Biogenic aerosols and air quality in the mediterranean area

Objective

The project aspires to understand and quantify the relative contribution of bioorganic components to the observed aerosol concentration levels in Mediterranean environment and to develop and validate a 3-D aerosol/photochemical/radiative modelling tool, enabling the assessment of the bioorganic contribution to aerosols and the radiative forcing by these on climate. These goals will be satisfied through the implementation of laboratory experiments, field measurements. The proposed project focuses on two representative Mediterranean regions with elevated bioorganic emissions and sufficient degree of diversity (Marseilles, Athens). However, the overall methodology will be applicable to any other European region. The project results (3-D aerosol modelling tool, inventories and development methodology, chemical mechanisms of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation and assessment of radiative forcing by SOA on regional scale) should enable the formulation of cost-effective aerosol control, mitigation strategies and measures thus, avoiding wasted expenditures and delays in reaching attainment of targets.

Programme(s)

• FP5-EESD - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Energy, environment and sustainable development, 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.4.-2. - Key action Global Change, Climate and Biodiversity

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 'DEMOKRITOS'

Address

Aghia Paraskevi, Attikis
15310 Athens
Greece

Participants (7)

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE

France

Address

Rue Blessig 1
67084 Strasbourg

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Italy

Address

Via Enrico Fermi Tp 290
21020 Ispra

NORWEGIAN INSTITUTE FOR AIR RESEARCH

Norway

Address

Instituttveien 18
2027 Kjeller

UNIVERSITE LOUIS PASTEUR, STRASBOURG 1

France

Address

Rue Blessig 1
67084 Strasbourg

UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI

Finland

Address

Siltavuorenpenger 20 D
00014 Helsinki

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN DENMARK - UNIVERSITY OF ODENSE

Denmark

Address

55,Campusvej 55
5230 Odense

UNIVERSITY OF THE AEGEAN

Greece

Address

17,Karantoni 17
81100 Mytilini