Identification using versatile sampling and analytical methods of volatile compounds from Streptomyces albidoflavus grown on four humid building materials and one synthetic medium.
The Streptomyces spp. form a common group of bacteria found in the indoor air of water-damaged buildings. They are known for their capability to produce compounds, like geosmin, with low odor thresholds. In this study, two strains of Streptomyces albidoflavus were cultivated on pinewood, gypsum board, particle-board, sand and tryptone glucose extract agar (TGEA). Air samples from the cultures were collected on six different adsorbents and chemosorbents to sample a wide range of compounds such as VOCs, aldehydes, amines and lightweight organic acids. The samples were analyzed with gas chromatography, high-pressure liquid chromatography and ion chromatography. Mass spectrometry was used for identification of the compounds. Metabolites were found and identified in air samples from cultures on all materials except sand. Alcohols and ketones were the dominating compound groups produced by cultures grown on pinewood and gypsum board. Few metabolites were produced on particle-board. The culture growing on TGEA produced mainly sulfur compounds and sesquiterpenes. Ammonia, methylamine, diethylamine, ethylamine and one unidentifiable amine were also found from cultivation on TGEA. The growth medium was of crucial importance to the production of potentially irritating metabolites.


CONCLUSIONS
Microbial growth and the production of volatile metabolites is one possible explanation for building-related health problems. Streptomyces spp. are frequently found in water-damaged buildings. This study shows that Streptomyces spp. are able to produce not only odorous compounds like geosmin, but also potentially irritating compounds. This finding should be of interest in indoor air investigations.
Claeson
A-S
AS
National Institute for Working Life, PO Box 7654, Umeå, Sweden. anna-sara.claeson@arbetslivsinstitutet.se
Sunesson
A-L
AL
D000362:Agar / Q000032:analysis; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D000641:Ammonia / Q000032:analysis; D002133:Calcium Sulfate / Q000032:analysis; D002845:Chromatography; D003252:Construction Materials; D006798:Housing; D006813:Humidity; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis*; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D013302:Streptomyces / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development; D013457:Sulfur Compounds / Q000032:analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D014835:Volatilization; D014934:Wood
D009930:Organic Chemicals; D013457:Sulfur Compounds; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D000641:Ammonia; D000362:Agar; D002133:Calcium Sulfate