Abstract ID: 75

VOC Emissions from Amazonian tree species: Investigation of primary emission and flooding effects.

Vegetation was identified being the major source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted to the atmosphere. Little information is currently available regarding emissions of VOCs from tropical tree species at leaf level. Fourteen tree species from the different environments of the Amazon basin, Terra firme, Várzea and Igapó, were screened to VOCs emission at leaf level. A branch enclosure system was used. Analysis of volatile organics was performed online by PTR-MS and offline by collection on adsorbent tubes and subsequent GC-FID and GC-MS analysis. Preliminary results show that eight species emitted methanol, four isoprene and four monoterpenes, independently from their original environment. A light dependent VOCs emission could be shown and this correlates very well with the Schuh algorithm 1997. Further studies were performed with tree species under flooding conditions. Flooding of these Amazonian floodplain tree species induced morphological and physiological adaptation. VOCs emission patterns are still under investigation.

Session:  Biogeochemistry - Sources, sinks, and atmospheric chemistry of trace gases.

Presentation Type:  Oral