Combinatory Effect of Changing CO2, Temperature, and Long-term Growth Temperature on Isoprene Emissions

Authors

Michael Cole, DePaul UniversityFollow

Faculty Advisor

Mark Potosnak

Abstract

Isoprene, the most abundant hydrocarbon in the atmosphere, plays a significant role in atmospheric chemistry. Its reactions with NO_x lead to the formation of ozone in the lower troposphere, which is harmful to plants and detrimental to human health. As air temperatures and CO₂ concentrations increase with climate change, it is uncertain how isoprene emissions from plants will respond. We hypothesized that isoprene emissions will increase with the combination of increasing temperature and CO­₂ concentrations. We predict that oaks grown at a higher temperature will exhibit an increase in isoprene emissions with combined short-term increases in temperature and CO₂ concentration. Five post oaks (Quercus stellata) were placed in two growth chambers set at 25°C and 30°C. Isoprene emissions were measured at varying temperature and CO₂ conditions with two different instruments. Results indicate that in the presence of a combinatory increase in temperature and CO­­₂ concentration, isoprene emission is suppressed, contrary to results from a short-term experiment.

Recommended Citation

Cole, Michael (2016) "Combinatory Effect of Changing CO2, Temperature, and Long-term Growth Temperature on Isoprene Emissions," DePaul Discoveries: Volume 5, Article 15.
Available at: https://via.library.depaul.edu/depaul-disc/vol5/iss1/15