Monitoring and Measurements of VOCs and Odor

Dear Colleagues,

VOCs are an important group of chemicals that have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. This group mainly consists of alkanes, alkenes, aromatic compounds, esters, aldehydes and ketones, etc. They are commonly used as solvents, plasticizers, fuel additives, etc. Moreover, VOCs are responsible for the aroma of food, can cause metabolic changes in the body, can provide signaling molecules for plants and bacteria, and play an important role in the environment.

Some VOCs are directly or indirectly toxic to human health. In addition, they are involved in the formation of photochemical smog, producing ozone, other toxic organic pollutants or secondary organic aerosols via nitrogen oxides and ultraviolet radiation. Some VOCs are also involved in the greenhouse effect. Therefore, attention should be paid to VOCs.

Some VOCs can generate unpleasant odors, which can lead to many complaints and dissatisfaction, and in severe cases, even impair human health. The sources of these odorous substances are manifold, and they are derived not only from urban but also from suburban and rural areas.

This Special Issue will summarize the latest findings regarding VOCs and odors, detection and analysis methods and effective abatement initiatives. Articles in this Special Issue can cover numerous subjects, such as indoor air, water, biological fluids (breath, blood, urine, feces, saliva, etc.), bacterial cultures, plants, food, drinks, tobacco, materials and environmental samples. The Special Issue will be focused on, but not limited to, the following topics related to VOCs:

• Advanced sampling equipment and methods;
• Analytical methods;
• Sensors and detectors;
• Suitability of absorbent materials;
• VOC and odor emissions;
• VOC exposure;
• Atmospheric environment;
• Indoor air quality;
• Health risk assessments;
• Effective abatement initiatives (in air, water, etc.).

Dr. Jun Shen
Dr. Sichong Chen
Guest Editors

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