Indoor Air sciences CSMI Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of an mVOC?

1. Trichothecene

2. Geosmin

3. Benzene

4. Formaldehyde

The correct answer is: Geosmin

The correct answer, Geosmin, is an example of a microbial volatile organic compound (mVOC). mVOCs are organic compounds produced by microbial processes and are typically associated with the odors of soil and decaying organic matter. Geosmin is particularly known for its earthy smell, which is often noticeable in fresh produce and is generated by certain types of bacteria, particularly actinobacteria. Trichothecene, benzene, and formaldehyde, while they may be classified as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), do not fall under the specific category of mVOCs. Trichothecene is a type of mycotoxin produced by fungi, rather than a product of bacterial activity. Benzene is a well-known aromatic hydrocarbon that is predominantly derived from industrial processes and is not specifically associated with microbial activity. Formaldehyde is a common VOC found in building materials and household products, primarily originating from synthetic sources rather than microbial processes. Thus, while they all share the characteristic of being volatile organic compounds, only Geosmin is directly associated with microbial production.