Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the marine environment

The atmosphere contains VOCs which are produced by man-made and biological sources. This production, especially in the marine environment, constitutes an important source of gases into the atmosphere. This research focuses on how external factors such as meteorology, physico-chemistry and biology drive the production and release of VOCs in the marine environment, and how individual sources contribute to the total amount of VOCs measured. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that physico-chemical and meteorological factors such as wind speed, water temperature can influence the detection of VOCs in surface waters as well their productions during seasons. While statitistical analysis with signatures from the three potential sources highlighted the importance of the microalgae signature in spring while macroalgae and sediments dominated at other times. Short term variability in concentrations and fluxes was due to such factors such as tidal state, wind speed and seawater temperature.Concentrations of VOCs are governed by external factors effecting long time scale and factors having an effect on a daily base.