Composition and Dynamic Changes of Volatile Organic Compound Emitted by Four Landscape Plants

Objective From the perspective of landscape plant application, this study aimed to investigate interspecific differences in the composition and temporal dynamics of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emitteded by different tree species, thereby providing a scientific basis for plant selection and landscape configuration in urban parks.

Methods Based on four common landscape plants, Photinia serratifolia, Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum, Osmanthus fragrans, and Podocarpus macrophyllus, located at the Experimental Center of Subtropical Forestry in Xinyu City, Jiangxi Province, BVOCs emitted by the plants were collected in vivo using the dynamic headspace bag sampling method and were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed through thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TDS-GC-MS). The concentrations of BVOCs were determined using the external standard method.

Results The composition and relative contents of BVOCs varied among the four species. P. serratifolia emitted a total of 40 BVOCs, with alkanes as the dominant components; L. chinense var. rubrum emitted 39 BVOCs, dominated by alkenes; O. fragrans emitted 55 BVOCs, mainly consisting of esters and alkanes; and P. macrophyllus emitted 46 BVOCs, with alkenes as the principle components. In addition, the four species exhibited seasonal variations in the types and quantities of BVOCs emitted, as well as distinct diurnal patterns across different time periods within a day.

Conclusion The composition and emission dynamics of BVOCs exhibited pronounced interspecific specificity and were closely associated with plant phenology. Therefore, the emission characteristics of plant BVOCs should be fully considered in the planning and construction of urban landscape gardens. Rational plant selection and configuration, together with the optimization of plant community structure and spatial arrangement, can effectively enhance the ecological regulation functions of urban green spaces and improve the health benefits of the human living environment.