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Related Concept Videos

Volatilization01:10

Volatilization

Volatilization gravimetry is an analytical technique that measures the mass lost due to the volatilization of the substance. This technique is used to estimate the amount of volatile material in a sample. To perform this method, heat a known amount of the sample to a high temperature in a crucible or other suitable vessel. The volatile substance in the sample evaporates, and the vapor is completely expelled from the crucible either by heating the sample or bubbling a stream of inert gas through...
Sample Preparation for Analysis: Advanced Techniques01:08

Sample Preparation for Analysis: Advanced Techniques

Accurate analysis of complex samples often requires advanced preparation techniques to achieve reliable and reproducible results. Samples containing inorganic or organic materials can be challenging to dissolve or decompose effectively. Standard sample preparation methods include acid digestion, fusion, dry ashing, and wet digestion.
Acid digestion with strong acids is commonly used to dissolve inorganic materials that are insoluble (do not dissolve) in water. This method can be useful for...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Capturing Actively Produced Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds from Human-Associated Samples with Vacuum-Assisted Sorbent Extraction
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Capturing Actively Produced Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds from Human-Associated Samples with Vacuum-Assisted Sorbent Extraction

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Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds from Compost.

Shastine K Berger1, Rosario C Morales1, Katherine McCown1

  • 1Physical, Life, Movement, & Sport Sciences Division, Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, Idaho.

Atmosphere
|June 17, 2026
PubMed
Summary

New methods analyze compost volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Higher temperatures and mixed food/yard waste increase hazardous VOC emissions, with methanol exceeding safe indoor levels, posing public health risks.

Keywords:
Compostair samplingchromatographyfood wastevolatile organic compoundsyard waste

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PTR-ToF-MS Coupled with an Automated Sampling System and Tailored Data Analysis for Food Studies: Bioprocess Monitoring, Screening and Nose-space Analysis

Published on: May 11, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • US states divert food waste to compost, potentially reducing landfill greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Compost volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions may include hazardous air pollutants and odors, raising public health concerns.
  • Accurate methods for analyzing speciated VOCs in compost are crucial for understanding their sources.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and implement an effective two-component sampling method for analyzing VOCs in compost.
  • To quantify VOC generation in different compost types (yard waste vs. mixed food/yard waste).

Main Methods:

  • A novel two-component sampling system was used, combining a chilled impinger for water-soluble VOCs and dual sorbent tubes for hydrophobic VOCs.
  • Headspace gas-chromatography with flame ionization detection (HS-GC-FID) and thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) were employed for VOC measurement.

Main Results:

  • Higher VOC generation was observed in warmer compost piles.
  • Concentrations reached up to 27,000 ppm for ethanol and 3,500 ppm for methanol.
  • Alpha-Pinene and D-Limonene were detected above 1600 ppb.
  • Methanol and ethanol were significantly more concentrated (over 1000x) in mixed food/yard waste compared to yard waste alone.
  • Terpenes were slightly higher in yard waste compost.

Conclusions:

  • The developed method effectively analyzes compost VOCs.
  • Methanol levels in compost can exceed permissible indoor air quality standards, indicating potential health risks.
  • Understanding VOC profiles in compost is essential for managing environmental and public health impacts.