Biogenic volatile organic compounds concentrations and their conversion to oxidized VOCs and secondary organic aerosol particles

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) are key precursors for the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and strongly impact air quality and climate change. To assess the role of BVOC and their transformation to SOA, we studied BVOC sources, concentrations, and their oxidation to SOA in an urban area in southwest Germany during a summertime heatwave episode. State-of-the-art mass spectrometers including a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS) coupled with a new particle inlet chemical analysis of aerosol online (CHARON) and an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) were utilized to measure compositions and concentrations of particles and trace gases.  By combining meteorological parameters (temperature, relative humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and radiation), potential sources of BVOC and SOA in this characteristic urban area during the summer heatwave of 2022 were identified. Potential sources as well as the influence of temperature on BVOC to SOA conversion will be discussed.