Biogenic Secondary Organic Aerosol

Abstract

Within global climate change science, the role of Biogenic Secondary Organic Aerosol (BSOA) has been found as a major uncertainty. Up to date, it is well known that vegetation emits a vast number of Biogenic Volatile Or ganic Compounds (BVOC). Due to atmospheric conditions, these gases undergo oxidative proce sses, producing what we know as secondary organic aerosols. Aerosol science mainstre am has focused on two main BVOC groups, monoterpenes and isoprene, due to their abundance a nd characteristics. Also, studies have tried to understand ma in processes by O 3 , OH-radicals and NO 3 -radicals. Nonetheless, aerosol studies have been approached in various perspec tives in order to decrease the uncertainty with respect to formation pathways of Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) . Better understanding of these has been achieved with fi eld and laboratory studies which results are then applied in models. In overall, if the uncerta inty on SOA is to be tackled it is required to build a link between what it is analysed through field stud ies and laboratory experiments and at the same produce accurate models that can project and s imulate all the involved processes accordingly. Basically, modelling, field studie s and laboratory studies of or ganic aerosols from biogenic sources improve knowledge but raise new ques tions. This document is an attempt to summarise the current status on the matter an d the possible focus for tomorrow’s organic aerosol science.