours in air and water

10.00-10.30

Coffee/Tea 

10.30-11.10

Key Note Invited Speaker - I.H. (Mel) Suffet

Evolution of anaerobic wastewater and biosolid odour problems in air and water

S. Abraham, J. Curren and M. Suffet.

11.10-11.30

Use of ceramic membrane and red-clay for advanced wastewater treatment.

G. Kim, J. Chung, S. Hong, J. Choi, Y. Kyu Choung and Y. Choi.

11.30-11.50

Odour characterization for two rivers with livestock, sewage and industrial wastewater discharges.

Y.M. Chen, Y.H. Chen, T.F. Lin, P.C. Chiang, and E.E. Chang.

11.50-12.10

Dynamic process modelling and CFD contribution to WWTP management.

H. Dhaouadi and F. M'Henni.

12.10-12.30

Study on sustainable off flavours treatment methods.

M. Nara.

12.30-12.35

Application of photospheres in waste water treatment.

R. Prabhu, C. J. Pestana, L. A. Lawton, P. Robertson and T. Johnston.

12.35-13.35

Lunch

Session 10 - Perception at Tap

13.35-14.15

Key Note Invited Speaker - Hal MacFie

Innovations in sensory and consumer science.

14.15-14.35

Use of marketing tools and predictive mathematical models to solve the water flavour problems.

P. Vaquero-Gonzalez and F. Garcia-Andreu.

14.35-14.40

The influence of soldering copper pipes on metallic flavour appearance in tap water.

L. Maillet, A.M. Dietrich, S. Gaborit, D. Benanou, P. Le Cloirec and P. Humeau.

14.40-14.45

The taste of water as educational tool for university students.

A. Calvet, D. Aradilla, F. Estrany, L. de Miguel, T. Visa, L. Matia and R. Devesa.

14.45-14.50

Genetic variation for taste: are you a super taster, medium taster, or non-taster?

S. Mirlohi, A. M. Dietrich, S. E. Duncan, and B. Davy.

14.50-15.10

Coffee/Tea Break

15.10-15.30

Off-flavour issues in a full-scale private network study: the multidimensional scaling to obtain a sensory map.

L. Maillet, S. Gaborit, D. Benanou, P. Humeau and P. Le Cloirec.

15.30-15.50

A predictive model for release of odorous compounds during showering to understand sensory detection

P. Omur-Ozbek, D.L. Gallagher and A.M. Dietrich.

15.50-16.10

Waters for drinking:  comparison of the French and Spanish consumer liking.

P. Piriou, R. Devesa, E. Teillet, P. Schlich, V. Roche and K. Glucina.

16.10-16.30

Developing a risk communication plan for of -flavours.

G. Burlingame.

16.30

Closing Ceremony

Poster Presentations

Biological characteristics of Pseudanabaena sp., a 2-methylisoborneol producing cyanobacteria of Xionghe Reservoir

T. Zhang, L.R. Song, L. Li and D.L. Li.

Removal of 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin by a low-cost adsorbent synthesized from fly ash and bentonite

L. Liu, Lin Li, Y. Zuo, Y. Huang and L. Song.

Performance evaluation of powdered activated carbon (PAC) contactor for the removal of taste and odour

B. Bae.

Occurrence, identification and treatment of odorous compounds in water reuse systems

E. Agus, D. L. Sedlak, L. Zhang and M. H. Lim.

Understand how nuisance related problems affected by climate change in Taiwan with statistical models

P.G. Liu and J. Tsai.

Spatial-temporal distribution of off-flavour compounds in Queshan Reservoir

J. Jiang, P. Gui, X. Cheng, Z. Li and M. Lee.

Friday 19^th August 2011

10.00-15.00

Training workshop

Taste and odour detecting: e-nose, analytical (GC-MS), human odour sensingRobert Gordon University, City Centre Campus.

Registration for the conference is now open. Don't delay and get the benefit of Early bird rates.

• Register now: IWA Conference Registration Form

 Email us if you have any special requirements or questions about the conference.

• IWA at RGU Email 

Conference accommodation can be booked in our recommended hotels or within student accomodation.

Transport will be provided between city centre and conference venue. 

Booking for Hotel Accommodation is now closed.

Please telephone +44 (0)1224 288824  if you require hotel accommodation for this symposium or email alesia@aberdeenconferences.com

University Accommodation booking form Word (1.2MB) to be completed and returned to p.macinnes@rgu.ac.uk

Aberdeen is a city of fascinating contrasts, with something for everyone. Its rich cultural heritage combines with a thriving contemporary community and a strong economic pulse, to make the "Granite City" a lively and rewarding place in which to live, study and work.

In recent times, it has become the hub of the world's offshore energy network as the administrative and technical centre for the North Sea and beyond.

The city centre has several busy shopping malls and an eclectic mix of independent shops and top chain stores, as well as a wide choice of nightclubs, wine bars, traditional pubs and restaurants. 

Culturally, Aberdeen caters for all tastes. A magnificent Edwardian theatre attracts international companies performing ballet, theatre, opera and light entertainment and many other entertainment venues feature classical, contemporary, and rock concerts.

There are miles of golden beaches, dunes and cliffs, which give shelter to great nurseries of seabirds and winter migrants; the nearby mountain ranges of the Cairngorms and the Grampians offer superb opportunities for hillwalking, mountaineering and skiing, and rivers such as the Dee, the Don, and the Ythan offer fishing, rowing and canoeing, as well as breathtaking scenery.

You are assured of an enthusiastic welcome in Aberdeen from both the University and the wider community.

Symposium Venue

The conference will be held at Robert Gordon University's Aberdeen Business School, Garthdee. In a peaceful riverside setting, the campus boasts an £11 million Sports Centre as well as state of the art facilities in the Business School and the Schools of Health Sciences, Nursing & Midwifery and Applied Social Studies. The campus is also home to Gray's School of Art and the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment, assuring visitors of an eclectic mix of academic and student experience.

Arrival by Road

Aberdeen is accessible by road from Edinburgh or Glasgow in around 2 ½ hours. Follow the M9 north to Perth and then the A90 truck road to Aberdeen. The dual carriageway A90 road passes directly through the centre of Aberdeen. Most venues and hotels have their own parking facilities, and there are major car parks at the airport and train station, as well as the central Denburn and Chapel Street Car Parks.

Arrival by Rail

Aberdeen Railway Station is located five minutes' walk from Union Street, and has an active taxi rank to the rear of the platforms. Most trains terminate at Aberdeen, although some go onto Dyce - the station which services the city's industrial district and airport.

Arrival by Bus

Aberdeen's modern central bus station is located within the new Union Square complex, five minutes' walk from Union Street and two minutes' walk from the nearest taxi rank (at the train station).

Arrival by Plane

Aberdeen's international airport, six miles north of the city centre, is linked to the city by road and rail links. Buses and taxis are located directly outside the airport terminal, and a bus service links the airport to Dyce railway station. Rental cars are also available, with service points within the airport terminal.

Google Map

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