Measurement of trace gases and organic compounds in the smoke plume from a wildfire in Penedono (central Portugal)

Abstract

Abstract Gas and particulate fractions were measured simultaneously from a wildfire in Penedono, central Portugal, which occurred in summer 2009. The total volatile hydrocarbons (THC) and carbon oxides (CO 2 and CO) collected in Tedlar bags were measured using automatic analysers with flame ionisation and non-dispersive infrared detectors, respectively. Carbonyls (formaldehyde and acetaldehyde) were sampled from the Tedlar bags in DNHP cartridges and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Fine (PM 2.5 ) and coarse (PM 2.5-10 ) smoke particles were collected sequentially, on pre-fired quartz fibre filters, with a portable high-volume sampler. The detailed speciation of organic compounds in smoke samples was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The organic and elemental carbon content of particulate matter was analysed by a thermal-optical transmission technique. Average emission factors of 1.86 ± 0.80 and 0.063 ± 0.066 g kg −1 (dry basis) were obtained for acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, respectively. The THC, CO, CO 2 , PM 2.5 , PM 10 , OC and EC emission factors (g kg −1 fuel burned, dry basis) were 260 ± 88, 268 ± 92, 1200 ± 172, 37 ± 12.2, 40 ± 12.6, 21 ± 6.7 and 0.44 ± 0.21, respectively. The chromatographically resolved organics included n -alkanes, n -alkenes, n -alkanoic acids, n -di-acids, unsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds, ketones, steroids, di- and triterpenoids, PAHs, with retene as the major compound, oxygenated PAH and anhydrosugars.