Articles | Volume 14, issue 13
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-6669-2014
© Author(s) 2014. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-6669-2014
© Author(s) 2014. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research article
| 
02 Jul 2014
Research article |
| 02 Jul 2014
Atmospheric tar balls: aged primary droplets from biomass burning?
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, P.O. Box 158, 8201, Hungary
A. Hoffer
MTA-PE Air Chemistry Research Group, Veszprém, P.O. Box 158, 8201, Hungary
I. Nyirő-Kósa
MTA-PE Air Chemistry Research Group, Veszprém, P.O. Box 158, 8201, Hungary
M. Pósfai
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, P.O. Box 158, 8201, Hungary
A. Gelencsér
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, P.O. Box 158, 8201, Hungary
MTA-PE Air Chemistry Research Group, Veszprém, P.O. Box 158, 8201, Hungary
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A. Hoffer, A. Tóth, I. Nyirő-Kósa, M. Pósfai, and A. Gelencsér
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 239–246, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-239-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-239-2016, 2016
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Tar balls (TBs) are a specific particle type which is abundant in the global troposphere, in particular in biomass smoke plumes. These particles belong to the family of atmospheric brown carbon (BrC), which can absorb light in the visible range of the solar spectrum. The refractive index of TBs falls much closer to that of soot than of other light-absorbing species such as humic-like substances. These findings may have substantial influence on the understanding of global radiative energy fluxes.
András Hoffer, Aida Meiramova, Ádám Tóth, Beatrix Jancsek-Turóczi, Gyula Kiss, Ágnes Rostási, Erika Andrea Levei, Luminita Marmureanu, Attila Machon, and András Gelencsér
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1659–1671, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1659-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1659-2024, 2024
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Specific tracer compounds identified previously in controlled test burnings of different waste types in the laboratory were detected and quantified in ambient PM10 samples collected in five Hungarian and four Romanian settlements. Back-of-the-envelope calculations based on the relative emission factors of individual tracers suggested that the contribution of solid waste burning particulate emissions to ambient PM10 mass concentrations may be as high as a few percent.
András Hoffer, Ádám Tóth, Beatrix Jancsek-Turóczi, Attila Machon, Aida Meiramova, Attila Nagy, Luminita Marmureanu, and András Gelencsér
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 17855–17864, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17855-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17855-2021, 2021
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Due to the widespread use of plastics high amounts of waste are burned in households worldwide, emitting vast amounts of PM10 and PAHs into the atmosphere. In this work different types of common plastics were burned in the laboratory with a view to identifying potentially specific tracer compounds and determining their emission factors. The compounds found were also successfully identified in atmospheric PM10 samples, indicating their potential use as ambient tracers for illegal waste burning.
András Hoffer, Beatrix Jancsek-Turóczi, Ádám Tóth, Gyula Kiss, Anca Naghiu, Erika Andrea Levei, Luminita Marmureanu, Attila Machon, and András Gelencsér
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 16135–16144, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-16135-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-16135-2020, 2020
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Emission factors for PM10 and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are reported for the first time ever for the indoor combustion of 12 common types of municipal solid waste that are frequently burned in households worldwide. We have found that waste burning emits up to 40 times more PM10 and 800 times more PAHs than the combustion of dry firewood. Our finding highlights the need for coordinated actions against illegal waste combustion and the extreme health hazard associated with it.
Paolo Laj, Alessandro Bigi, Clémence Rose, Elisabeth Andrews, Cathrine Lund Myhre, Martine Collaud Coen, Yong Lin, Alfred Wiedensohler, Michael Schulz, John A. Ogren, Markus Fiebig, Jonas Gliß, Augustin Mortier, Marco Pandolfi, Tuukka Petäja, Sang-Woo Kim, Wenche Aas, Jean-Philippe Putaud, Olga Mayol-Bracero, Melita Keywood, Lorenzo Labrador, Pasi Aalto, Erik Ahlberg, Lucas Alados Arboledas, Andrés Alastuey, Marcos Andrade, Begoña Artíñano, Stina Ausmeel, Todor Arsov, Eija Asmi, John Backman, Urs Baltensperger, Susanne Bastian, Olaf Bath, Johan Paul Beukes, Benjamin T. Brem, Nicolas Bukowiecki, Sébastien Conil, Cedric Couret, Derek Day, Wan Dayantolis, Anna Degorska, Konstantinos Eleftheriadis, Prodromos Fetfatzis, Olivier Favez, Harald Flentje, Maria I. Gini, Asta Gregorič, Martin Gysel-Beer, A. Gannet Hallar, Jenny Hand, Andras Hoffer, Christoph Hueglin, Rakesh K. Hooda, Antti Hyvärinen, Ivo Kalapov, Nikos Kalivitis, Anne Kasper-Giebl, Jeong Eun Kim, Giorgos Kouvarakis, Irena Kranjc, Radovan Krejci, Markku Kulmala, Casper Labuschagne, Hae-Jung Lee, Heikki Lihavainen, Neng-Huei Lin, Gunter Löschau, Krista Luoma, Angela Marinoni, Sebastiao Martins Dos Santos, Frank Meinhardt, Maik Merkel, Jean-Marc Metzger, Nikolaos Mihalopoulos, Nhat Anh Nguyen, Jakub Ondracek, Noemi Pérez, Maria Rita Perrone, Jean-Eudes Petit, David Picard, Jean-Marc Pichon, Veronique Pont, Natalia Prats, Anthony Prenni, Fabienne Reisen, Salvatore Romano, Karine Sellegri, Sangeeta Sharma, Gerhard Schauer, Patrick Sheridan, James Patrick Sherman, Maik Schütze, Andreas Schwerin, Ralf Sohmer, Mar Sorribas, Martin Steinbacher, Junying Sun, Gloria Titos, Barbara Toczko, Thomas Tuch, Pierre Tulet, Peter Tunved, Ville Vakkari, Fernando Velarde, Patricio Velasquez, Paolo Villani, Sterios Vratolis, Sheng-Hsiang Wang, Kay Weinhold, Rolf Weller, Margarita Yela, Jesus Yus-Diez, Vladimir Zdimal, Paul Zieger, and Nadezda Zikova
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 4353–4392, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4353-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4353-2020, 2020
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The paper establishes the fiducial reference of the GAW aerosol network providing the fully characterized value chain to the provision of four climate-relevant aerosol properties from ground-based sites. Data from almost 90 stations worldwide are reported for a reference year, 2017, providing a unique and very robust view of the variability of these variables worldwide. Current gaps in the GAW network are analysed and requirements for the Global Climate Monitoring System are proposed.
Martine Collaud Coen, Elisabeth Andrews, Andrés Alastuey, Todor Petkov Arsov, John Backman, Benjamin T. Brem, Nicolas Bukowiecki, Cédric Couret, Konstantinos Eleftheriadis, Harald Flentje, Markus Fiebig, Martin Gysel-Beer, Jenny L. Hand, András Hoffer, Rakesh Hooda, Christoph Hueglin, Warren Joubert, Melita Keywood, Jeong Eun Kim, Sang-Woo Kim, Casper Labuschagne, Neng-Huei Lin, Yong Lin, Cathrine Lund Myhre, Krista Luoma, Hassan Lyamani, Angela Marinoni, Olga L. Mayol-Bracero, Nikos Mihalopoulos, Marco Pandolfi, Natalia Prats, Anthony J. Prenni, Jean-Philippe Putaud, Ludwig Ries, Fabienne Reisen, Karine Sellegri, Sangeeta Sharma, Patrick Sheridan, James Patrick Sherman, Junying Sun, Gloria Titos, Elvis Torres, Thomas Tuch, Rolf Weller, Alfred Wiedensohler, Paul Zieger, and Paolo Laj
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 8867–8908, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-8867-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-8867-2020, 2020
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Long-term trends of aerosol radiative properties (52 stations) prove that aerosol load has significantly decreased over the last 20 years. Scattering trends are negative in Europe (EU) and North America (NA), not ss in Asia, and show a mix of positive and negative trends at polar stations. Absorption has mainly negative trends. The single scattering albedo has positive trends in Asia and eastern EU and negative in western EU and NA, leading to a global positive median trend of 0.02 % per year.
Ádám Tóth, András Hoffer, Mihály Pósfai, Tibor Ajtai, Zoltán Kónya, Marianne Blazsó, Zsuzsanna Czégény, Gyula Kiss, Zoltán Bozóki, and András Gelencsér
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 10407–10418, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10407-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10407-2018, 2018
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Atmospheric tar balls are abundant particles in biomass smoke and some of them were shown to be strongly light-absorbing. Being able to synthesize pure tar balls in the laboratory we deployed various analytical techniques to determine the chemical characteristics of these tar balls and to compare them with those of other light-absorbing particle types such as soot (black carbon, BC). The results have relevance in better representing these specific smoke particles in global climate models.
Marco Pandolfi, Lucas Alados-Arboledas, Andrés Alastuey, Marcos Andrade, Christo Angelov, Begoña Artiñano, John Backman, Urs Baltensperger, Paolo Bonasoni, Nicolas Bukowiecki, Martine Collaud Coen, Sébastien Conil, Esther Coz, Vincent Crenn, Vadimas Dudoitis, Marina Ealo, Kostas Eleftheriadis, Olivier Favez, Prodromos Fetfatzis, Markus Fiebig, Harald Flentje, Patrick Ginot, Martin Gysel, Bas Henzing, Andras Hoffer, Adela Holubova Smejkalova, Ivo Kalapov, Nikos Kalivitis, Giorgos Kouvarakis, Adam Kristensson, Markku Kulmala, Heikki Lihavainen, Chris Lunder, Krista Luoma, Hassan Lyamani, Angela Marinoni, Nikos Mihalopoulos, Marcel Moerman, José Nicolas, Colin O'Dowd, Tuukka Petäjä, Jean-Eudes Petit, Jean Marc Pichon, Nina Prokopciuk, Jean-Philippe Putaud, Sergio Rodríguez, Jean Sciare, Karine Sellegri, Erik Swietlicki, Gloria Titos, Thomas Tuch, Peter Tunved, Vidmantas Ulevicius, Aditya Vaishya, Milan Vana, Aki Virkkula, Stergios Vratolis, Ernest Weingartner, Alfred Wiedensohler, and Paolo Laj
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 7877–7911, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-7877-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-7877-2018, 2018
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This investigation presents the variability in near-surface in situ aerosol particle light-scattering measurements obtained over the past decade at 28 measuring atmospheric observatories which are part of the ACTRIS Research Infrastructure, and most of them belong to the GAW network. This paper provides a comprehensive picture of the spatial and temporal variability of aerosol particles optical properties in Europe.
Lauren Schmeisser, Elisabeth Andrews, John A. Ogren, Patrick Sheridan, Anne Jefferson, Sangeeta Sharma, Jeong Eun Kim, James P. Sherman, Mar Sorribas, Ivo Kalapov, Todor Arsov, Christo Angelov, Olga L. Mayol-Bracero, Casper Labuschagne, Sang-Woo Kim, András Hoffer, Neng-Huei Lin, Hao-Ping Chia, Michael Bergin, Junying Sun, Peng Liu, and Hao Wu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 12097–12120, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-12097-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-12097-2017, 2017
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Three methods are used to classify aerosol type from aerosol optical properties measured in situ at 24 surface sites. Classification methods work best at sites with stable, homogenous aerosol at particularly polluted and dust-prone continental and marine sites. Classification methods are poor at remote marine and Arctic sites. Using these methods to extrapolate aerosol type from optical properties can help determine aerosol radiative forcing and improve aerosol satellite retrieval algorithms.
Gyula Kiss, Kornélia Imre, Ágnes Molnár, and András Gelencsér
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 10, 2477–2484, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-2477-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-2477-2017, 2017
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As a result of multiple efforts the PM10 mass concentration has been reduced in many developed countries in the past 2 decades. However, as the PM10 mass concentrations are decreasing, the potential relative bias caused by water interactions is likely becoming more significant. This is simply due to the fact that the bias caused by adsorption or desorption of water on and from the filter medium becomes proportionally more significant relative to the aerosol mass deposited on the filter.
András Hoffer, Ádám Tóth, Mihály Pósfai, Chul Eddy Chung, and András Gelencsér
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 10, 2353–2359, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-2353-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-2353-2017, 2017
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Black carbon (BC) aerosols have been conventionally assumed to be the only light-absorbing carbonaceous particles that absorb visible light in the atmosphere. Here we report that, contrary to the conventional belief, tar balls (a specific type of organic aerosol particles from biomass burning) do absorb visible light more than previously thought. Our results support previous findings that tar balls play an important role in global warming.
A. Hoffer, A. Tóth, M. Pósfai, C. E. Chung, and A. Gelencsér
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2016-452, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2016-452, 2016
Revised manuscript not accepted
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Black carbon aerosols (BC) have been conventionally assumed to be the only light-absorbing carbonaceous particles in the atmosphere. Here we report that a specific type of organic aerosol particles from biomass burning also absorb light significantly. Particles were produced in the laboratory and their optical properties were measured. The results infer that the role of BC (including Diesel soot) in climate change has likely been overestimated in global climate models.
A. Hoffer, A. Tóth, I. Nyirő-Kósa, M. Pósfai, and A. Gelencsér
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 239–246, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-239-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-239-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Tar balls (TBs) are a specific particle type which is abundant in the global troposphere, in particular in biomass smoke plumes. These particles belong to the family of atmospheric brown carbon (BrC), which can absorb light in the visible range of the solar spectrum. The refractive index of TBs falls much closer to that of soot than of other light-absorbing species such as humic-like substances. These findings may have substantial influence on the understanding of global radiative energy fluxes.
K. E. Yttri, J. Schnelle-Kreis, W. Maenhaut, G. Abbaszade, C. Alves, A. Bjerke, N. Bonnier, R. Bossi, M. Claeys, C. Dye, M. Evtyugina, D. García-Gacio, R. Hillamo, A. Hoffer, M. Hyder, Y. Iinuma, J.-L. Jaffrezo, A. Kasper-Giebl, G. Kiss, P. L. López-Mahia, C. Pio, C. Piot, C. Ramirez-Santa-Cruz, J. Sciare, K. Teinilä, R. Vermeylen, A. Vicente, and R. Zimmermann
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 8, 125–147, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-125-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-125-2015, 2015
Related subject area
Subject: Aerosols | Research Activity: Laboratory Studies | Altitude Range: Troposphere | Science Focus: Chemistry (chemical composition and reactions)
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Halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (XPAHs) are emerging pollutants. Stability during atmospheric transformation processes is crucial for predicting their environmental fate and assessing the associated risks. Here, we conducted field studies and laboratory simulation experiments to reveal the mechanisms, influencing factors and products for XPAHs' heterogeneous phototransformation. Results revealed that the conversion of XPAHs led to a reduction in environmental risk.
Marcel Müller, Marcel Reichmuth, and Ulrich Karl Krieger
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The initiation of autoxidation by ozonolysis was investigated on levitated linoleic acid droplets using electrodynamic balance–mass spectrometry. Exposing the droplets to ozone for one hour before switching the gas phase to air without ozone led to a shortening of the autoxidation initiation phase in comparison to experiments without ozone exposure. Results were compared to a bulk reaction model to investigate the synergistic effects of ozonolysis and autoxidation.
Monika Łożyńska, Marzena Trojanowska, Artur Molik, and Ryszard Świetlik
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The assessment of chromium occurrence in particulate matter in cities: PM10, PM2.5, PM1 and PM0.25 during the calendar year was presented. The seasonality of both pseudototal chromium content and its valence speciation was examined. Seasonality of changes in Crtot and Cr(VI) concentrations was observed. Maximum in the winter season, most likely due to the greater share of fuel combustion sources. Regardless of the season, the risk levels for Radom residents were within the acceptable risk range.
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Understanding the surface composition of aerosols is crucial for advancing climate models. We investigated the interface of single-component and mixed aqueous solutions of atmospherically relevant carboxylic acid and alkyl-ammonium ions using liquid-jet photoelectron spectroscopy. An exponential increase in surface propensity as a function of chain length was found for the single species, and cooperative effects in the mixtures cause a further drastic increase in surface solute concentration.
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This study investigated the evolution of biomass and coal combustion-derived WSOM during aqueous photochemical process. The results indicate that photochemical aging induces distinct changes in the optical and molecular properties of WSOM and more pronounced alterations were observed during ·OH photooxidation than direct photolysis. Notably, our results also demostrated that atmospheric photooxidation may represent a significant source of BC-like substances.
Yuting Lyu, Taekyu Joo, Ruihan Ma, Mark Kristan Espejo Cabello, Tianye Zhou, Shun Yeung, Cheuk Ki Wong, Yifang Gu, Yiming Qin, and Theodora Nah
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We investigated the aqueous nitrate-mediated photooxidation of four green leaf volatiles (GLVs). The aqueous reaction medium conditions, dilute cloud/fog vs. concentrated aqueous aerosol conditions, governed the effects that pH, ionic strength, and sulfate have on the GLV degradation rates and aqSOA mass yields. Most notably, reactions initiated by sulfate photolysis have significant effects in aqueous aerosols, but not in cloud/fog droplets.
Rosalie H. Shepherd, Martin D. King, Andrew D. Ward, Edward J. Stuckey, Rebecca J. L. Welbourn, Neil Brough, Adam Milsom, Christian Pfrang, and Thomas Arnold
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2569–2588, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2569-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2569-2025, 2025
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Thin film formation at the air–water interface from material extracted from atmospheric aerosol was demonstrated, supporting the core–shell morphology. Film thicknesses were approximately 10 Å and 17 Å for urban and remote extracts, respectively. Exposure to gas-phase OH radicals showed fast reactions and short lifetimes of around 1 h. The effect on the Earth's radiative balance indicated that removing half of the film could significantly increase the top-of-atmosphere albedo for urban films.
Marwa Shahin, Julien Kammer, Brice Temime-Roussel, and Barbara D'Anna
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-833, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-833, 2025
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Air pollution and climate change are influenced by tiny airborne particles called aerosols. This study explores how pollutants from urban sources, as m-xylene and naphthalene, form new particles in the atmosphere under different conditions. Using advanced techniques, we show how temperature and nitrogen oxides affect the formation and behaviour of these particles. Our findings will improve our understanding on secondary organic particle and air quality models.
Laura Marie Dahler Heinlein, Junwei He, Michael Oluwatoyin Sunday, Fangzhou Guo, James Campbell, Allison Moon, Sukriti Kapur, Ting Fang, Kasey Edwards, Meeta Cesler-Maloney, Alyssa J. Burns, Jack Dibb, William Simpson, Manabu Shiraiwa, Becky Alexander, Jingqiu Mao, James H. Flynn III, Jochen Stutz, and Cort Anastasio
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-824, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-824, 2025
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High-latitude cities like Fairbanks, Alaska, experience severe wintertime pollution episodes. While conventional wisdom holds that oxidation is slow under these conditions, field measurements find oxidized products in particles. To explore this, we measured oxidants in aqueous extracts of winter particles from Fairbanks. We find high concentrations of oxidants during illumination, indicating that particle photochemistry can be significant even in high latitudes during winter.
Rui Jin, Wei Hu, Peimin Duan, Ming Sheng, Dandan Liu, Ziye Huang, Mutong Niu, Libin Wu, Junjun Deng, and Pingqing Fu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 1805–1829, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1805-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1805-2025, 2025
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The metabolic capacity of atmospheric microorganisms after settling into habitats is poorly understood. We studied the molecular composition of exometabolites for cultured typical airborne microbes and traced their metabolic processes. Bacteria and fungi produce highly oxidized exometabolites and have significant variations in metabolism among different strains. These insights are pivotal for assessing the biogeochemical impacts of atmospheric microorganisms following their deposition.
Sophie Bogler, Jun Zhang, Rico K. Y. Cheung, Kun Li, Andre S. H. Prevot, Imad El Haddad, and David M. Bell
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-385, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-385, 2025
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Authentic aerosols emitted from residential wood stoves and open burning processes are only slightly oxidized by ozone in the atmosphere. Under dry conditions the reaction does not proceed to completion, while under high humidity conditions the reactivity proceeds further. These results indicate the reactivity with ozone is likely impacted by aerosol phase state (e.g. aerosol viscosity).
Michel Legrand, Mstislav Vorobyev, Daria Bokuchava, Stanislav Kutuzov, Andreas Plach, Andreas Stohl, Alexandra Khairedinova, Vladimir Mikhalenko, Maria Vinogradova, Sabine Eckhardt, and Susanne Preunkert
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 1385–1399, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1385-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1385-2025, 2025
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Past atmospheric NH3 pollution in south-eastern Europe was reconstructed by analysing ammonium in an ice core drilled at the Mount Elbrus (Caucasus, Russia). The observed 3.5-fold increase in ice concentrations between 1750 and 1990 CE is in good agreement with estimated past dominant ammonia emissions from agriculture, mainly from south European Russia and Türkiye. In contrast to present-day conditions, the ammonium level observed in 1750 CE indicates significant natural emissions at that time.
Mohammed Jaoui, Klara Nestorowicz, Krzysztof J. Rudzinski, Michael Lewandowski, Tadeusz E. Kleindienst, Julio Torres, Ewa Bulska, Witold Danikiewicz, and Rafal Szmigielski
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 1401–1432, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1401-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1401-2025, 2025
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Recent research has established the contribution of 1,3-butadiene (13BD) to organic aerosol formation with negative implications for urban air quality. Health effect studies have focused on whole particulate matter, but compounds responsible for adverse health effects remain uncertain. This study provides the effect of relative humidity and seed aerosol acidity on the chemical composition of aerosol formed from 13BD photooxidation.
Rongzhi Tang, Jialiang Ma, Ruifeng Zhang, Weizhen Cui, Yuanyuan Qin, Yangxi Chu, Yiming Qin, Alexander L. Vogel, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 425–439, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-425-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-425-2025, 2025
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This study provides laboratory evidence that the photosensitizers in biomass burning extracts can enhance sulfate formation in NaCl particles, primarily by triggering the formation of secondary oxidants under light and air conditions, with a lower contribution of direct photosensitization via triplets.
Anni Hartikainen, Mika Ihalainen, Deeksha Shukla, Marius Rohkamp, Arya Mukherjee, Quanfu He, Sandra Piel, Aki Virkkula, Delun Li, Tuukka Kokkola, Seongho Jeong, Hanna Koponen, Uwe Etzien, Anusmita Das, Krista Luoma, Lukas Schwalb, Thomas Gröger, Alexandre Barth, Martin Sklorz, Thorsten Streibel, Hendryk Czech, Benedikt Gündling, Markus Kalberer, Bert Buchholz, Andreas Hupfer, Thomas Adam, Thorsten Hohaus, Johan Øvrevik, Ralf Zimmermann, and Olli Sippula
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3836, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3836, 2025
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Photochemical reactions altered the properties of kerosene-operated jet engine burner exhaust emissions, which were studied in laboratory using an oxidation flow reactor. Particle mass increased 300-fold as particles and gases became more oxidized. Light absorption increased, but the total direct radiative forcing efficiency was estimated to shift from positive to negative. The results highlight the importance of considering secondary aerosol formation when assessing the impacts of aviation.
Si Zhang, Yining Gao, Xinbei Xu, Luyao Chen, Can Wu, Zheng Li, Rongjie Li, Binyu Xiao, Xiaodi Liu, Rui Li, Fan Zhang, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 14177–14190, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-14177-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-14177-2024, 2024
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Secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) from acetone photooxidation in the presence of various seeds were studied to illustrate SOA formation kinetics under ammonia-rich conditions. The oxidation mechanism of acetone was investigated using an observation-based model incorporating a Master Chemical Mechanism model. A higher SOA yield of acetone was observed compared to methylglyoxal due to an enhanced uptake of the small photooxidation products of acetone.
Adam Milsom, Adam M. Squires, Ben Laurence, Ben Wōden, Andrew J. Smith, Andrew D. Ward, and Christian Pfrang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 13571–13586, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13571-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13571-2024, 2024
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We followed nano-structural changes in mixtures found in urban organic aerosol emissions (oleic acid, sodium oleate and fructose) during humidity change and ozone exposure. We demonstrate that self-assembly of fatty acid nanostructures can impact water uptake and chemical reactivity, affecting atmospheric lifetimes, urban air quality (preventing harmful emissions from degradation and enabling their long-range transport) and climate (affecting cloud formation), with implications for human health.
Kumiko Goto-Azuma, Remi Dallmayr, Yoshimi Ogawa-Tsukagawa, Nobuhiro Moteki, Tatsuhiro Mori, Sho Ohata, Yutaka Kondo, Makoto Koike, Motohiro Hirabayashi, Jun Ogata, Kyotaro Kitamura, Kenji Kawamura, Koji Fujita, Sumito Matoba, Naoko Nagatsuka, Akane Tsushima, Kaori Fukuda, and Teruo Aoki
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 12985–13000, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12985-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12985-2024, 2024
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We developed a continuous flow analysis system to analyze an ice core from northwestern Greenland and coupled it with an improved refractory black carbon (rBC) measurement technique. This allowed accurate high-resolution analyses of size distributions and concentrations of rBC particles with diameters of 70 nm–4 μm for the past 350 years. Our results provide crucial insights into rBC's climatic effects. We also found previous ice core studies substantially underestimated rBC mass concentrations.
Sergio Harb, Manuela Cirtog, Stéphanie Alage, Christopher Cantrell, Mathieu Cazaunau, Vincent Michoud, Edouard Pangui, Antonin Bergé, Chiara Giorio, Francesco Battaglia, and Bénédicte Picquet-Varrault
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3419, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3419, 2024
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We investigated the reactions of α- and β-phellandrenes (from vegetation emissions) with NO3 radicals, a major nighttime oxidant from human activities. Using lab-based simulations, we examined these reactions and measured particle formation and by-products. Our findings reveal that α- and β-phellandrenes are efficient particle sources and enhance our understanding of biogenic-anthropogenic interactions and their contributions to atmospheric changes affecting climate and health.
Julia Pikmann, Frank Drewnick, Friederike Fachinger, and Stephan Borrmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 12295–12321, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12295-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12295-2024, 2024
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Cooking activities can contribute substantially to indoor and ambient aerosol. We performed a comprehensive study with laboratory measurements cooking 19 different dishes and ambient measurements at two Christmas markets measuring various particle properties and trace gases of emissions in real time. Similar emission characteristics were observed for dishes with the same preparation method, mainly due to similar cooking temperature and use of oil, with barbecuing as an especially strong source.
Kevin Kilchhofer, Markus Ammann, Laura Torrent, Ka Yuen Cheung, and Peter Aaron Alpert
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3226, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3226, 2024
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Aerosol particles composed of metal complexes generate radicals as the result of photochemical reactions. Reactive species generated are hazardous to human health. We report microscopy data with particles composed of an organic proxy exposed to UV light. We found that copper influenced the reoxidation and initial iron reduction via photolysis of the complex. New model results suggest that we need to account a decreased photochemical activity and use a copper-induced reoxidation reaction.
Han Zang, Zekun Luo, Chenxi Li, Ziyue Li, Dandan Huang, and Yue Zhao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 11701–11716, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11701-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11701-2024, 2024
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Atmospheric organics are subject to synergistic oxidation by different oxidants, yet the mechanisms of such processes are poorly understood. Here, using direct measurements and kinetic modeling, we probe the nocturnal synergistic-oxidation mechanism of α-pinene by O3 and NO3 radicals and in particular the fate of peroxy radical intermediates of different origins, which will deepen our understanding of the monoterpene oxidation chemistry and its contribution to atmospheric particle formation.
Hui Yang, Fengfeng Dong, Li Xia, Qishen Huang, Shufeng Pang, and Yunhong Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 11619–11635, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11619-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11619-2024, 2024
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Atmospheric secondary aerosols, composed of organic and inorganic components, undergo complex reactions that impact their phase state. Using molecular spectroscopy, we showed that ammonium-promoted aqueous replacement reaction, unique to these aerosols, is closely linked to phase behavior. The interplay between reactions and aerosol phase state can cause atypical phase transition and irreversible changes in aerosol composition during hygroscopic cycles, further impacting atmospheric processes.
Xiaoli Shen, David M. Bell, Hugh Coe, Naruki Hiranuma, Fabian Mahrt, Nicholas A. Marsden, Claudia Mohr, Daniel M. Murphy, Harald Saathoff, Johannes Schneider, Jacqueline Wilson, Maria A. Zawadowicz, Alla Zelenyuk, Paul J. DeMott, Ottmar Möhler, and Daniel J. Cziczo
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 10869–10891, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10869-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10869-2024, 2024
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Single-particle mass spectrometry (SPMS) is commonly used to measure the chemical composition and mixing state of aerosol particles. Intercomparison of SPMS instruments was conducted. All instruments reported similar size ranges and common spectral features. The instrument-specific detection efficiency was found to be more dependent on particle size than type. All differentiated secondary organic aerosol, soot, and soil dust but had difficulties differentiating among minerals and dusts.
Adolfo González-Romero, Cristina González-Flórez, Agnesh Panta, Jesús Yus-Díez, Patricia Córdoba, Andres Alastuey, Natalia Moreno, Melani Hernández-Chiriboga, Konrad Kandler, Martina Klose, Roger N. Clark, Bethany L. Ehlmann, Rebecca N. Greenberger, Abigail M. Keebler, Phil Brodrick, Robert Green, Paul Ginoux, Xavier Querol, and Carlos Pérez García-Pando
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9155–9176, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9155-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9155-2024, 2024
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In this research, we studied the dust-emitting properties of crusts and aeolian ripples from the Mojave Desert. These properties are key to understanding the effect of dust upon climate. We found two different playa lakes according to the groundwater regime, which implies differences in crusts' cohesion state and mineralogy, which can affect the dust emission potential and properties. We also compare them with Moroccan Sahara crusts and Icelandic top sediments.
Juanjuan Qin, Leiming Zhang, Yuanyuan Qin, Shaoxuan Shi, Jingnan Li, Zhao Shu, Yuwei Gao, Ting Qi, Jihua Tan, and Xinming Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7575–7589, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7575-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7575-2024, 2024
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The present research unveiled that acidity dominates while transition metal ions harmonize with the light absorption properties of humic-like substances (HULIS). Cu2+ has quenching effects on HULIS by complexation, hydrogen substitution, or electrostatic adsorption, with aromatic structures of HULIS. Such effects are less pronounced if from Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+. Oxidized HULIS might contain electron-donating groups, whereas N-containing compounds might contain electron-withdrawing groups.
Adolfo González-Romero, Cristina González-Flórez, Agnesh Panta, Jesús Yus-Díez, Patricia Córdoba, Andres Alastuey, Natalia Moreno, Konrad Kandler, Martina Klose, Roger N. Clark, Bethany L. Ehlmann, Rebecca N. Greenberger, Abigail M. Keebler, Phil Brodrick, Robert O. Green, Xavier Querol, and Carlos Pérez García-Pando
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6883–6910, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6883-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6883-2024, 2024
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The knowledge of properties from dust emitted in high latitudes such as in Iceland is scarce. This study focuses on the particle size, mineralogy, cohesion, and iron mode of occurrence and reflectance spectra of dust-emitting sediments. Icelandic top sediments have lower cohesion state, coarser particle size, distinctive mineralogy, and 3-fold bulk Fe content, with a large presence of magnetite compared to Saharan crusts.
Wangjin Yang, Jiawei Ma, Hongxing Yang, Fu Li, and Chong Han
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6757–6768, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6757-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6757-2024, 2024
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We provide evidence that light enhances the conversion of SO2 to sulfates on non-photoactive mineral dust, where triplet states of SO2 (3SO2) can act as a pivotal trigger to generate sulfates. Photochemical sulfate formation depends on H2O, O2, and basicity of mineral dust. The SO2 photochemistry on non-photoactive mineral dust contributes to sulfates, highlighting previously unknown pathways to better explain the missing sources of atmospheric sulfates.
Lu Zhang, Jin Li, Yaojie Li, Xinlei Liu, Zhihan Luo, Guofeng Shen, and Shu Tao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6323–6337, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6323-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6323-2024, 2024
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Brown carbon (BrC) is related to radiative forcing and climate change. The BrC fraction from residential coal and biomass burning emissions, which were the major source of BrC, was characterized at the molecular level. The CHOS aromatic compounds explained higher light absorption efficiencies of biomass burning emissions compared to coal. The unique formulas of coal combustion aerosols were characterized by higher unsaturated compounds, and such information could be used for source appointment.
Wenli Liu, Longkun He, Yingjun Liu, Keren Liao, Qi Chen, and Mikinori Kuwata
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 5625–5636, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5625-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5625-2024, 2024
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Cooking is a major source of particles in urban areas. Previous studies demonstrated that the chemical lifetimes of cooking organic aerosols (COAs) were much shorter (~minutes) than the values reported by field observations (~hours). We conducted laboratory experiments to resolve the discrepancy by considering suppressed reactivity under low temperature. The parameterized k2–T relationships and observed surface temperature data were used to estimate the chemical lifetimes of COA particles.
Stephanie Arciva, Lan Ma, Camille Mavis, Chrystal Guzman, and Cort Anastasio
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 4473–4485, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4473-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4473-2024, 2024
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We measured changes in light absorption during the aqueous oxidation of six phenols with hydroxyl radical (●OH) or an organic triplet excited state (3C*). All the phenols formed light-absorbing secondary brown carbon (BrC), which then decayed with continued oxidation. Extrapolation to ambient conditions suggest ●OH is the dominant sink of secondary phenolic BrC in fog/cloud drops, while 3C* controls the lifetime of this light absorption in particle water.
Aaron Lieberman, Julietta Picco, Murat Onder, and Cort Anastasio
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 4411–4419, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4411-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4411-2024, 2024
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We developed a method that uses aqueous S(IV) to quantitatively convert NO2 to NO2−, which allows both species to be quantified using the Griess method. As an example of the utility of the method, we quantified both photolysis channels of nitrate, with and without a scavenger for hydroxyl radical (·OH). The results show that without a scavenger, ·OH reacts with nitrite to form nitrogen dioxide, suppressing the apparent quantum yield of NO2− and enhancing that of NO2.
Xingjun Fan, Ao Cheng, Xufang Yu, Tao Cao, Dan Chen, Wenchao Ji, Yongbing Cai, Fande Meng, Jianzhong Song, and Ping'an Peng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3769–3783, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3769-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3769-2024, 2024
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Molecular-level characteristics of high molecular weight (HMW) and low MW (LMW) humic-like substances (HULIS) were comprehensively investigated, where HMW HULIS had larger chromophores and larger molecular size than LMW HULIS and exhibited higher aromaticity and humification. Electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry revealed more aromatic molecules in HMW HULIS. HMW HULIS had more CHON compounds, while LMW HULIS had more CHO compounds.
Daniel A. Knopf, Markus Ammann, Thomas Berkemeier, Ulrich Pöschl, and Manabu Shiraiwa
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3445–3528, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3445-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3445-2024, 2024
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The initial step of interfacial and multiphase chemical processes involves adsorption and desorption of gas species. This study demonstrates the role of desorption energy governing the residence time of the gas species at the environmental interface. A parameterization is formulated that enables the prediction of desorption energy based on the molecular weight, polarizability, and oxygen-to-carbon ratio of the desorbing chemical species. Its application to gas–particle interactions is discussed.
Feng Jiang, Kyla Siemens, Claudia Linke, Yanxia Li, Yiwei Gong, Thomas Leisner, Alexander Laskin, and Harald Saathoff
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 2639–2649, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2639-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2639-2024, 2024
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We investigated the optical properties, chemical composition, and formation mechanisms of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and brown carbon (BrC) from the oxidation of indole with and without NO2 in the Aerosol Interaction and Dynamics in the Atmosphere (AIDA) simulation chamber. This work is one of the very few to link the optical properties and chemical composition of indole SOA with and without NO2 by simulation chamber experiments.
Evangelia Kostenidou, Baptiste Marques, Brice Temime-Roussel, Yao Liu, Boris Vansevenant, Karine Sartelet, and Barbara D'Anna
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 2705–2729, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2705-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2705-2024, 2024
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Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from gasoline vehicles can be a significant source of particulate matter in urban areas. Here the chemical composition of secondary volatile organic compounds and SOA produced by photo-oxidation of Euro 5 gasoline vehicle emissions was studied. The volatility of the SOA formed was calculated. Except for the temperature and the concentration of the aerosol, additional parameters may play a role in the gas-to-particle partitioning.
András Hoffer, Aida Meiramova, Ádám Tóth, Beatrix Jancsek-Turóczi, Gyula Kiss, Ágnes Rostási, Erika Andrea Levei, Luminita Marmureanu, Attila Machon, and András Gelencsér
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1659–1671, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1659-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1659-2024, 2024
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Specific tracer compounds identified previously in controlled test burnings of different waste types in the laboratory were detected and quantified in ambient PM10 samples collected in five Hungarian and four Romanian settlements. Back-of-the-envelope calculations based on the relative emission factors of individual tracers suggested that the contribution of solid waste burning particulate emissions to ambient PM10 mass concentrations may be as high as a few percent.
Xiao-San Luo, Weijie Huang, Guofeng Shen, Yuting Pang, Mingwei Tang, Weijun Li, Zhen Zhao, Hanhan Li, Yaqian Wei, Longjiao Xie, and Tariq Mehmood
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1345–1360, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1345-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1345-2024, 2024
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PM2.5 are air pollutants threatening health globally, but they are a mixture of chemical compositions from many sources and result in unequal toxicity. Which composition from which source of PM2.5 as the most hazardous object is a question hindering effective pollution control policy-making. With chemical and toxicity experiments, we found automobile exhaust and coal combustion to be priority emissions with higher toxic compositions for precise air pollution control, ensuring public health.
Matthew B. Goss and Jesse H. Kroll
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1299–1314, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1299-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1299-2024, 2024
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The chemistry driving dimethyl sulfide (DMS) oxidation and subsequent sulfate particle formation in the atmosphere is poorly constrained. We oxidized two related compounds (dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl disulfide) in the laboratory under varied NOx conditions and measured the gas- and particle-phase products. These results demonstrate that both the OH addition and OH abstraction pathways for DMS oxidation contribute to particle formation via mechanisms that do not involve the SO2 intermediate.
Ryan J. Patnaude, Kathryn A. Moore, Russell J. Perkins, Thomas C. J. Hill, Paul J. DeMott, and Sonia M. Kreidenweis
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 911–928, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-911-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-911-2024, 2024
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In this study we examined the effect of atmospheric aging on sea spray aerosols (SSAs) to form ice and how newly formed secondary marine aerosols (SMAs) may freeze at cirrus temperatures (< −38 °C). Results show that SSAs freeze at different relative humidities (RHs) depending on the temperature and that the ice-nucleating ability of SSA was not hindered by atmospheric aging. SMAs are shown to freeze at high RHs and are likely inefficient at forming ice at cirrus temperatures.
Bartłomiej Witkowski, Priyanka Jain, Beata Wileńska, and Tomasz Gierczak
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 663–688, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-663-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-663-2024, 2024
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This article reports the results of the kinetic measurements for the aqueous oxidation of the 29 aliphatic alcohols by hydroxyl radical (OH) at different temperatures. The data acquired and the literature data were used to optimize a model for predicting the aqueous OH reactivity of alcohols and carboxylic acids and to estimate the atmospheric lifetimes of five terpenoic alcohols. The kinetic data provided new insights into the mechanism of aqueous oxidation of aliphatic molecules by the OH.
Junting Qiu, Xinlin Shen, Jiangyao Chen, Guiying Li, and Taicheng An
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 155–166, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-155-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-155-2024, 2024
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We studied reactions of secondary ozonides (SOZs) with amines. SOZs formed from ozonolysis of β-caryophyllene and α-humulene are found to be reactive to ethylamine and methylamine. Products from SOZs with various conformations reacting with the same amine had different functional groups. Our findings indicate that interaction of SOZs with amines in the atmosphere is very complicated, which is potentially a hitherto unrecognized source of N-containing compound formation.
Lan Ma, Reed Worland, Laura Heinlein, Chrystal Guzman, Wenqing Jiang, Christopher Niedek, Keith J. Bein, Qi Zhang, and Cort Anastasio
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1–21, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1-2024, 2024
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We measured concentrations of three photooxidants – the hydroxyl radical, triplet excited states of organic carbon, and singlet molecular oxygen – in fine particles collected over a year. Concentrations are highest in extracts of fresh biomass burning particles, largely because they have the highest particle concentrations and highest light absorption. When normalized by light absorption, rates of formation for each oxidant are generally similar for the four particle types we observed.
Adolfo González-Romero, Cristina González-Flórez, Agnesh Panta, Jesús Yus-Díez, Cristina Reche, Patricia Córdoba, Natalia Moreno, Andres Alastuey, Konrad Kandler, Martina Klose, Clarissa Baldo, Roger N. Clark, Zongbo Shi, Xavier Querol, and Carlos Pérez García-Pando
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15815–15834, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15815-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15815-2023, 2023
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The effect of dust emitted from desertic surfaces upon climate and ecosystems depends on size and mineralogy, but data from soil mineral atlases of desert soils are scarce. We performed particle-size distribution, mineralogy, and Fe speciation in southern Morocco. Results show coarser particles with high quartz proportion are near the elevated areas, while in depressed areas, sizes are finer, and proportions of clays and nano-Fe oxides are higher. This difference is important for dust modelling.
Victor Lannuque, Barbara D'Anna, Evangelia Kostenidou, Florian Couvidat, Alvaro Martinez-Valiente, Philipp Eichler, Armin Wisthaler, Markus Müller, Brice Temime-Roussel, Richard Valorso, and Karine Sartelet
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15537–15560, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15537-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15537-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Large uncertainties remain in understanding secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from toluene oxidation. In this study, speciation measurements in gaseous and particulate phases were carried out, providing partitioning and volatility data on individual toluene SOA components at different temperatures. A new detailed oxidation mechanism was developed to improve modeled speciation, and effects of different processes involved in gas–particle partitioning at the molecular scale are explored.
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