PROGRAMME

Session 21(P) - Air pollution

Dr. Helena Flocas

Sniffing VOCs emitted by books

B Friday 3 September 09:30 - 09:45

Headspace solid-phase micro extraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) was performed for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from books. Towards this, books of different ages were examined (old = 50-300 years and new = 2-25 years) using a CAR/PDMS fiber. The examined books were placed into an in-house made glass sampling chamber, where they remained enclosed for 24 h prior to SPME sampling and subsequent analysis. SPME is a green and non-destructive preconcentration technique based on the absorption of analytes on a fiber coating placed inside the sample’s headspace volume. The results were in line with previous reports; the most prominent VOCs released from old books were furfural, acetic acid, and acetone, whereas new books emitted toluene, acetone, and heptanal. This natural process takes place over time due to the decay of paper and degradation of ink and its mitigation is important for the preservation of texts that are considered cultural heritage. The method can be leveraged for monitoring the decay process, as well as the effect of external pollution on the books.