Abstract:

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between odor and quality changes of freshwater fish. Electronic
nose was used to analyze the volatile components of grass carp muscle during different storage periods. Principal component
analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and sensor loadings analysis were used to study the sensor response
data acquired, combined with the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values for a comprehensive assessment.
The results showed that grass carp muscle samples stored for different periods could be distinguished by 10 electronic nose
sensors. The sensor responses of nitrogen oxides, amines and aliphatic aromatic substances were changed dramatically during
the later periods of storage. For grass carp muscle stored for 12 h at room temperature, changes in sensor responses were
more evident for amines and aliphatic aromatic substances, which can be an important basis for freshness detection of grass
carp muscle by electronic nose. TBARS values showed an upward trend with extending storage time. Both electronic nose
and TBARS test results showed that chilled storage for 12 days followed by 12 h at room temperature were two important
time points of freshness changes of grass carp muscle. According to the correlation analysis, aliphatic-methane sensor can
be used as a detection method to judge the freshness of grass carp muscle under different storage conditions described in this
paper and therefore provide an important basis for freshness detection and control of grass carp.

Key words: grass carp muscle, electronic nose, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value, freshness