Dr. Baptiste Poursat has recently launched a field sampling campaign to uncover the volatile organic compound (VOC) fingerprints of septic systems. This work combines a three months on-site sampling campaign with new advanced analytical methods, including thermal desorption and non-targeted GC–MS analysis, to characterise the wide range of chemicals present in real-world septic environments.

The campaign focuses on identifying early warning signals of stress within microbial communities, caused by inputs such as chlorine, antibiotics, or other everyday chemicals, before these stresses compromise system performance. By developing new analytical approaches to monitor these chemical indicators, Dr. Poursat’s research aims to enable smarter, more proactive management of septic systems, contributing to healthier wastewater treatment and reduced environmental impacts. This sampling campaign makes use of the new thermal desorption technology recently installed in our environmental chemistry laboratory, which is operated by Dr. Poursat.

The septic tank sampling is being carried out in collaboration with Dr. Tania Lizet Gomez-Borraz and Scottish Water, with access to a community-connected septic system located in Gauldry, Scotland. This provides a rare opportunity to study decentralised wastewater treatment under authentic, real-life conditions. Collaboration with SepSolve Analytical Ltd is also central to this work, allowing Dr. Poursat to explore innovative applications of thermal desorption technologies in environmental monitoring. This work was kickstarted by an EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) grant led by RA and is further supported by the DWT project.

As part of this activity, Dr. Poursat was invited to present his research at a workshop dedicated to TD-GC-MS non-targeted analysis organised by Markes International in Bridgend on the 21st of October 2025. Showcasing the use of advance analytical techniques to monitor complex bio engineering systems. This workshop will bring together experts in thermal desorption and non-targeted analysis, providing a valuable platform to share early findings, exchange knowledge, and foster new collaborations.