Total suspended particulate matter was collected ih a Abies boressi forest
in central Greece during the period of 20 July-12 August 1997. Filters were
extracted with solvents and the soluble content was separated into functio
nal group fractions for analyses by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. A
total of 1050 different compounds could be identified in the various extra
cts. The lipid material consisted primarily of n-alkanes, n-alkan-2-ones, n
-alkanols and n-fatty acids, with a higher concentration of molecular weigh
ts > C-20, derived from vascular plant waxes. Biomarkers for vegetation sou
rces such as phytosterols and triterpenic compounds were also detected. Mic
robial components(< C-20), petroleum residues and pyrogenic aromatic hydroc
arbons were present in the various aerosol extracts. Photochemical products
deriving from volatile organic compounds emitted by vegetation or from ant
hropogenic precursors were also detected. These secondary organics include
alkane derivatives, di- and carboxylic acids, nitroaromatics and many terpe
ne photo-oxidation products. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese
rved.