Title: Identification of the malodour source in a complex office environment using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography

Authors: Olga Trhlíková

Addresses: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry AS CR, v.v.i., Heyrovsky sq. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic

Abstract: Permanent or recurring malodours invading office rooms have not only detrimental effects on the staff productivity but also on their health directly or through the stress mechanisms. The necessary identification and subsequent neutralisation of the malodour source is complicated by the fact that various malodour sources produce overlapping sets of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this contribution we present a combination of solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography with mass detection (SPME/GC-MS) as a useful method for identification of VOCs in a case study of malodour occurrence in office environment.

Keywords: gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; malodours; office environment; stress; volatile organic compounds; VOCs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2019.102199

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2019 Vol.22 No.2/3, pp.115 - 127

Accepted: 31 May 2019
Published online: 10 Sep 2019 *

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