The Vertical Distribution of VOCs and Their Impact on the Environment: A Review

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play an important role in atmospheric chemistry. Primary VOCs take part in chemical and photochemical reactions, contributing to ozone (O3) and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation, which may cause air pollution problems. High VOC concentrations might lead to dizziness, nausea, headaches, genotoxicity, reproductive weakness, and other diseases harmful to human health. Several studies have been performed to analyze the components, variations, or sources of VOCs at the ground level. In contrast, studies of the vertical distribution characteristics of VOCs are scarce, and the VOC potential for O3 formation in the boundary layer is not yet well understood. To better understand the VOC vertical variation regularities and related reasons in temporal and spatial dimensions, thus to deepen the understanding of their effects on O3 and SOA formation in the vertical direction and to identify the existing gaps in VOC vertical distributions, this study reviewed VOC sampling techniques, VOC vertical distribution characteristics, VOC diffusion models, and effects caused by VOCs. This work can be a valuable reference for decision making regarding environmental and health problems.