Extended Characterization of Volatile Organic Compound Composition in Cairo Megacity.

摘要: VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) include a wide variety of chemicals. Some of them may have short-and long-term adverse health effects while others are precursors of secondary compounds such as ozone or secondary organic aerosols. It is therefore of importance to study the source and fate of VOCs especially in megacities. Cairo is a representative megacity in the Mediterranean region that has been struggling for years with severe air pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Greater Cairo has the worst air pollution in Egypt and the level of air pollution in Egypt is already ranging 10 to 100 times higher than the standards set by WHO (2016). Additionally, the rise of inhabitants in Greater Cairo is predicted to increase air pollution by releasing various gaseous and particulate compounds into the atmosphere. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand key compounding factors of …