Unlocking Urban Insights: A Case Study on Impact of Urban Vegetation on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Variability Across Different Areas of Reggio Emilia, Italy

Abstract

The Po Valley is one of the European regions most severely affected by air pollution. Within the spectrum of airborne molecules, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) represent a significant component, derived from both natural processes and anthropogenic sources. All VOCs influence air quality, as they are precursors to ozone (O3), secondary organic aerosol (SOA), and particulate matter (PM). While naturally occurring VOCs contribute to the formation of air pollutants, they also have beneficial effects on human health. Furthermore, vegetation plays a fundamental role in air purification and improvement of air quality both directly, through the metabolic processes of leaves, and indirectly, through physical mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative fluctuations of VOCs in different zones within the city of Reggio Emilia (Italy), characterized by varying percentages of vegetation cover and proximity to high-traffic roads. The collected data suggest that air quality may be influenced by the spatial distribution and type of urban area, with urban parks and green zones showing lower concentrations of total VOCs compared to areas with less vegetation cover. These observations can contribute to formulating strategies to improve air quality in urban areas and emphasize the importance of vegetation in an urban context.