Evaluation of the temporal and spatial distribution of non-methane hydrocarbon emissions from the forests inSlovakia

Abstract

The paper presents the first detailed inventory of non-methane hydrocarbon emissions from forest vegetation in Slovakia. Emissions rates of monoterpene, isoprene and other volatile organic compounds (VOC) were calculated for each main tree species separately using the relevant parameters such as temperature and leaf biomass density. The GIS technology was used for the analysis of spatial distribution of VOC emissions. The annual total VOC emissions from forests in Slovakiaranged from 77 to 98 ktonnes during the period 1990–2000. The percentage of isoprene, mono-terpene, and other VOC emissions is relatively stable and varies in the narrow intervals: isoprene emissions (17–23%), monoterpene emissions (65–73%), and other VOC emissions (10–15%). The major contribution of VOC (especially monoterpenes) comes from the Norway spruce (Picea abies) forests (45.7% in 2000) due to their abundance and high leaf biomass density with domination in the montane belt. The oak species (Quercus sp.) are the second important VOC emittors (18.2%) with domination in the thermo-colline and colline belt of the Carpathian Mts.