Geosmin is associated with which smell?

Geosmin is associated with which smell?

• A. Ammonia
• B. Hydrogen sulfide
• C. Geosmin
• D. Ozone

Answer: (C)

Geosmin is the compound that gives the earthy, soil-like smell often noticed after rain. It’s produced by certain soil microbes and algae, and it’s incredibly potent, so tiny amounts can fill the air with that unmistakable earthy aroma. The other familiar smells come from different substances: ammonia has a sharp, pungent odor; hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs; ozone has a sharp, chemical odor. So the distinctive earthy, musty scent points to geosmin.

Geosmin is the compound that gives the earthy, soil-like smell often noticed after rain. It’s produced by certain soil microbes and algae, and it’s incredibly potent, so tiny amounts can fill the air with that unmistakable earthy aroma. The other familiar smells come from different substances: ammonia has a sharp, pungent odor; hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs; ozone has a sharp, chemical odor. So the distinctive earthy, musty scent points to geosmin.