Canine Oil Detection – Using Odor Signatures to Improve Training Detection Proficiency on Land and Water

The objectives of this research are first to determine the odor profile associated with spilled and obscured petroleum products used by the canine for detection and then use this knowledge to probe current canine detection limitations. The Naval Research Laboratory will develop and optimize methods of analysis for weathered crude oil using solid phase microextraction (SPME) with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid injection with GC-MS for odor profile assessment. Chiron K9 will perform all canine training and testing. Oversight for both laboratory and canine testing will be provided by Owens Coastal Consultants to ensure operational work relevance.