Project Details
Projekt
AEI-DFG: Measurements and modelling for advancing knowledge of NMVOC concentrations in urban air and associated emission sources in Berlin and Barcelona
Subject Area
Atmospheric Science
Term
since 2024
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 541657604
Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMVOCs) are trace gases of anthropogenic and biogenic sources. They are important precursors for the formation of secondary pollutants, such as ozone and secondary organic aerosol, which is a component of particulate matter. Some NMVOCs, such as benzene, also have direct adverse health effects. There are a number of research gaps related to NMVOCs and their role in urban air pollution. For one, there is a lack of measurements of NMVOCs in urban areas. This limits understanding of source sector contributions to total NMVOC emissions. Furthermore, the limited number of individual NMVOCs typically measured means that speciation profiles used for understanding source contributions and representation of NMVOCs in emission inventories needs improvement. Emission inventories are critical input for air quality models, important tools for atmospheric science research and policy support for mitigation air pollution. This combination of research gaps has resulted in limited capacity for assessing model performance for capturing NMVOCs. In the UrbanVOC project, we are bringing together expertise in measurements, modelling, and emissions, to make a coordinated effort to address the research gaps outlined above. Parallel measurement campaigns in Berlin and Barcelona will be carried out, that will allow for source apportionment analysis and new insights into source sector contributions and speciation. The measurement data and source apportionment results will also inform an assessment of the representation of NMVOCs in emission inventories. Two state-of-the-art air quality models will be run and evaluated at regional and local scale using the campaign data and improved emission inventory information. Finally, having two cities and two models will allow for comparisons and sensitivity analyses that will advance knowledge beyond that possible without this cooperation. Results will be broadly applicable to the European research community.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
International Connection
Spain
Partner Organisation
Agencia Estatal de Investigación
Cooperation Partners
Dr. Marc Guevara Vilardell; Dr. Ana María Yáñez Serrano
