Used primarily in environmental testing to detect and calibrate instruments for taste and odor issues in drinking water. It serves as a reference standard because it mimics the musty, earthy smell often caused by actinomycetes and cyanobacteria in water sources. Water treatment facilities use this solution to train sensory panels and validate analytical methods like gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Also employed in research to study off-flavor compounds in aquaculture and natural water systems.