Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOCs) emission by soil

EA BIOME AGROSUP EA BIOME AGROSUPEABIOMEAGROSUPVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) have a central role in environmental pollution. In particular, biogenic volatile organic compounds (bVOCs) contribute 90% to global VOCs emissions. One of the most important sources of bVOCs are microorganisms. The aim of this bibliography research is to start studying the relationship between microorganisms and VOCs production. To achieve this purpose we begin answering two main questions: firstly, why microorganisms produce VOCs and what can affect their production; secondly, how the PTR-TOF-MS technique can be used for microbial VOC soil analysis. Literature shows that VOC production depends on the sugar degradation pathway, with emissions affected by soil temperature, soil moisture, nutrient and oxygen availability and physiological state of microorganisms. In order to detect VOC emissions a PTR-MS technique will be used. The PTR-TOF-MS is one of the newest and more sensible techniques that allow microbial VOC detection. Also a non-exhaustive summary of VOC production from bacteria and fungi detected by the PTR-MS technique is shown. Finally, future perspectives are discussed