Dynamic Correlation between Ozone and Volatile Organic Compounds in the Southeastern Coastal Region

Abstract

In order to investigate the sources and effects of atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the southeast coastal region and to formulate effective ozone control policies, 96 VOCs were measured in the southeast coastal region from September to October 2016 using an online gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer/flame ionization detector (Online-GC-MS/FID). The composition, daily trends, sources, and contribution to ozone production of 96 VOCs in the southeast coastal region were analyzed. The results of the study showed that the volume mixing ratio of alkanes was the highest, followed by aromatic hydrocarbons; the daily variation trend of alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons was obvious, with a double-peaked feature; propane, isoprene, and aromatic hydrocarbons in the atmosphere of the southeast coastal region came from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural sources, and industrial emissions, respectively. The analysis of the activity of VOCs shows that aromatic hydrocarbons and alkanes are the most important contributors to OFP in the southeast coastal region, with toluene, m-/paraxylene, and ethylene being the species that contribute the most to OFP. Therefore, the control of VOC emissions from anthropogenic sources is a priority for ozone pollution control in the southeast coastal region in the future.