Development and validation of analytical method to monitor the BVOC emission in Sibillini National Park using TD-GC-MS

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), are a heterogeneous group of molecules with a wide range of functions useful for plants and, consequently, for the whole ecosystem and the environment[1]. A rapidly and inexpensive analytical method is presented that is based on the use of thermal gas-chromatography (TD-GC-MS) to monitor BVOCs released by Juniperus Communis in Sibillini National Park. Hexanal, Toluene, α-Pinene, 4-Terpineol and β-Caryophyllene have been used as standard compounds. This method showed a good sensibility (limit of detection ranges between 10-19 pptv for all compounds except for Hexanal that is 100 pptv), repeatability (RDS% within 11%), precision (recovery higher than 85%) and selectivity. We collected samples in situ from April 2016 to September 2017 almost once for months. The compounds have been identified using Kovats retention indices (RI) and quantified with the response factor (RF) for different class of compounds. All samples have been correlated with temperature and humidity values. The results show higher emission in April (flowering period) and at particular condition of temperature (24°C). These results are comparable to the data found in the literature about emissions of Juniperus Communis, confirming the validity of the developed method[2][3].