What does hydrogen sulfide smell like at higher concentrations?

Prepare for the CWEA Environmental Compliance Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Hydrogen sulfide, a colorless gas commonly associated with industrial processes and natural sources, has a distinctive odor. At higher concentrations, it is often described as smelling like rotten eggs. This characteristic scent results from the compound itself and is so potent that it can be detected even at very low concentrations, making it a useful odor for indicating its presence in the environment.

The other options represent smells associated with different substances. Garlic has a pungent aroma distinct from that of hydrogen sulfide. Vinegar, known for its tart and acidic scent, does not resemble the rotten egg odor of hydrogen sulfide. Musty soil, associated with earthy smells, also lacks the signature rotten egg scent characteristic of hydrogen sulfide. Thus, the description of hydrogen sulfide at higher concentrations accurately aligns with the smell of rotten eggs, making it the correct choice.

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