Evaluation of monoterpenic biogenic volatile organic compounds in ambient air around Eucalyptus globulus, Pinus halepensis and Cedrus atlantica treesgrowing in Algiers city area by chiral and achiral capillary gas chromatography

The monoterpenic biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) in ambient air around either Eucalyptus globulus, Cedrus atlantica and Pinus halepensis t rees from El- Hamma Botanical Garden (Algiers) or from Pinus halepensis tre es field located in Bab-Ezzouar (suburb of Algiers) was qualitatively and s emi-quantitatively evaluated. The sampling was carried out in ambient air b y adsorption through an activated charcoal cartridge followed by the carbon disulfide extraction. The solution was subjected to high-resolution gas ch romatography (HRGC) analysis in programmed temperature. The identification of the components was established by the means of retention Kovats indexes. The use of a beta-cyclodextrin chiral capillary column allowed a good sepa ration of monoterpenic enantiomers released in the atmosphere. The enantiom eric ratio provided a good insight into the enantiomeric compound preferent ially emitted by plants. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .