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Human Breathable Air in a Mediterranean Forest: Characterization of Monoterpene Concentrations under the Canopy

Author

Listed:
  • Albert Bach

    (Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Z Building, ICTA-ICP, Carrer de les columnes, UAB Campus, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain
    Environment and Human Health Laboratory (EH 2 Lab), Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia, Crta. de St. Llorenç de Morunys, km 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain)

  • Ana Maria Yáñez-Serrano

    (CREAF, Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
    CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain)

  • Joan Llusià

    (CREAF, Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
    CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain)

  • Iolanda Filella

    (CREAF, Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
    CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain)

  • Roser Maneja

    (Environment and Human Health Laboratory (EH 2 Lab), Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia, Crta. de St. Llorenç de Morunys, km 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain
    Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia, Crta. de St. Llorenç de Morunys, km 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain
    Geography Department, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), B Building, UAB Campus, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Josep Penuelas

    (CREAF, Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
    CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain)

Abstract

Monoterpenes have been identified as potential determinants of the human health effects induced by forest exposure. The present study characterizes the total monoterpene concentrations at nose height in a Mediterranean Holm oak forest located in North-East Iberian Peninsula during the annual emission peak (summer and autumn: June to November) using a Proton Transfer Reaction–Mass Spectrometry (PTR-MS). Results show a strong variability of the total monoterpene concentrations in season and daytime. The concentration peak appears during July and August. These two months displayed two average maxima in their diel cycles: One during early morning (from 6:00 to 8:00, 0.30 ppbv for July and 0.41 ppbv for August) and another one at early afternoon (from 13:00 to 15:00, 0.27 ppbv during July and 0.32 ppbv during August). Monoterpene concentrations were strongly related with the temperature (exponentially) and solar radiation (rectangular hyperbolic relationship). The concentrations registered here are similar or higher than in previous ex situ studies showcasing the effects of forests on human health. These findings provide relevant data for the scientific and healthcare community by improving the understanding of monoterpene dynamics at nose height and suggesting further research on the effects of forests on human health, particularly in the Mediterranean region.

Suggested Citation

  • Albert Bach & Ana Maria Yáñez-Serrano & Joan Llusià & Iolanda Filella & Roser Maneja & Josep Penuelas, 2020. "Human Breathable Air in a Mediterranean Forest: Characterization of Monoterpene Concentrations under the Canopy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-11, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:12:p:4391-:d:373342
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chorong Song & Harumi Ikei & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2016. "Physiological Effects of Nature Therapy: A Review of the Research in Japan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-17, August.
    2. Albert Bach Pagès & Josep Peñuelas & Jana Clarà & Joan Llusià & Ferran Campillo i López & Roser Maneja, 2020. "How Should Forests Be Characterized in Regard to Human Health? Evidence from Existing Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-15, February.
    3. Francesco Meneguzzo & Lorenzo Albanese & Giorgio Bartolini & Federica Zabini, 2019. "Temporal and Spatial Variability of Volatile Organic Compounds in the Forest Atmosphere," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-24, December.
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