Abstract

The total terpene concentration beneath the canopy of an eastern United States coniferous forest was found to be of the order of 50 μg/m3. Similar measurements within the forest but outside the canopy ranged from 3 to 32 μg/m3. Two samples collected at a mountain summit above the tree line were found to contain 7 and 27 μg/m3 total terpenes. Downwind from the coniferous forest in an area of deciduous vegetation the mean morning total terpene level was 4 μg/m3 and increased to 11 μg/m3 during the afternoon. Unidentified species, primarily in the C5–C9 range, were observed in total concentrations which averaged approximately twice the sample total terpene value. Results indicate a concentration range of 8–130 μg/m3 for C5–C10 organics in rural atmospheres in the Adirondack Mountain region of New York State. It is concluded that the majority of observed organics are of natural origin.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call