Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds in Upland peat by Means of Proton-transfer-reaction Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

This research represents the results of the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the sphagnum moss and peat from two upland bogs located in Germany. Proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS), used for the research, is a high-sensitive method, which permit to detect low concentrations of VOCs in ambient air. Along with natural VOCs of peat plants (generally sphagnum moss), the results of the study showed the presence of anthropogenic VOCs emissions like butanol, toluene, and benzene. This fact testifies about the capability of peat moss to accumulate these compounds. Possible sources of these VOCs in the peat samples can be agricultural machines and the traffic of the nearest roads.