Assessment of the status of biogenic organic emissions and impacts on air quality in southern Africa

Air quality management in South Africa has traditionally focused on industrial, vehicular and domestic coal burning as emission sources of air pollution. Only recently through, research initiatives such as Southern African Fire-Atmosphere Research Initiative in 2000 (SAFARI 2000) and the Cross Border Air Pollution Impact Assessment Project, have the importance of biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions been recognized in regional atmospheric chemistry and composition, particularly relating to surface ozone formation. These projects have identified significant gaps in the understanding of BVOC emissions in southern Africa.

BVOC emissions are relatively well understood for southern African savanna and woodland plant species and landscapes. Considering that the region is home to more than 20 000 plant species, the most significant gap in the understanding of BVOC emissions is the acute lack of plant specific emission information. Equally important is an understanding of the unique local factors that control BVOC emissions.

A project has been launched in South Africa to develop capacity and technologies to address the BVOC knowledge gaps. It focuses on measurement and modelling and aims to develop a cadre of skilled scientists in BVOC sampling techniques using leaf and branch enclosures, relaxed eddy accumulation and lidar techniques in conjunction with development and application of photochemical modelling.