Validation of a method for the sampling and analysis of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs)
Campbell, J., Casteel, C., Tuday, and M., Valley
AIHCE 2001
Campbell, J., Casteel, C., Tuday, and M., Valley"Validation of a method for the sampling and analysis of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs)", AIHCE 2001.
Abstract:
Increasingly, there has been interest in using microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) as an investigative tool in indoor air quality evaluations. The sampling and analytical methods used have included different sorbents and desorption techniques with subsequent analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The purpose of this study was to identify the most appropriate sorbent, desorption and instrument calibration technique to effectively sample and analyze the compounds of interest. Based on a review of the literature, a list of 14 potential MVOCs were selected for this project. The first phase of the project included using two techniques to calibrate the GC/MS: flash vaporization and static dilution. During the second phase, atmospheres of known concentrations of these compounds were generated and then sampled using three different types of sorbents (Tenax, Anasorb 747, multi-bed sorbent). The samples were desorbed thermally or using methylene chloride and analyzed by GC/MS using selective ion monitoring (SIM). A multi-sorbent tube (EPA TO-17, Type 3) that was thermally desorbed and analyzed by GC/MS with SIM mode (following calibration by flash vaporization) yielded the lowest detection limits. Follow-up sampling using this method was conducted in two buildings where occupants complained of musty odors and a "control" facility, where they did not.