Investigação de compostos orgânicos voláteis fúngicos na qualidade do ar de espaços internos de uma biblioteca pública

Abstract

This study investigates the air quality in terms of the presence of fungal volatile organic compounds (FVOCs) in a public library in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil. It is a quali‑quantitative study, based on collection of air samples between September and December 2014. A protocol was validated for detection of FVOCs through CG/EM, while the fungal samples were identified by means of macro and micromorphological analysis. Thirty‑two air samples were analyzed for the presence of FVOCs, and the main compounds detected were 2‑methyl‑1‑propanol and 3‑methyl‑1‑butanol, while from the 16 mycological samples, the predominant spectrum of airborne fungi was hyaline filamentous deuteromycetes. The data presented indicate that more careful monitoring needs to be conducted in libraries and other indoor spaces, along with more discussion among academics and lawmakers on the theme of air contamination by FVOCs, seeking to improve the air quality of these places.