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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
09:19
Capturing Actively Produced Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds from Human-Associated Samples with Vacuum-Assisted Sorbent Extraction
Published on: June 1, 2022
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from materials collected from buildings affected by microorganisms
A-S Claeson1, M Sandström, A-L Sunesson
1County Council of Västerbotten, 901 89 Umeå, Sweden.
Journal of Environmental Monitoring : JEM
|March 9, 2007
Summary
This study analyzed mold-damaged materials, identifying alcohols, ketones, and acids as key emissions. Bacterial growth altered volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles compared to mold alone.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Moisture problems in buildings can lead to material degradation and the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Understanding the emissions from such materials is crucial for indoor air quality assessment and remediation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from mold-damaged building materials.
- To differentiate emission profiles between materials with mold growth and those with bacterial contamination.
Main Methods:
- Collection of mold-damaged materials (carpet, concrete, gypsum board, etc.) from 20 buildings.
- Sampling using conventional (Tenax TA) and complementary methods for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), amines, and aldehydes.
- Analysis via gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and mass spectrometry (MS).
- Multivariate analysis (partial least squares, PLS) to investigate emission patterns.
Main Results:
- Alcohols and ketones were primarily emitted from materials after one week of moisture exposure.
- Acids were significantly emitted from wet gypsum board and plastic.
- Tertiary amines (trimethylamine, triethylamine) were detected from sand contaminated with Bacillus.
- Distinct VOC profiles were observed for materials with bacterial growth versus those with only mold growth (Penicillium, Aspergillus).
Conclusions:
- The study identified specific VOCs associated with mold and bacterial contamination in building materials.
- Emission patterns varied based on the type of microbial growth and material composition.
- Findings contribute to understanding indoor air quality issues related to microbial growth in damp buildings.
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