Dynamic headspace enrichment system for CGC analysis of volatiles released by plants

The aim of the present study is to develop a method for following the changes in the chemical composition of volatile substances released by plants. Dynamic headspace enrichment, followed by on-line thermal desorption and cryotrapping was coupled with capillary gas chromatography. The technique was optimized by adjusting the sampling and desorption parameters and by designing a special condensing device to avoid the transfer of excessive amounts of water into the analytical column. Details are given for the characterization of volatiles compounds released by mosses.