GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY/SOLID PHASE MICROEXTRACTION: A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF MVOCS FROM MOLDY BUILDING MATERIALS

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/solid phase microextraction (GC-MS/SPME) was applied to identify microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). Aqueous reference mixtures of commonly reported MVOCs were studied. Building materials (gypsum board papers, mineral wool, and masonite) and cultivated molds (Aspergillus penicillioides, Stachybotrys chartarum, and Chaetomium globosum) were investigated using both electron impact and chemical ionization. Three different SPME fibers (65 µm PDMS-DVB, 75 µm Carboxen-PDMS, and 70 µm Carbowax-DVB stableflex) designed for automated injection were used. The 70 µm Carbowax-DVB stableflex fiber showed better performance than the other fibers. Several MVOCs were identified in the building materials and the fungal spp. Interestingly, methyl benzoate was identified in both S. chartarum and A. penicillioides cultures and in the mould-infested materials. SPME combined with GC-MS is a useful method to determine MVOCs emitted from moldy building materials.