Authors
Morgan Selby (CIRES,NOAA/CSL)

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gas-phase molecules in the atmosphere which have a wide range of volatilities, polarities, and reactivities. VOCs are ubiquitous in, and can be emitted directly into, the atmosphere from natural or anthropogenic activities. In polluted urban environments, VOCs can react to produce ground-level ozone and secondary organic aerosol (SOA). The reaction products are of concern because of their direct negative health effects and climate impacts. To meet the observational demands of VOCs, multiple analytical techniques which are sensitive to the differing properties of a wide range of VOCs, must be employed. During the summer of 2023, NOAA led the Atmospheric Emissions and Reactions Observed from Megacities to Marine Areas (AEROMMA) aircraft campaign. Aboard the NASA DC-8 there was a suite of instruments measuring VOCs. This analysis compares the measurements of 16 different VOCs, from ranging compound classes, observed with GC-MS, PTR-MS, NH4+-LTOF-MS, and Aerodyne TDL analytical methods. Instrument intercomparisons allow users to evaluate the accuracy of the VOC measurements, build confidence on the validity of field measurements, and potentially uncover bias and/or superior performance of instruments on an individual compound level.