Aircraft emit important amounts of particulate and gaseous matter in the atmosphere contributing on the one hand to local air pollution and on the other hand to the atmospheric radiative forcing and to climate change. Introducing alternative fuels in aviation can be considered as a viable option to reducing the impact of aviation, being economically and environmentally sustainable. These selected biofuels tend to have lower aromatic and sulphur contents inducing a simultaneous reduction in sulphuric acid and soot emissions. However modifying the nature and composition of the fuel used can entail unexpected consequences. It is therefore essential to study and determine the evolution of aerosols in the aircraft plume. To manage this task, a microphysical trajectory box, previously tested with standard kerosene, has been developed. After an assessment concerning the typical emissions from the combustion of biofuels in aviation, simulations have been undertaken in order to predict aerosol evolution. Several microphysical processes have been revised such as droplet homogeneous freezing or the behaviour of organic compounds.
