Microbial growth and chemical emissions from carpet dust and drywall under different moisture conditions

Microbes are known to grow on indoor materials such as carpet and drywall at elevated relative humidity (>80%) conditions. As they grow, microbes release microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into the surrounding environment. However, we do not understand how moisture, location, and material may influence species composition and the release of mVOCs. Samples of dust in carpet and drywall from Florida, Ohio and California were incubated under different relative humidity conditions. Emissions from samples were collected using a proton transfer time-of-flight mass spectrum (PTR-ToF-MS) and DNA was extracted and sequenced. Results suggest that location of sample collection, material type and relative humidity level drove species composition. The majority of VOCs released were likely from the materials themselves, however certain mVOCs were determined as associated with microbial growth in dust in carpet. Certain species may be further examined to determine the emissions profile.