Biogenic volatile organic compound emissions and their impact on urban air quality: Lessons learned, current understanding and future challenges

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) can have a significant impact on atmospheric composition, impacting both air quality and climate. This review provides a comprehensive examination of BVOC emissions including their measurement techniques, modelling approaches, current estimates and uncertainties, as well as BVOC emission impacts on ozone and particles and the implications for air pollution management. The historical context is described from the first emission calculations to the current numerical computer models. The review also addresses the challenges including limited observations and the complexity of the factors controlling BVOC emissions. The methodologies for BVOC flux measurements and modelling are described and their effectiveness is discussed. Additionally, strategies for controlling BVOC impacts on air quality are considered including both direct emission reduction and indirect approaches through anthropogenic pollution control. The limitations and knowledge gaps in current BVOC research are identified, along with future challenges and opportunities to improve the predictive capability of BVOC emission models.