BAERLIN2014 – stationary measurements and source apportionment at an urban background station in Berlin, Germany

Abstract

Abstract. The "Berlin Air quality and Ecosystem Research: Local and long-range Impact of anthropogenic and Natural hydrocarbons" (BAERLIN2014) campaign was conducted during the 3 summer months (June-August) of 2014. During this measurement campaign, both stationary and mobile measurements were undertaken to address complementary aims. This paper provides an overview of the stationary measurements and results that were focused on characterization of gaseous and particulate pollution, including source attribution, in the Berlin-Potsdam area, and quantification of the role of natural sources in determining levels of ozone and related gaseous pollutants. Results show that biogenic contributions to ozone and particulate matter are substantial. One indicator for ozone formation, the OH reactivity, showed a 31 % (0.82 ± 0.44 s −1 ) and 75 % (3.7 ± 0.90 s −1 ) contribution from biogenic non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) for urban background (2.6 ± 0.68 s −1 ) and urban park (4.9 ± 1.0 s −1 ) location, respectively, emphasizing the importance of such locations as sources of biogenic NMVOCs in urban areas. A comparison to NMVOC measurements made in Berlin approximately 20 years earlier generally show lower levels today for anthropogenic NMVOCs. A substantial contribution of secondary organic and inorganic aerosol to PM 10 concentrations was quantified. In addition to secondary aerosols, source apportionment analysis of the organic carbon fraction identified the contribution of biogenic (plant-based) particulate matter, as well as primary contributions from vehicles, with a larger contribution from diesel compared to gasoline vehicles, as well as a relatively small contribution from wood burning, linked to measured levoglucosan.

MAX-DOAS measurements of tropospheric NO<sub>2</sub> and HCHO in Munich and the comparison to OMI and TROPOMI satellite observations

“…In this study, aerosol extinction coefficient profiles are retrieved from the observations of O 4 DSCD at the 338-370 nm Chan et al (2018); Chan et al (2019). The conversion of MAX-DOAS observations to aerosol extinction and trace gas profiles requires an inversion of the underlying radiative transfer equation (Wagner et al, 2004;Hönninger et al, 2004;Sinreich et al, 2005;Frieß et al, 2006;Hartl and Wenig, 2013). O 4 has several absorption bands in the UV and VIS spectral ranges.…”

An Analysis of Factors Influencing the Relationship between Satellite-Derived AOD and Ground-Level PM10

“…These sites are excluded from the analysis as they are by design not representative for conditions beyond the specific traffic situation and thus the area covered by a satellite pixel. PM concentrations within the city area reach their maximum in the morning hours (∼ 7-8 a.m.) and in the evening (∼ 9-11 p.m.) [36]. Urban background sites capture the integrated contribution of all sources near the site without one particular source dominating.…”