Changes in the Abundance of Monoterpenes from Breathable Air of a Mediterranean Conifer Forest: When Is the Best Time for a Human Healthy Leisure Activity?

The exposure to monoterpenes emitted by plants the air might provide human health benefits during forest-based leisure activities. However, forests, especially Mediterranean ones, lack studies relate forest production and emission of monoterpenes, considering potential exposure. Thus, aim this study was analyze variation in abundance breathable under canopy a conifer forest, evaluating influence different factors. For purpose, from March November 2018, we monitored at nose height, leaf development, temperature soil water mountain Pinus pinaster located Sierra de Albarracín (Teruel, Spain). We detected six with α-pinene, β-pinene limonene being three most abundant. Temperature main environmental factor driving air, maxima found summer. Leaf development spring decreased abundance, while after drought period, increased. people enjoying activities areas would be more exposed when increases period as long trees are not severely water-stressed. If that is case, increase period.