What are biogenic volatile compounds produced by trees known to contribute to?

Biogenic volatile compounds (BVOCs) produced by trees play a significant role in atmospheric chemistry, particularly regarding the formation of secondary pollutants, including ozone. These compounds, which include terpenes and isoprenes, are released into the atmosphere during photosynthesis and other metabolic processes.

When BVOCs react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight, they can lead to the formation of ozone at ground level, which is a key component of smog. This reaction is particularly relevant in urban areas or regions with high levels of vehicular emissions, where the presence of NOx is more pronounced. Therefore, the contribution of BVOCs to the formation of ozone highlights their impact on air quality and the environmental processes that regulate pollutant levels.

In this context, the incorrect options are as follows: while BVOCs can have an indirect link to decreased air quality through the formation of ozone, they do not directly cause decreased air quality in the way that ozone formation does. Soil enrichment is more related to organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, while temperature regulation is influenced by a complex interplay of various atmospheric effects rather than solely by the emissions of BVOCs. The primary significance of BVOCs lies in their role in atmospheric reactions, particularly regarding