Analysis of Chemical Markers as a Means of Characterising Airborne Micro-Organisms in Indoor Environments: A Case Study

Abstract

Analysis of chemical markers can be done to character ise the microbiological composition of indoor environ ments. Here we describe the use of gas chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry methods to determine mu ramic acid, 3-hydroxy fatty acids and ergosterol, which are, respectively, markers of bacterial biomass, endotox in, and fungal biomass. We also report how these meth ods were applied to determine airborne micro-organ isms in a water-damaged building.

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References

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