Determination of aldehydes and ketones in the atmosphere — A comparative long time study at an urban and a rural site in Eastern Germany

Subsequent to the political changes in Eastern Germany, environmental changes were the subject of the scientific research project SANA. Until 1990, the area of Leipzig was the most polluted region in Germany. Variabilities and commonalities of the longest measurement series concerning carbonyl compounds in Central Europe are presented. Yearly and diurnal variations of main carbonyl compounds from Leipzig and the rural research station Melpitz (both in Saxony, Germany) are discussed. Anthropogenic influences (traffic, industry and households) and winter inversion periods are estimated. The broad variability of carbonyl concentrations in the air is demonstrated.