Wood Dust Production and VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) Emissions During Mechanical Pre-pruning in Vineyards

During trials regarding the mechanization of vine pre-pruning, production of wood dust that could obstruct tractor filters was noticed. It was hence decided to investigate the production of chemical airborne pollutants during mechanical pre-pruning of vines, with the aim of assessing operators’ exposure to wood dust and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Experiments were carried out in 4 different vineyards during mechanical pre-pruning using pre-pruning machinery with rotating components. The dust was collected with active filter sampling, using an IOM sampler. The VOC emissions were recorded with a portable measuring device based on photo-ionisation technology. The data was processed with R software for variability distribution and to investigate the influence of the independent variables considered. The results show that the values found for wood dust were below the limits established by Italian regulations (5 mg/m3). However, the daily exposure of 1.55 mg/m3 that was found indicates the importance of risk assessment. The exposure to VOCs found leads to the conclusion that during mechanical pre-pruning quantities of airborne pollutants are released that could put the operator at risk if he/she is not suitably protected.