Title: Next steps for improving Texas biogenic VOC and NO emission estimates
Institution(s) Represented: University of California, Irvine - Alex Guenther, Ramboll Environ US Corporation - Greg Yarwood
Lead PI: Alex Guenther
AQRP Project Manager: Elena McDonald-Buller
TCEQ Project Liaison: Doug Boyer
Awarded Amount: $168,146.00
Abstract
The overall goal of this project is to improve numerical model predictions of regional ozone and aerosol distributions in Texas by reducing uncertainties associated with quantitative estimates of biogenic VOC and NO emissions from Texas and the surrounding region. Although there have been significant advancements in the procedures used to simulate these biogenic emissions, there are still major uncertainties that limit predictability of Texas air quality simulations. This includes significant gaps in our understanding of biogenic emissions and their implementation in numerical models including isoprene, monoterpene and sesquiterpene emission factors and soil NO emissions. Therefore, we propose to improve the capability of the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN, Guenther et al., 2012) framework to estimate emissions of these compounds. To accomplish this, we will conduct high quality measurements of isoprene, monoterpene and sesquiterpene emission factors at eastern Texas field sites near San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston and integrate these results, and those from other studies, into MEGAN.
The primary output of the proposed research will be a more accurate approach for estimating biogenic VOC and NO emissions. Outcomes will include improved biogenic emission estimates and a better understanding of the current inconsistencies in various biogenic emission observational datasets and model simulations. The overall benefit of this project will be more accurate VOC and NO emission estimates for the Texas air quality simulations that are critical for scientific understanding and the development of regulatory control strategies that will enhance efforts to improve and maintain clean air.
Work Plan: projectinfoFY18_19\18-005\18-005 Scope.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY18_19\18-005\18-005 MTR Oct 2018.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY18_19\18-005\18-005 MTR Nov 2018.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY18_19\18-005\18-005 MTR Dec 2018.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY18_19\18-005\18-005 MTR Jan 2019.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY18_19\18-005\18-005 MTR Feb 2019.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY18_19\18-005\18-005 MTR Mar 2019.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY18_19\18-005\18-005 MTR Apr 2019.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY18_19\18-005\18-005 MTR May 2019.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY18_19\18-005\18-005 MTR Jun 2019.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY18_19\18-005\18-005 MTR Jul 2019.pdf
QAPP: projectinfoFY18_19\18-005\18-005 QAPP.pdf
Final Report: projectinfoFY18_19\18-005\18-005 Final Report.pdf
