Chrysotile asbestos exposure in the manufacturing of thermal insulating boards

Exposure to asbestos fibers has been extensively studied in milling, mining of asbestos fibers, and in industries manufacturing asbestos—cement sheets, pipes, etc. However, very few studies have been reported in asbestos textiles, brake lining workers, and insulation products. In the present investigation, chrysotile exposure monitoring was carried out in a small thermal insulating boards manufacturing facility. Twenty-eight samples were analyzed from various locations like feeding of raw materials, weighing, pressing, machine grinding, and hand finishing of final products. Twenty-five percent of the samples were found to be above ACGIH TLV of 0.1 fibers per milliliter. However, mean fiber concentrations were found to be lower than 0.1 fibers per milliliter, except for the process of feeding of raw materials where the mean fiber concentration was 0.1087 ± 0.0631 fibers per milliliter.     

A comparison of methods and materials for the analysis of leaded wipes

The purposes of this study are: (1) to determine whether proficiency analytical test (PAT) materials from the American Industrial Hygiene Association can be used to provide quality data for portable X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) of lead in dust wipe surface samples; (2) to provide data to determine whether the on-site analysis of field dust wipe samples by XRF and the laboratory method of inductively coupled plasma emission analysis (ICP) are comparable; and (3) to determine if differences exist between different wipe materials. Several wipes meet the ASTM E1792 performance requirements of lead background level less than 5 microg per wipe, be only one layer thick, yield recovery rates of 80- 120% from spiked samples, remain damp throughout the sampling procedure, and do not contain aloe. The wipes used in this study were Pace Wipes, which are used for the PAT materials, and, for the field samples, Palintest Wipes, which were supplied by the instrument manufacturer, and Ghost Wipes, which are popular because they digest in hot, concentrated acid, so that chemical analysis is simplified. Twenty PAT wipe samples were obtained from four different proficiency test rounds. Surface wipe samples were taken at three different locations representing different industry types. All samples were analyzed using a portable XRF spectrometer and by ICP. Strong linear relationships were found for the analysis of wipe samples by ICP and by portable XRF. For the PAT samples, the results from the ICP and XRF analysis were not statistically equivalent, which indicates a bias in the ICP analysis. The bias was not excessive, since all ICP analyses fell within the acceptable range for the proficiency samples. The good correlation between the proficiency sample reference values and the XRF determinations is not surprising considering similar proficiency samples were used to calibrate the instrument response. Users of this portable XRF analyzer could enroll in the proficiency test program as part of their quality assurance program. For field samples, the relationship was strongest for Palintest wipes, and the values found for all three industries could be combined. However, the results from the ICP and XRF analysis were not statistically equivalent using the correction factor in the calculation algorithm as supplied with the instrument, and a new coefficient was derived. The mean relative error for the XRF analysis versus the ICP analysis was greater than 25%, such that the method falls within the realm of screening procedures. For Ghost Wipe samples, the precision was different for different industries, and the results could not be pooled. Differences between the two wipe materials may be related to the number of folds required for analysis.     

The impact of disturbance and ensuing forestry practices on Collembola in monitored stands of windthrown forest in the Tatra National Park (Slovakia)

Soil Collembola communities were investigated in spruce forest stands of the High Tatra Mts that had been heavily damaged by a windstorm in November 2004 and subsequently by a wildfire in July 2005. The study focused on the impact of these disturbances and forestry practices on collembolan community distribution and structure 4 years after the disturbance. Four different treatments were selected for this study: intact forest stands (REF), non-extracted windthrown stands (NEX), clear-cut windthrown stands (EXT) and burnt windthrown stands (FIR). From a total of 7,820 individuals, 72 species were identified. The highest total abundance mean was recorded in FIR stands followed by NEX and EXT stands and, surprisingly, the lowest in REF stands. The highest total species richness was observed in REF stands, followed by NEX stands and FIR stands and the lowest in EXT stands. In REF and NEX stands, the most abundant species were Folsomia penicula and Tetracanthella fjellbergi, while in heavily damaged stands, the most abundant was Anurophorus laricis. The ordination method used demonstrated a significant influence of treatment on the abundance of Collembola. ANOVA used confirmed significant differences for all dominant species between treatments. The present study shows the negative impact of windthrow on Collembola communities as reflected in decreased species richness and abundance. However, disturbance by fire caused a considerable increase in collembolan abundance 3 years after the event. Moreover, we show that clearing of windthrown spruce forests after a windstorm is less favourable for communities of soil collembolans and slows down the recovery process.     

Variability in the identification and enumeration of marine benthic invertebrate samples and its effect on benthic assessment measures

Studies designed to measure anthropogenic impacts on marine benthic communities depend on the ability of taxonomists to consistently discriminate, identify, and count benthic organisms. To quantify errors and discrepancies in identification and enumeration, 20 samples were completely reprocessed by another one of four participating laboratories. Errors were detected in 13.0% of the data records, affecting total abundance by 2.1%, numbers of taxa by 3.4%, and identification accuracy by 4.7%. Paired t-tests were used to test for differences in the Benthic Response Index (BRI), total abundance, numbers of taxa, and the Shannon-Wiener index between the original and the reanalysis data. Differences in the BRI were statistically insignificant. Although statistically significant differences were observed for numbers of taxa, total abundance, and the Shannon-Wiener index, the differences were small in comparison to the magnitude of differences typically observed between anthropogenically affected and reference sites.     

Influence of different textile fibers on characterization of dyeing wastewater and final effluent

Textile industry needs to recover and reuse its wastewater as to fulfil the demand of increasingly strict regulations. The characterization of dyeing wastewater samples according to textile fiber and final textile effluent enables the application of different treatment methods. This study aims to characterize dyeing wastewater in black color of polyamide, polyester, and viscose fibers and final textile effluent. Samples were collected and characterized completely for major pollution indicator parameters. Dyeing wastewater of polyester showed higher values for some parameters, e.g., 4994.44% (49,944,400 mg L^?1 and 917 NTU) of turbidity and 4100.00% of phenol when compared to dyeing wastewater of other fibers. Other parameters such as pH, alkalinity, color, phosphorus, nitrogen, sulfides, chlorides, oil and grease, dissolved solids, and chemical and biochemical oxygen demand were also assessed. In addition to individual characterization, this study also presents a correlation of the contribution of each parameter to the final textile effluent. Although dyeing wastewater of polyamide contributes the most in terms of quantity for the final effluent, this study revealed that dyeing wastewater of polyester influenced the most on the final composition of the textile wastewater when evaluating color, turbidity, total iron, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, phenol, mercury, oil and grease, and total phosphorus. The present study is focused on bringing new insights to provide future research with other strategies to improve the treatment of dyeing wastewater. In addition, some suggestions are also given for wastewater treatments according to type of textile fiber.     

显微镜计数法测定浮游植物的研究进展及修订建议

介绍了国内外淡水浮游植物密度的测定——显微镜计数法的规范和标准。提出了国外有关标准中关于浮游植物在计数框中的分布要求、计数量与测定精密度的关联、检出限的计算方法等是值得借鉴的内容。通过实验验证了浮游植物在计数框中越符合随机分布,测定的精密度越好;随计数量的增加,观察到的浮游植物种类越多且测定精密度越好。借鉴英国标准BS/EN 15204：2006中关于检出限的定义和计算方法,得出了适用于中国规范中4种常用计数方式的检出限计算方法,并得出4种计数方式的检出限分别为对角线计数4.6×10⁵个/L、行格计数1.5×10⁵个/L、全片计数4.6×10⁴个/L、随机视野计数6.8×10⁵个/L。最后提出了应在中国相关规范中补充浮游植物在计数框中的分布要求、最少计数量与精密度的关联和确定检出限的方法等建议。     

Assessment of relative accuracy in the determination of organic matter concentrations in aquatic systems

Accurate determinations of total (TOC), dissolved (DOC) and particulate (POC) organic carbon concentrations are critical for understanding the geochemical, environmental, and ecological roles of aquatic organic matter. Of particular significance for the drinking water industry, TOC measurements are the basis for compliance with US EPA regulations. The results of an interlaboratory comparison designed to identify problems associated with the determination of organic matter concentrations in drinking water supplies are presented. The study involved 31 laboratories and a variety of commercially available analytical instruments. All participating laboratories performed well on samples of potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP), a compound commonly used as a standard in carbon analysis. However, problems associated with the oxidation of difficult to oxidize compounds, such as dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and caffeine, were noted. Humic substances posed fewer problems for analysts. Particulate organic matter (POM) in the form of polystyrene beads, freeze-dried bacteria and pulverized leaf material were the most difficult for all analysts, with a wide range of performances reported. The POM results indicate that the methods surveyed in this study are inappropriate for the accurate determination of POC and TOC concentration. Finally, several analysts had difficulty in efficiently separating inorganic carbon from KHP solutions, thereby biasing DOC results.     

A proficiency testing scheme for aromatic hydrocarbons in air by the manual thermal desorption-GC method: a comparison of laboratory performance with the uncertainty requirements of the European Union Ambient Air Directive

The Workplace Analysis Scheme for Proficiency (WASP) is a proficiency testing scheme for the analysis of occupational hygiene and environmental air samples and is operated in the UK by the Health and Safety Laboratory. Since 1997, WASP has offered samples of benzene, toluene and m-xylene, at environmental levels on Tenax, and has about 35 laboratories participating, mostly from industry, local government and consultancy organisations in the UK. The results reported cover the first 10 rounds of the environmental analytes (1997-1999) and demonstrate the important role of proficiency testing in assessing the quality of laboratory performance. Estimates are obtained for within-laboratory precision and the total variability at each analyte level. The estimates of within-laboratory precision suggest that laboratories have more difficulty analysing toluene and m-xylene than benzene. Linear relationships for the reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSDT) with loading level are evident for the analytes at occupational levels. At environmental levels, the relationship between loading level and reproducibility is much less well defined. The standard deviation for the proficiency testing assessment for all three analytes at the environmental level is 14%, as derived from the benzene data. Expanded uncertainty estimates (k = 1.96), for the analysis of samples since the scheme started, are obtained from the average total variance, and are 27% for benzene, 39% for toluene and 36% for m-xylene. Although the linear trend of performance against round number was not significant at the 95% level of confidence (p = 0.23 for benzene, p = 0.3 for toluene and p = 0.32 for m-xylene), there was a general improvement in RSDT from 26-34% to about 8-13% 10 rounds later. Currently, for a laboratory to meet one of the data quality objectives in the Ambient Air Directive (indicative measurement of benzene, expanded uncertainty +/- 30% or less), it would have to achieve a level of analytical performance to satisfy the category 1 (best performance) limit of better than +/- 8.8%. In the last proficiency testing round, discussed in this paper, only 58% of laboratories obtained performance scores that indicated that they were able to consistently achieve this level of performance.     

Assessment of sampling and analytical uncertainty of trace element contents in arable field soils

Assessment of trace element contents in soils is required in Germany (and other countries) before sewage sludge application on arable soils. The reliability of measured element contents is affected by measurement uncertainty, which consists of components due to (1) sampling, (2) laboratory repeatability (intra-lab) and (3) reproducibility (between-lab). A complete characterization of average trace element contents in field soils should encompass the uncertainty of all these components. The objectives of this study were to elucidate the magnitude and relative proportions of uncertainty components for the metals As, B, Cd, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, Tl and Zn in three arable fields of different field-scale heterogeneity, based on a collaborative trial (CT) (standardized procedure) and two sampling proficiency tests (PT) (individual sampling procedure). To obtain reference values and estimates of field-scale heterogeneity, a detailed reference sampling was conducted. Components of uncertainty (sampling person, sampling repetition, laboratory) were estimated by variance component analysis, whereas reproducibility uncertainty was estimated using results from numerous laboratory proficiency tests. Sampling uncertainty in general increased with field-scale heterogeneity; however, total uncertainty was mostly dominated by (total) laboratory uncertainty. Reproducibility analytical uncertainty was on average by a factor of about 3 higher than repeatability uncertainty. Therefore, analysis within one single laboratory and, for heterogeneous fields, a reduction of sampling uncertainty (for instance by larger numbers of sample increments and/or a denser coverage of the field area) would be most effective to reduce total uncertainty. On the other hand, when only intra-laboratory analytical uncertainty was considered, total sampling uncertainty on average prevailed over analytical uncertainty by a factor of 2. Both sampling and laboratory repeatability uncertainty were highly variable depending not only on the analyte but also on the field and the sampling trial. Comparison of PT with CT sampling suggests that standardization of sampling protocols reduces sampling uncertainty, especially for fields of low heterogeneity.     

Spatial distribution and potential ecologic risk assessment of heavy metals in the sediments of the Nansi Lake in China

The contamination levels and ecological risks of heavy metals in the sediments of the Nansi Lake were investigated. The contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Co in the surface sediments collected at 20 sites ranged from 0.08 to 1.12, 58.92 to 135.62, 38.09 to 78.65, 24.51 to 53.95, 110.51 to 235.36, 11.30 to 65.40, and 4.12 to 20.14 mg/kg, respectively. The results of partitioning analysis revealed that the proportions of soluble and exchangeable fraction were less than 1 %, the proportions of carbonate, amorphous oxides, organic matter, and crystalline oxides fraction were less than 10 %, and 10.52 % of Cd was associated with carbonate. The average proportions in the residual fraction ranged from 48.62 % for Cu to 73.76 % for Ni, indicating low mobility and bioavailability. The geoaccumulation index (I _geo), relative enrichment factor (REF), sediment pollution index (SPI), and potential effect concentration quotient (PECQ) values of the heavy metals in the sediments were not in agreement with each another. The average REF values of Cd and Zn were higher than those of other metals. However, the average PECQ values were higher for Cr and Ni than those of other metals, indicating that these two metals would cause higher adverse biological effects. Therefore, it is suggested that future management and pollution control might focus on Cd, Zn, Cr, and Ni in the sediments of the Nansi Lake.     

Statistical evaluation of photon count rate data for nanoscale particle measurement in wastewaters

The dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique can detect the concentration and size distribution of nanoscale particles in aqueous solutions by analyzing photon interactions. This study evaluated the applicability of using photon count rate data from DLS analyses for measuring levels of biogenic and manufactured nanoscale particles in wastewater. Statistical evaluations were performed using secondary wastewater effluent and a Malvern Zetasizer. Dynamic light scattering analyses were performed equally by two analysts over a period of two days using five dilutions and twelve replicates for each dilution. Linearity evaluation using the sixty sample analysis yielded a regression coefficient R(2) = 0.959. The accuracy analysis for various dilutions indicated a recovery of 100 ± 6%. Precision analyses indicated low variance coefficients for the impact of analysts, days, and within sample error. The variation by analysts was apparent only in the most diluted sample (intermediate precision ~12%), where the photon count rate was close to the instrument detection limit. The variation for different days was apparent in the two most concentrated samples, which indicated that wastewater samples must be analyzed for nanoscale particle measurement within the same day of collection. Upon addition of 10 mg l(-1) of nanosilica to wastewater effluent samples, the measured photon count rates were within 5% of the estimated values. The results indicated that photon count rate data can effectively complement various techniques currently available to detect nanoscale particles in wastewaters.     

Evaluation of exposure to the airborne asbestos in an asbestos cement sheet manufacturing industry in Iran

Iran imports nearly 55,000 tons of Chrysotile asbestos per year and asbestos cement (AC) plants contribute nearly 94% of the total national usage. In the present study, airborne asbestos concentrations during AC sheet manufacturing were measured. The fiber type and its chemical composition were also evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Airborne total fiber concentrations of 45 personal samples were analyzed by phase contrast microscopy. The results have highlighted that 15.5% of samples exceed the threshold limit value (TLV) established the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, which is 0.1 fiber per milliliter (f/ml). Personal monitoring of asbestos fiber levels indicated a ranged from 0.02?±?0.01 to 0.16?±?0.03 f/ml. The geometrical mean was 0.05?±?1.36 f/ml, which is considerably lower than the TLV. SEM data demonstrate that the fibrous particles consisted, approximately, of Chrysotile (55.89%) and amphiboles (44.11%). We conclude that the industrial consumption of imported Chrysotile asbestos is responsible for the high airborne amphibole asbestos levels in the AC sheet industry. More research is needed to improve characterization of occupational exposures by fiber size and concentration in a variety of industries.     

Quantification of PAHs and chlorinated compounds by novel solid-phase microextraction based on the arrays of tin oxide nanorods

The results of an innovative study on a new and highly efficient stationary phase based on the SnO₂ nanorods coating on fused silica have been reported in this paper. SnO₂ nanorods have been grown on fused silica fibers using a hydrothermal process. The extraction properties of the fiber were investigated using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) mode coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry detection for 1,4-dichloro-2-nitrobenzene, biphenyl, and acenaphthene. The effect of different variables on extraction efficiency was studied simultaneously using Box–Behnken method as experimental design. The variables of interest in the HS-SPME were salt effect, adsorption temperature, extraction, and desorption time. Under optimal conditions, the calibration curves were linear up to 10²–10⁵ ng?L^?1 (R ²?>?0.998) with detection limits of 10^?3, 10^?1, and 10 ng?L^?1 for acenaphthene, biphenyl, and 1,4-dichloro-2-nitrobenzene, respectively. The relative standard deviations for single fiber and fiber to fiber were less than 9.8 and 12.5 %, respectively. The high stability of the SnO₂ nanostructure coating is proved at relatively high temperatures (up to 300 °C) with a high extraction capacity and long lifespan (more than 100 times). By applying the proposed technique, promising recoveries (93–98 %) were obtained in the analysis of environmental water samples.     

Using Slides to Test for Changes in Crown Defoliation Assessment Methods. Part I: Visual Assessment of Slides

In this study we used photographs of tree crowns to test whether the assessment methods for tree defoliation in Switzerland have changed over time. We randomly selected 24 series of slides of Norway spruce with field assessments made between 1986 and 1995. The slides were randomly arranged and assessed by three experts without prior knowledge of the year when the slide was taken or the tree number. Defoliation was assessed using the Swiss reference photo guide. Although the correlations between the field assessments and slide assessments were high (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient ranged between 0.79 and 0.83), we found significant differences between field and slide assessments (4.3 to 9% underprediction by the slide assessors) and between the slide assessments. However, no significant trends in field assessment methods could be detected. When the mean differences between field and slide assessments were subtracted, in some years, field assessors consistently underpredicted (1990, 1992) or overpredicted defoliation (1987, 1991). Defoliation tended to be overpredicted in slides taken against the light, and underpredicted for trees with more than 25% crown overlap. We conclude that slide series can be used to detect changes in assessment methods. However, potential observer bias calls for more objective methods of assessment.     

Using slides to test for changes in crown defoliation assessment methods part II: Application of the image analysis system CROCO

We tested whether the semi-automatic program CROCO can replace visual assessments of slides to detect changes in defoliation assessment methods. We randomly selected a series of slides of 24 Norway spruce trees with 220 field assessments made between 1986 and 1995. The slides had been randomly arranged and assessed by three experts without knowledge of the tree number or the year when the slide was taken. Defoliation scores were computed with CROCO. Each tree had thus three different defoliation scores, field assessments, photo assessments and CROCO scores.CROCO scores were less correlated with the field assessments (Spearmans rank correlation: 0.67) than were the slide assessments with the field assessments (0.79–0.83). However, CROCO was not biased against the field scores, while slide assessments systematically underestimated defoliation.In a multi-variate mixed effect model none of the variables tree overlap, tree visibility and light conditions was significant in explaining differences between slide assessors and CROCO scores. The same model applied for the differences from the field scores yielded significant effects for poor light conditions (CROCO and all assessors), for crown overlap (CROCO and one assessor) and for visibility (one assessor). We conclude, therefore, that CROCO can be used to detect past and future changes in assessment methods without bias if poor quality photographs are avoided.     

Ensuring quality in long term environmental monitoring for chemical speciation

The awareness regarding quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) for environmental monitoring has considerably increased in the past few years, especially with respect to the determination of chemical species, since errors occurring at various levels may considerably affect the interpretation of results (e.g. studies of toxic impact, geochemical pathways, etc.). QA for environmental analysis covers a broad range of activities from sample collection to laboratory work and the approach for ensuring quality data should be considered in a global context. However, whereas great emphasis has been placed on QA within the laboratory, there have been few systematic attempts to evaluate risks of discrepancies related, for example, to field manipulations. The situation is even worse when monitoring is applied to relatively new fields such as chemical speciation. This paper outlines some of the main aspects of quality control of environmental analysis, including the validation of methods, sampling and sample handling, storage, etc., with special emphasis on the monitoring of chemical forms of elements (e.g. species of tin, mercury, lead and selenium).     

Lead (Pb) quantification in potable water samples: implications for regulatory compliance and assessment of human exposure

Assessing the health risk from lead (Pb) in potable water requires accurate quantification of the Pb concentration. Under worst-case scenarios of highly contaminated water samples, representative of public health concerns, up to 71–98 % of the total Pb was not quantified if water samples were not mixed thoroughly after standard preservation (i.e., addition of 0.15 % (v/v) HNO₃). Thorough mixing after standard preservation improved recovery in all samples, but 35–81 % of the total Pb was still un-quantified in some samples. Transfer of samples from one bottle to another also created high errors (40–100 % of the total Pb was un-quantified in transferred samples). Although the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s standard protocol avoids most of these errors, certain methods considered EPA-equivalent allow these errors for regulatory compliance sampling. Moreover, routine monitoring for assessment of human Pb exposure in the USA has no standardized protocols for water sample handling and pre-treatment. Overall, while there is no reason to believe that sample handling and pre-treatment dramatically skew regulatory compliance with the US Pb action level, slight variations from one approved protocol to another may cause Pb-in-water health risks to be significantly underestimated, especially for unusual situations of “worst case” individual exposure to highly contaminated water.     

Effect of the Carbohydrate Composition of feed Concentratates on Methane Emission from dairy Cows and Their Slurry

Dietary carbohydrate effects on methane emission from cows and their slurry were measured on an individual animal basis. Twelve dairy cows were fed three of six diets each (n = 6 per diet) of a forage-to-concentrate ratio of 1:1 (dry matter basis), and designed to cover the cows’ requirements. The forages consisted of maize and grass silage, and hay. Variations were exclusively accomplished in the concentrates which were either rich in lignified or non-lignified fiber, pectin, fructan, sugar or starch. To measure methane emission, cows were placed into open-circuit respiration chambers and slurry was stored for 14 weeks in 60-L barrels with slurry being intermittently connected to this system. The enteric and slurry organic matter digestibility and degradation was highest when offering Jerusalem artichoke tubers rich in fructan, while acid-detergent fiber digestibility and degradation were highest in cows and slurries with the soybean hulls diet rich in non-lignified fiber. Multiple regression analysis, based on nutrients either offered or digested, suggested that, when carbohydrate variation is done in concentrate, sugar enhances enteric methanogenesis. The methane emission from the slurry accounted for 16.0 to 21.9% of total system methane emission. Despite a high individual variation, the methane emission from the slurry showed a trend toward lower values, when the dietwas characterized by lignified fiber, a diet where enteric methane release also had been lowest. The study disproved the assumption that a lower enteric methanogenesis, associated with a higher excretion of fiber, will inevitably lead to compensatory increases in methane emission during slurry storage.     

The reproduction of Enchytraeus sp.—technical improvement for the counting of juveniles

Soil-dwelling annelids of the genus Enchytraeus are used in ecotoxicology for testing of chemicals mixed in artificial soil or for testing of wastes and soils of unknown quality. ISO 16387 describes a method for determining the effects of substances or contaminated soils on survival and reproduction of Enchytraeus albidus or of the smaller species Enchytraeus buchholzi or Enchy-traeus crypticus. After the total test duration of 6 (or 4)?weeks, the juveniles hatched in the meantime are counted. There are several possible extraction techniques, which are always followed by counting the juveniles by hand, but none of them seems easy to handle. We proposed a new modification of the worm extraction method using flotation of fixed and stained juveniles followed by taking a photograph. The digital image of the juveniles is evaluated by computer processing. It makes the counting of juveniles much easier and less labor intensive.     

Study of odor compounds in gaseous effluents generated during production of poultry feather and viscera meal using headspace solid phase microextraction

This work reports the screening and characterization of odor compounds in gaseous effluents generated during the production of poultry feather and viscera meal, the by-products of the poultry meat industry. Chemical analysis was carried out by solid phase microextraction in the headspace (HS-SPME) mode. Exhaust air of thermal processing of poultry feather and viscera were sampled online from a bench-scale digester, condensed, and collected in sampling flasks. Both volatile and semivolatile organic compounds present in the condensed gases were extracted under agitation at constant temperature. The extracts were analyzed with a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometric detector (GC/MSD). The identification of compounds was carried out by comparing the mass spectra obtained with those from the Wiley library and quantification was accomplished through authentic analytical standards. For the determination of the best extraction conditions and analysis, extraction fibers of different coatings and polarities were tested: divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethyilsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS), carbowax/divinylbenzene (CW/DVB), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and chromatography columns of different polarities: DB-WAX (polar) and DB-5 (nonpolar). The best extraction conditions and analysis of the compounds of interest were obtained by the use of the SPME fiber with DVB/CAR/PDMS coating and analysis by GC/MSD with polar capillary column. Several carboxylic acids were identified, as well as mercaptans, amines, and aldehydes of great environmental importance.