| dc.description |
Concentration-dependent quality changes in inorganic salt solutions were investigated by obtaining quality reports, and magnitude estimates, from four subjects, of the taste of LiCl, KCl, and NaCl solutions in the concentration range from 0.004 M to 0.050 M; and Li<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> and K<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> solutions in the concentration range from 0.002 F to 0.025 F. Plots of the geometric mean of the magnitude estimates for each quality as a function of concentration confirmed the general findings of earlier investigators (Höber and Kiesow, 1898; Renqvist, 1919; Dzendolet and Meiselman, 1967). In addition, differences found among the various studies were linked to differences in procedure which established variable levels of subject adaptation in the studies and permitted uncontrolled water tastes to affect the data. It was concluded that a concentration-dependent physicochemical change in the salt solutions, as proposed by Dzendolet (1968), combines with a water taste to produce the quality of low concentration inorganic salt solutions. The relative contribution of these two mechanisms to the overall quality of the solution at any concentration will depend on the procedures employed. |
