Chemical composition and transformation of VOCs in the outflow of large population centers in Europe and Asia during EMeRGe (Chocolate)

• Applicant: Dr. Marco Neumaier
• Subject Area: Atmospheric Science
• Term: from 2016 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 316868762

Improved characterization of the emission and detailed composition of VOCs by large population areas and of their chemical transformation downwind. This implies the measurement of a as complete as possible zoo of different VOCs with different properties such as chemical lifetimes, chemical properties (e.g. concerning different sinks by OH, NO3, O3, photolysis), water-solubility (allowing in addition wash-out and/or dry deposition), and vapor pressure (leading to the formation and/or grow of organic aerosol). A specific question in this respect is what role biogenic emissions do play in Asian megacities? These data shall be compared with model results from the new model ICON-ART, in collaboration with the model group at the IMK (Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research). Objective is to identify shortcomings in the applied emission scenarios and in the chemical processing along the transport pathway. Here, also the interplay with organic aerosols can be investigated as well as the mixing/dilution with background air masses.Objective is also to identify and quantify differences in the type, partitioning and rates of megacities emissions in Asia and Europe. Such differences are expected and have already been identified [Guttikunda, 2005; von Schneidemesser et al., 2010; Borbon et al., 2013], due to the obvious differences in fuel usage, car and truck types/ages, waste composition and management, energy production, etc. For instance, the emission of acetonitrile, a reliable tracer of burning of biomass/plants, is expected to be much higher in Asia. Is the photochemical formation of ozone in and downwind of megacities limited by the abundance of NOx or VOC? How does this formation changes along the transport pathway? Are there general differences between Asian and European megacities in this respect and what is the influence of biogenic emissions from rural areas?

• DFG Programme: Infrastructure Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1294: Atmospheric and Earth System Research with the "High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft" (HALO)
• Co-Investigator: Andreas Zahn, Ph.D.