Anthropogenic Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds

TLDR: In this paper, the authors focus on anthropogenic VOC emissions and begin with descriptions of important source categories such as road transport, combustion of solid fuels in small furnaces, use of organic solvents, disposal of organic wastes on landfills, and ruminant husbandry.

Abstract: Publisher Summary The family of chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) comprises a large variety of species, which are released into the atmosphere from numerous types of sources. Volatile organic compounds containing oxygen, chlorine, or other elements besides carbon and hydrogen are also important. This chapter focuses on anthropogenic VOC emissions and begins with descriptions of important source categories—that is, road transport, combustion of solid fuels in small furnaces, use of organic solvents, disposal of organic wastes on landfills, and ruminant husbandry. Parameters controlling the number of VOC emissions, information on the chemical composition of the emissions, and brief mention of the technical measures available for the abatement of VOC emissions are the major points mentioned in this context in the chapter. Annual emission data for methane and nonmethane VOCs (NMVOCs) on global, European, and national scales are also presented and discussed in the chapter. Finally, the strong temporal variations and spatial distribution patterns of NMVOC emissions are outlined in the chapter.