Contaminated water bodies have the potential to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bioaerosols, which can affect air quality and human health in surrounding areas. The objective of this study is to present evidence on the production of VOCs and their relationship with bacterial composition and emissions detected in areas near contaminated bodies of water, through a review of the scientific literature on VOCs, bioaerosols and emissions associated with polluted water bodies, complemented with evidence reported in articles from our working group regarding pollution rivers in Puebla, Mexico. This study shows a review of VOC microbial production and a table of genus/component association as part of the obtained results. VOCs (e.g., Ammonia, H₂S, Ethanol, Butanol, Acetaldehyde, Diacetyl, Acetone, 2,3-Butanediol, Dimethyl sulfide DMS, indole). VOCs detected near polluted rivers in Puebla, México are correlated with the bacterial composition of total suspended particles. This shows a relationship between bacteria and emissions of VOCs, the detection of potentially pathogenic genera indicates an increased microbiological risk for nearby populations.