Biogenic Volatile Organic Compound Emission Rates From Urban Vegetation in Southeast China

Currently, the country of China is growing economically at an extraordinary pace. With this growth comes an increase in emissions of anthropogenic pollutants such as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides from factories and vehicles. To accurately determine the effects of these pollutants on regional ozone production, and to best determine mitigation strategies, biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions must be considered in regional atmospheric chemistry models. To date, few studies have been carried out to determine BVOC emission factors for plant species that occur in China. Considering that approximately 20% of the world's population resides in this region, it is important to develop accurate databases for BVOC emissions for the country of China. This experiment took place during May and June of 2005 and was based in the Fairy Lake Botanical Gardens (FLBG) located to the northeast of the city of Shenzhen. The city of Shenzhen is located in southeast China in Guangdong province. The city was designated a 'special economic zone' in 1980 and has experienced intense population and economic growth ever since. The dense city is surrounded by hilly rural areas of forest on three sides, and Hong Kong to the south. The purpose of the experiment was to evaluate emissions of BVOC from plants that are important to the Shenzhen region as well as to southeastern China. Over 150 species of plants were screened for emissions of isoprene and monoterpenes. These species include most of the dominant trees and shrubs planted in the Shenzhen area. Samples were collected at the FLBG as well as at various locations around the city of Shenzhen. BVOC emission samples were collected and analyzed in one of two ways. First, a Teflon enclosure was placed over a plant's branch with a constant flow of ambient air passing through the enclosure. Samples were then pumped into a Teflon bag for analysis. Samples were analyzed within 30 minutes by gas chromatography (GC) with either a photo ionization or flame ionization detector. Second, single plant leaves were placed into a light and temperature controlled leaf cuvette. Scrubbed air was passed through the cuvette, and was then collected on adsorbent cartridges for later analysis. Sample cartridges were returned to the US and analyzed by GC with a mass spectrometry for detection and identification of compounds. Results indicate a wide range of emissions for isoprene and monoterpenes. The observed emissions are compared with previous studies and taxonomic relationships are described. The emission rate measurements will be combined with detailed satellite-based landcover distribution database and used to characterize regional biogenic VOC emissions. In addition, the results of the emission survey will be used to identify low emitting plants that can be recommended for planting in subtropical urban areas.