OrGanic Tracers and Aerosol Constituents - Calibration Centre (OGTAC-CC)

The Atmospheric Chemistry Department (ACD) at TROPOS operates the Organic Tracers and Aerosol Constituents – Calibration Centre (OGTAC-CC), which was established as part of EUROCHAMP-2020. In this context, OGTAC-CC supported the community of aerosol and simulation chambers in harmonising the chemical analysis of organic aerosol constituents. Even at that stage, the centre’s activities were based on two key pillars: firstly, the delivery of practical training on state-of-the-art instruments to train highly qualified personnel; and secondly, ensuring a high standard of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) through the provision of suitable methods and the organisation of interlaboratory comparisons.

Since mid-2021, OGTAC-CC has been further developed as an Aerosol In-situ Topical Centre within the framework of ACTRIS (Aerosols, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure). The centre is responsible for the development and provision of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for determining the mass concentration of organic trace substances in particle samples collected on filters or other substrates (offline analysis). In addition, the centre offers support and services in fundamental separation and detection techniques, in particular gas and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS, GC-MS). Furthermore, OGTAC-CC regularly organises training courses and conducts interlaboratory comparisons. Another key focus is the continuous monitoring of scientific and technical developments. This enables the centre to respond promptly to methodological innovations and offer appropriate training for specialist staff in the fields of laboratory work and data analysis. Furthermore, OGTAC-CC fosters a strong network of research groups and industrial partners across Europe who collaborate in the field of organic aerosol analysis.