Abstract
Air-surface exchange of semivolatile organic compounds (SOC) isan important factor controlling the gas-phase concentrations ofthese compounds. In this study, the uptake of gas-phaseanthracene, an SOC, by the leaves of Ficus benjamina wasexamined in a large (30 m3) environmentally-controlledchamber. To investigate the effect of climate on air/leafexchange, the air flow-rate, temperature, and relative humidityin the chamber was controlled and continually monitored. Thelarge size of the chamber provides an opportunity to studygas/plant exchange at ambient gas-phase concentrations underrealistic meteorological conditions. Here we describe the resultsof several experiments performed to examine the effect of light,temperature, and relative humidity on the uptake of anthracene byFicus benjamina. Six to eight plants were placed in thechamber and gas-phase anthracene was injected at a constant flow- rate into the chamber. The lights were turned on and off oncedaily and air samples were collected regularly. Although thecycle is not predictable, results of three week-long experimentsindicate that gas-phase anthracene concentrations in the Ficus-populated chamber vary with light period. Stomatal andcuticular uptake are responsible likely for the varying concentrations.
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Peck, A.M., Hornbuckle, K.C. Use of a Climate-Controlled Chamber to Investigate the Fate of Gas-Phase Anthracene. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 145, 17–34 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023656023898
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023656023898