OGTAC-CC training course November 2024 @TROPOS ACD, Leipzig (Germany)

The 5-day intensive hands-on training course about LC-MS analysis of organic tracer compounds and the determination of organic and elemental carbon (OC/EC) from particulate matter collected on filters took place from Monday 11^th to Friday 15^th of November 2024 at TROPOS ACD in Leipzig.

The course was organized by the OrGanic Tracers and Aerosol Constituents – Calibration Centre (OGTAC-CC). Participants from all over Europe have been trained on the full analytical procedure to quantify particulate organics. The training started with introduction lectures in atmospheric and analytical chemistry. Theory was combined with an on-site visit to the TROPOS field measurement station Melpitz as well as the active participation in performing an experiment in the TROPOS atmospheric simulation chamber. In full day hands-on sessions, the participants have been introduced in the whole process of sample preparation of collected field and chamber filter samples for further analysis of organic tracers as well as OC/EC as sum parameters. Additional hands-on training on state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation enabled a comprehensive overview in the field of particulate organic tracer and OC/EC determination. Further interactive lectures about particle sampling techniques, special analytical separation techniques plus short talks about recent research at TROPOS ACD completed the theoretical part. The combination of lectures (about 11 h) with the hands-on training part (about 15 h) as well as common group activities between the participants and the OGTAC-CC training team strengthen furthermore potential joint future scientific research.