Atmospheric oxidation of stress induced emissions from vegetation - its role for aerosol formation

Research Project, 2016 – 2018

Our hypothesis, based on our recent case study, is that stress-induced emissions (SIE) are a significant source to ambient organic aerosol and must be included in atmosphere-climate-vegetation feedbacks.

The aim is to understand and quantify how SIE from vegetation can influences biogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. We will develop an understanding in how SIE-SOA formation should be described in chemical transport modelling.

Application of the model will enable comparison with concurrent field observations or basis for future measurement initiatives to monitoring stress-induced emissions as part of ecosystem status.

Specifically, the understanding of the atmospheric oxidation of selected SIE BVOCs with the atmospheric oxidants (O3, OH and NO3) and related product/SOA formation will be addressed under high (urban influenced) and low (unperturbed rural) NOx conditions. The selection of SIE BVOCs is based on recent findings on real plant SIE emissions regarding composition and strength as function of selected stressors (biotic and droughts). The project team has a high profile within atmospheric
chemistry and biosphere-atmosphere interactions and has the necessary advanced tools to address this topic efficiently with high quality.

The results will be implemented and tested using the EMEP model that feeds into integrated assessment models such as the GAINS model for co-benefit policy strategies on mitigation of air pollution and greenhouse gas emission.