Measurements of ambient hydrocarbons and carbonyls in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), China

Measurements of 47 hydrocarbons and 3 carbonyls were performed at six sites in July 2006 and in October–November 2008 in Pearl River Delta (PRD), China. The distribution of volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations and compositions at different sites revealed photochemical losses of hydrocarbons and secondary formation of carbonyls. Carbonyls were shown to be an important contributor to OH loss rates and ozone formation potentials. Correlations between VOCs were used to identify the sources of VOC species. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is an important contributor in Guangzhou. Vehicle emissions were the dominant sources of C4–C5 alkenes (except isoprene), whereas industrial and/or solvent use accounted for a significant fraction of aromatic concentrations. Ethylbenzene/m, p-xylene ratios accurately described ozone formation at all sites except a site located upwind of Guangzhou in 2008.

► The hydrocarbons and carbonyls were measured simultaneously at regional scale.
► The reactivities of VOC species were identified by both OH loss rate and ozone formation potential.
► The major VOC sources were explored by correlations between typical tracers in ambient air and emissions.