Articles | Volume 15, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-1161-2015
© Author(s) 2015. 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-15-1161-2015
© Author(s) 2015. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research article
| 
02 Feb 2015
Research article |
| 02 Feb 2015
Use of a global model to understand speciated atmospheric mercury observations at five high-elevation sites
P. Weiss-Penzias
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA
H. M. Amos
School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
N. E. Selin
Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts, USA
M. S. Gustin
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
D. A. Jaffe
School of STEM Physical Sciences Division, University of Washington, Bothell, USA
D. Obrist
Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Reno, Nevada, USA
G.-R. Sheu
Department of Atmospheric Science, National Central University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts, USA
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Davide Putero, Paolo Cristofanelli, Kai-Lan Chang, Gaëlle Dufour, Gregory Beachley, Cédric Couret, Peter Effertz, Daniel A. Jaffe, Dagmar Kubistin, Jason Lynch, Irina Petropavlovskikh, Melissa Puchalski, Timothy Sharac, Barkley C. Sive, Martin Steinbacher, Carlos Torres, and Owen R. Cooper
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We investigated the impact of societal restriction measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on surface ozone at 41 high-elevation sites worldwide. Negative ozone anomalies were observed for spring and summer 2020 for all of the regions considered. In 2021, negative anomalies continued for Europe and partially for the eastern US, while western US sites showed positive anomalies due to wildfires. IASI satellite data and the Carbon Monitor supported emission reductions as a cause of the anomalies.
Lixu Jin, Wade Permar, Vanessa Selimovic, Damien Ketcherside, Robert J. Yokelson, Rebecca S. Hornbrook, Eric C. Apel, I-Ting Ku, Jeffrey L. Collett Jr., Amy P. Sullivan, Daniel A. Jaffe, Jeffrey R. Pierce, Alan Fried, Matthew M. Coggon, Georgios I. Gkatzelis, Carsten Warneke, Emily V. Fischer, and Lu Hu
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Mrinmoy Chakraborty, Amanda Giang, and Naomi Zimmerman
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Daniel A. Jaffe, Colleen Miller, Katie Thompson, Brandon Finley, Manna Nelson, James Ouimette, and Elisabeth Andrews
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 1311–1322, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-1311-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-1311-2023, 2023
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Martin Jiskra, Jeroen E. Sonke, Yannick Agnan, Detlev Helmig, and Daniel Obrist
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Christopher Pearson, Dean Howard, Christopher Moore, and Daniel Obrist
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 6913–6929, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-6913-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-6913-2019, 2019
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Matthieu B. Miller, Sarrah M. Dunham-Cheatham, Mae Sexauer Gustin, and Grant C. Edwards
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Shan Zhou, Sonya Collier, Daniel A. Jaffe, and Qi Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 1571–1585, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1571-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1571-2019, 2019
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Matthieu B. Miller, Mae S. Gustin, and Grant C. Edwards
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Revised manuscript not accepted
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In the atmosphere there are 2 gaseous forms of mercury (Hg), elemental (Hgo) and oxidized compounds (GOM). Hgo is oxidized by gases such as ozone and chlorine compounds. GOM is readily deposited to ecosystems and converted to methylmercury (a subtle neurotoxin). Here we explain development of a method for measurement of GOM deposition and emission associated with surfaces, and demonstrate that both occur. This has significant implications, because no one has been able to do this successfully.
Shaojie Song, Hélène Angot, Noelle E. Selin, Hubert Gallée, Francesca Sprovieri, Nicola Pirrone, Detlev Helmig, Joël Savarino, Olivier Magand, and Aurélien Dommergue
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 15825–15840, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-15825-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-15825-2018, 2018
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Arlene M. Fiore, Emily V. Fischer, George P. Milly, Shubha Pandey Deolal, Oliver Wild, Daniel A. Jaffe, Johannes Staehelin, Olivia E. Clifton, Dan Bergmann, William Collins, Frank Dentener, Ruth M. Doherty, Bryan N. Duncan, Bernd Fischer, Stefan Gilge, Peter G. Hess, Larry W. Horowitz, Alexandru Lupu, Ian A. MacKenzie, Rokjin Park, Ludwig Ries, Michael G. Sanderson, Martin G. Schultz, Drew T. Shindell, Martin Steinbacher, David S. Stevenson, Sophie Szopa, Christoph Zellweger, and Guang Zeng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 15345–15361, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-15345-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-15345-2018, 2018
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We demonstrate a proof-of-concept approach for applying northern midlatitude mountaintop peroxy acetyl nitrate (PAN) measurements and a multi-model ensemble during April to constrain the influence of continental-scale anthropogenic precursor emissions on PAN. Our findings imply a role for carefully coordinated multi-model ensembles in helping identify observations for discriminating among widely varying (and poorly constrained) model responses of atmospheric constituents to changes in emissions.
Benjamin Brown-Steiner, Noelle E. Selin, Ronald Prinn, Simone Tilmes, Louisa Emmons, Jean-François Lamarque, and Philip Cameron-Smith
Geosci. Model Dev., 11, 4155–4174, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-11-4155-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-11-4155-2018, 2018
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We conduct three simulations of atmospheric chemistry using chemical mechanisms of different levels of complexity and compare their results to observations. We explore situations in which the simplified mechanisms match the output of the most complex mechanism, as well as when they diverge. We investigate how concurrent utilization of chemical mechanisms of different complexities can further our atmospheric-chemistry understanding at various scales and give some strategies for future research.
Jean J. Guo, Arlene M. Fiore, Lee T. Murray, Daniel A. Jaffe, Jordan L. Schnell, Charles T. Moore, and George P. Milly
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 12123–12140, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-12123-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-12123-2018, 2018
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We use the GEOS-Chem model to estimate the influence from anthropogenic and background sources to ozone over the USA. Novel findings include the point that year-to-year background variability on the 10 highest observed ozone days is driven mainly by natural sources and not international or intercontinental pollution transport. High positive model biases during summer are associated with regional ozone production. The EPA 3-year average metric falls short of its aim to remove natural variability.
Benjamin Brown-Steiner, Noelle E. Selin, Ronald G. Prinn, Erwan Monier, Simone Tilmes, Louisa Emmons, and Fernando Garcia-Menendez
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 8373–8388, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-8373-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-8373-2018, 2018
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Detecting signals in observations and simulations of atmospheric chemistry is difficult due to the underlying variability in the chemistry, meteorology, and climatology. Here we examine the scale dependence of ozone variability and explore strategies for reducing or averaging this variability and thereby enhancing ozone signal detection capabilities. We find that 10–15 years of temporal averaging, and some level of spatial averaging, reduces the risk of overconfidence in ozone signals.
Yannick Agnan, Thomas A. Douglas, Detlev Helmig, Jacques Hueber, and Daniel Obrist
The Cryosphere, 12, 1939–1956, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-1939-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-1939-2018, 2018
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In this study, we investigated mercury dynamics in an interior arctic tundra at Toolik Field Station (200 km from the Arctic Ocean) during two full snow seasons. We continuously measured atmospheric, snow gas phase, and soil pores mercury concentrations. We observed consistent concentration declines from the atmosphere to snowpack to soils, indicating that soils are continuous sinks of mercury. We suggest that interior arctic snowpacks may be negligible sources of mercury.
Ashley M. Pierce, S. Marcela Loría-Salazar, W. Patrick Arnott, Grant C. Edwards, Matthieu B. Miller, and Mae S. Gustin
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 2225–2237, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-2225-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-2225-2018, 2018
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This paper investigates the possible sources of anomalous particulate matter collected at a high-elevation site during June to November 2014. Particles were collected on a sample filter that were > 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter, on a system that theoretically should not collect particulate matter that large. These samples indicated that either the observed particles had unique dimensions and behavior or that there was an issue with the particulate monitor inlet setup.
Leiming Zhang, Seth Lyman, Huiting Mao, Che-Jen Lin, David A. Gay, Shuxiao Wang, Mae Sexauer Gustin, Xinbin Feng, and Frank Wania
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 9133–9144, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9133-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9133-2017, 2017
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Future research needs are proposed for improving the understanding of atmospheric mercury cycling. These include refinement of mercury emission estimations, quantification of dry deposition and air–surface exchange, improvement of the treatment of chemical mechanisms in chemical transport models, increase in the accuracy of oxidized mercury measurements, better interpretation of atmospheric mercury chemistry data, and harmonization of network operation.
Johannes Bieser, Franz Slemr, Jesse Ambrose, Carl Brenninkmeijer, Steve Brooks, Ashu Dastoor, Francesco DeSimone, Ralf Ebinghaus, Christian N. Gencarelli, Beate Geyer, Lynne E. Gratz, Ian M. Hedgecock, Daniel Jaffe, Paul Kelley, Che-Jen Lin, Lyatt Jaegle, Volker Matthias, Andrei Ryjkov, Noelle E. Selin, Shaojie Song, Oleg Travnikov, Andreas Weigelt, Winston Luke, Xinrong Ren, Andreas Zahn, Xin Yang, Yun Zhu, and Nicola Pirrone
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 6925–6955, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-6925-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-6925-2017, 2017
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We conducted a multi model study to investigate our ability to reproduce the vertical distribution of mercury in the atmosphere. For this, we used observational data from over 40 aircraft flights in EU and US. We compared observations to the results of seven chemistry transport models and found that the models are able to reproduce vertical gradients of total and elemental Hg. Finally, we found that different chemical reactions seem responsible for the oxidation of Hg depending on altitude.
Oleg Travnikov, Hélène Angot, Paulo Artaxo, Mariantonia Bencardino, Johannes Bieser, Francesco D'Amore, Ashu Dastoor, Francesco De Simone, María del Carmen Diéguez, Aurélien Dommergue, Ralf Ebinghaus, Xin Bin Feng, Christian N. Gencarelli, Ian M. Hedgecock, Olivier Magand, Lynwill Martin, Volker Matthias, Nikolay Mashyanov, Nicola Pirrone, Ramesh Ramachandran, Katie Alana Read, Andrei Ryjkov, Noelle E. Selin, Fabrizio Sena, Shaojie Song, Francesca Sprovieri, Dennis Wip, Ingvar Wängberg, and Xin Yang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 5271–5295, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-5271-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-5271-2017, 2017
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The study provides a complex analysis of processes governing Hg fate in the atmosphere involving both measurement data and simulation results of chemical transport models. Evaluation of the model simulations and numerical experiments against observations allows explaining spatial and temporal variations of Hg concentration in the near-surface atmospheric layer and shows possibility of multiple pathways of Hg oxidation occurring concurrently in various parts of the atmosphere.
Colin P. Thackray and Noelle E. Selin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 4585–4597, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4585-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4585-2017, 2017
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PFCAs are toxic contaminants that can form in the atmosphere when precursor chemicals are released and degrade. We calculate the capacity of different atmospheric environments to form PFCAs this way. Different environments have very different capacities to form PFCAs, with the atmosphere far from sources of pollution being much better able to make the more toxic PFCAs. While the chemistry involved has uncertainties, they are small compared to the differences between environments.
Andrew D. Teakles, Rita So, Bruce Ainslie, Robert Nissen, Corinne Schiller, Roxanne Vingarzan, Ian McKendry, Anne Marie Macdonald, Daniel A. Jaffe, Allan K. Bertram, Kevin B. Strawbridge, W. Richard Leaitch, Sarah Hanna, Desiree Toom, Jonathan Baik, and Lin Huang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 2593–2611, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-2593-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-2593-2017, 2017
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We present a case study of an intense wildfire smoke plume from Siberia that affected the air quality across the Pacific Northwest on 6–10 July 2012. The transport, entrainment, and chemical composition of the plume are examined to characterize the event. Ambient O3 and PM2.5 from surface monitoring is contrast to modelled baseline air quality estimates to show the overall contribution of the plume to exceedances in O3 and PM2.5 air quality standards and objectives that occurred.
Shan Zhou, Sonya Collier, Daniel A. Jaffe, Nicole L. Briggs, Jonathan Hee, Arthur J. Sedlacek III, Lawrence Kleinman, Timothy B. Onasch, and Qi Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 2477–2493, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-2477-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-2477-2017, 2017
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Wildfire plumes in the western US were sampled at a high-elevation site in summer 2013. Three distinct BBOA types were identified, representing biomass burning OA with different degrees of atmospheric processing. Analysis of consecutive BB plumes transported from the same fire source showed that photooxidation led to enhanced mass fractions of aged BBOAs but negligible net OA production. A possible reason is that SOA formation was almost entirely balanced by BBOA volatilization during transport.
Jiaoyan Huang, Matthieu B. Miller, Eric Edgerton, and Mae Sexauer Gustin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 1689–1698, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-1689-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-1689-2017, 2017
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The highest mercury (Hg) wet deposition in USA occurs along the Gulf of Mexico. Gaseous oxidized Hg (GOM) is a major contributor due to high water solubility and reactivity. Concentration and dry deposition of GOM were determined for OLF, Florida. Results indicated at least 5 GOM compounds in this area including HgBr2, HgO, and Hg–nitrogen and –sulfur forms. GOM chemistry indicates reactions with local mobile source pollutants and long-range transport from outside of the USA.
James R. Laing, Daniel A. Jaffe, and Jonathan R. Hee
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 15185–15197, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-15185-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-15185-2016, 2016
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We characterize the aerosol physical and optical properties of biomass burning smoke observed at Mt. Bachelor Observatory in central Oregon during August 2015. We found differences in the light absorption properties of biomass burning aerosol depending on where the fire originated from and how long it was transported to the sampling site. We found that aerosol size distribution was not dependent on transport time but affected the light scattering properties of the aerosol.
Xiao Lu, Lin Zhang, Xu Yue, Jiachen Zhang, Daniel A. Jaffe, Andreas Stohl, Yuanhong Zhao, and Jingyuan Shao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 14687–14702, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-14687-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-14687-2016, 2016
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Increasing wildfire activities in the mountainous western US may present a challenge for the region to attain a recently revised ozone air quality standard in summer. We quantify the wildfire influence on the ozone variability, trends, and number of high ozone days over this region in summers 1989–2010 using a Lagrangian dispersion model and statistical regression models.
Hélène Angot, Ashu Dastoor, Francesco De Simone, Katarina Gårdfeldt, Christian N. Gencarelli, Ian M. Hedgecock, Sarka Langer, Olivier Magand, Michelle N. Mastromonaco, Claus Nordstrøm, Katrine A. Pfaffhuber, Nicola Pirrone, Andrei Ryjkov, Noelle E. Selin, Henrik Skov, Shaojie Song, Francesca Sprovieri, Alexandra Steffen, Kenjiro Toyota, Oleg Travnikov, Xin Yang, and Aurélien Dommergue
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 10735–10763, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-10735-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-10735-2016, 2016
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This is a synthesis of the atmospheric mercury (Hg) monitoring data available in recent years (2011–2015) in the Arctic and in Antarctica along with a comparison of these observations with numerical simulations using four cutting-edge global models. Based on this comparison, we discuss whether the processes that affect atmospheric Hg seasonality and interannual variability are appropriately represented in the models, and identify remaining research gaps.
Qian Zhao, Simon R. Poulson, Daniel Obrist, Samira Sumaila, James J. Dynes, Joyce M. McBeth, and Yu Yang
Biogeosciences, 13, 4777–4788, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-4777-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-4777-2016, 2016
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To mitigate the harmful effects of global climate change, it is essential to completely understand the cycles of carbon. In this study, we found the iron oxides play an important role in regulating the accumulation of carbon in forest soil, and uncovered the governing factors for the spatial variability and characteristics of iron-bound organic carbon. Such information is important for predicting the turnover of carbon in global soils.
Kimiko M. Sakamoto, James R. Laing, Robin G. Stevens, Daniel A. Jaffe, and Jeffrey R. Pierce
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 7709–7724, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-7709-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-7709-2016, 2016
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We determine how various meteorological and fire factors contribute to shaping the aged biomass-burning particle size distribution through coagulation. The mass emissions flux, fire area, and wind speed are dominant factors controlling the aged size distribution. We parameterize the aged size distribution for global/regional aerosol models. We estimate that the aged biomass-burning particle size distribution may be more sensitive to variability in coagulation than SOA formation.
Colleen P. Jones, Seth N. Lyman, Daniel A. Jaffe, Tanner Allen, and Trevor L. O'Neil
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 9, 2195–2205, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-2195-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-2195-2016, 2016
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Current measurement methods do not provide information about the speciation of oxidized mercury compounds in the atmosphere, leading to uncertainty about which mercury compounds exist and how oxidized mercury is formed. We have developed a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-based system for identification of oxidized mercury compounds. We discuss the main features and performance of this system.
Carey L. Friedman and Noelle E. Selin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 3433–3448, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-3433-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-3433-2016, 2016
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We present a new global model to simulate the atmospheric transport of toxic contaminants (PCBs). We evaluate the model against PCB observations in the northern hemisphere midlatitude and Arctic atmosphere. We then use the model to calculate global budgets of PCBs and to examine the influence of climate- and emissions-driven processes on Arctic atmospheric concentrations. We find that processes occurring outside the Arctic have a greater influence on Arctic PCBs than those occurring within.
V. Shah, L. Jaeglé, L. E. Gratz, J. L. Ambrose, D. A. Jaffe, N. E. Selin, S. Song, T. L. Campos, F. M. Flocke, M. Reeves, D. Stechman, M. Stell, J. Festa, J. Stutz, A. J. Weinheimer, D. J. Knapp, D. D. Montzka, G. S. Tyndall, E. C. Apel, R. S. Hornbrook, A. J. Hills, D. D. Riemer, N. J. Blake, C. A. Cantrell, and R. L. Mauldin III
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 1511–1530, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-1511-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-1511-2016, 2016
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We present airborne observations of mercury over the southeastern USA during summer. Higher concentrations of oxidized mercury were observed in clean, dry air masses descending in the subtropical anti-cyclones. We used an atmospheric model to simulate the chemistry and transport of mercury. We found reasonable agreement with the observations when the modeled oxidation of elemental mercury was increased, suggesting fast cycling between elemental and oxidized mercury.
S. Song, N. E. Selin, A. L. Soerensen, H. Angot, R. Artz, S. Brooks, E.-G. Brunke, G. Conley, A. Dommergue, R. Ebinghaus, T. M. Holsen, D. A. Jaffe, S. Kang, P. Kelley, W. T. Luke, O. Magand, K. Marumoto, K. A. Pfaffhuber, X. Ren, G.-R. Sheu, F. Slemr, T. Warneke, A. Weigelt, P. Weiss-Penzias, D. C. Wip, and Q. Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 7103–7125, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-7103-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-7103-2015, 2015
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A better knowledge of mercury (Hg) emission fluxes into the global atmosphere is important for assessing its human health impacts and evaluating the effectiveness of corresponding policy actions. We for the first time apply a top-down approach at a global scale to quantitatively estimate present-day mercury emission sources as well as key parameters in a chemical transport model, in order to better constrain the global biogeochemical cycle of mercury.
C. Pearson, R. Schumer, B. D. Trustman, K. Rittger, D. W. Johnson, and D. Obrist
Biogeosciences, 12, 3665–3680, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-3665-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-3665-2015, 2015
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Snowpack and precipitation samples were collected along two elevation gradients in the Tahoe Basin during winter and spring from 2011 to 2014 to evaluate spatial and temporal deposition patterns of nitrogen, phosphorus, and mercury. Study results reflect the highly dynamic nature of snowpack chemical storage, while basin-wide estimates identify snowpack chemical loading from atmospheric deposition as a substantial source of nutrient and pollutant input to the Lake Tahoe watershed each year.
M. S. Gustin, H. M. Amos, J. Huang, M. B. Miller, and K. Heidecorn
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 5697–5713, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-5697-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-5697-2015, 2015
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The Minamata Convention for mercury (Hg) has been signed by many nations and the primary objective is to protect human health and the environment from releases of Hg. A key challenge researchers is developing linkages between Hg in the atmosphere, deposition, and ecosystem contamination. Here we critically review where the science on measuring and modeling atmospheric Hg stands and offer suggestions for future research that will both advance understanding of Hg cycling and serve the convention.
J. Huang, M. B. Miller, E. Edgerton, and M. S. Gustin
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acpd-15-12069-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acpd-15-12069-2015, 2015
Revised manuscript not accepted
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Gaseous oxidized Hg (GOM) is a major contributor to Hg in wet and dry deposition. Recent work has indicated that the concentrations of GOM as measured are too low by 3-to-12 times; and that compounds vary across space and time. Data collected in Florida indicate five potential GOM compounds, including HgBr2, HgO, Hg(NO3)2, HgSO4, and an unknown compound. Sources include local combustion (cars and power plants), the marine boundary layer, and long range transport from Asia.
F. L. Herron-Thorpe, G. H. Mount, L. K. Emmons, B. K. Lamb, D. A. Jaffe, N. L. Wigder, S. H. Chung, R. Zhang, M. D. Woelfle, and J. K. Vaughan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 12533–12551, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-12533-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-12533-2014, 2014
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Wildfire season simulations from an air quality forecast system for the Pacific Northwest were compared to surface monitor observations across the region and NASA Earth Observing System satellite retrievals of plume top, nitrogen dioxide, aerosol optical depth, and carbon monoxide. This study discusses why the Community Multi-scale Air Quality model predictions under-predicted secondary organic aerosol (SOA) production for events when fire emissions were transported large distances.
T. M. Thompson, R. K. Saari, and N. E. Selin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 969–978, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-969-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-969-2014, 2014
X. Faïn, D. Helmig, J. Hueber, D. Obrist, and M. W. Williams
Biogeosciences, 10, 3793–3807, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-3793-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-3793-2013, 2013
A. Pierce, D. Obrist, H. Moosmüller, X. Faïn, and C. Moore
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 6, 1477–1489, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-6-1477-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-6-1477-2013, 2013
O. Hararuk, D. Obrist, and Y. Luo
Biogeosciences, 10, 2393–2407, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-2393-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-2393-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Subject: Gases | Research Activity: Field Measurements | Altitude Range: Troposphere | Science Focus: Chemistry (chemical composition and reactions)
Deciphering anthropogenic and biogenic contributions to selected non-methane volatile organic compound emissions in an urban area
Emission characteristics of reactive organic gases (ROGs) from industrial volatile chemical products (VCPs) in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), China
Measurement report: Enhanced photochemical formation of formic and isocyanic acids in urban regions aloft – insights from tower-based online gradient measurements
Sources of organic gases and aerosol particles and their roles in nighttime particle growth at a rural forested site in southwest Germany
Surface snow bromide and nitrate at Eureka, Canada, in early spring and implications for polar boundary layer chemistry
Opinion: Strengthening research in the Global South – atmospheric science opportunities in South America and Africa
NO3 reactivity during a summer period in a temperate forest below and above the canopy
Shipping and algae emissions have a major impact on ambient air mixing ratios of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) and methanethiol on Utö Island in the Baltic Sea
Elevated oxidized mercury in the free troposphere: Analytical advances and application at a remote continental mountaintop site
Contribution of cooking emissions to the urban volatile organic compounds in Las Vegas, NV
Reanalysis of NOAA H2 observations: implications for the H2 budget
A large role of missing volatile organic compound reactivity from anthropogenic emissions in ozone pollution regulation
Using observed urban NOx sinks to constrain VOC reactivity and the ozone and radical budget in the Seoul Metropolitan Area
Measurement report: Insights into the chemical composition and origin of molecular clusters and potential precursor molecules present in the free troposphere over the southern Indian Ocean: observations from the Maïdo Observatory (2150 m a.s.l., Réunion)
Production of oxygenated volatile organic compounds from the ozonolysis of coastal seawater
Comment on “Transport of substantial stratospheric ozone to the surface by a dying typhoon and shallow convection” by Chen et al. (2022)
Observations of cyanogen bromide (BrCN) in the global troposphere and their relation to polar surface O3 destruction
Individual coal mine methane emissions constrained by eddy covariance measurements: low bias and missing sources
Real-world emission characteristics of VOCs from typical cargo ships and their potential contributions to SOA and O3 under low-sulfur fuel policies
Roles of oceanic ventilation and terrestrial outflow in the atmospheric non-methane hydrocarbons over the Chinese marginal seas
Measurement report: Observations of ground-level ozone concentration gradients perpendicular to the Lake Ontario shoreline
Biomass burning sources control ambient particulate matter but traffic and industrial sources control VOCs and secondary pollutant formation during extreme pollution events in Delhi
Measurement report: The Palau Atmospheric Observatory and its ozonesonde record – continuous monitoring of tropospheric composition and dynamics in the tropical western Pacific
Quantifying SO2 oxidation pathways to atmospheric sulfate using stable sulfur and oxygen isotopes: laboratory simulation and field observation
Influences of downward transport and photochemistry on surface ozone over East Antarctica during austral summer: in situ observations and model simulations
Iodine oxoacids and their roles in sub-3 nm particle growth in polluted urban environments
Measurement Report: Elevated excess-NH3 can promote the redox reaction to produce HONO: Insights from the COVID-19 pandemic
Intensive photochemical oxidation in the marine atmosphere: evidence from direct radical measurements
Diurnal variations in oxygen and nitrogen isotopes of atmospheric nitrogen dioxide and nitrate: implications for tracing NOx oxidation pathways and emission sources
Measurement report: Method for evaluating CO2 emissions from a cement plant using atmospheric δ(O2 ∕ N2) and CO2 measurements and its implication for future detection of CO2 capture signals
Aircraft-based mass balance estimate of methane emissions from offshore gas facilities in the southern North Sea
Parameterizations of US wildfire and prescribed fire emission ratios and emission factors based on FIREX-AQ aircraft measurements
Measurement report: Atmospheric nitrate radical chemistry in the South China Sea influenced by the urban outflow of the Pearl River Delta
Measurement report: Vertical and temporal variability of near-surface ozone production rate and sensitivity in an urban area in Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, China
The interhemispheric gradient of SF6 in the upper troposphere
Weather regimes and the related atmospheric composition at a Pyrenean observatory characterized by hierarchical clustering of a 5-year data set
Concentration and source changes of HONO during the COVID-19 lockdown in Beijing
Characteristics and sources of VOCs and the O3-NOx-VOCs relationships in the central plain city, China
Tropospheric bromine monoxide vertical profiles retrieved across the Alaskan Arctic in springtime
Source apportionment of methane emissions from the Upper Silesian Coal Basin using isotopic signatures
Measurement report: Exchange fluxes of HONO over agricultural fields in the North China Plain
HONO chemistry at a suburban site during the EXPLORE-YRD campaign in 2018: formation mechanisms and impacts on O3 production
Evaluation of modelled climatologies of O3, CO, water vapour and NOy in the upper troposphere–lower stratosphere using regular in situ observations by passenger aircraft
Photochemical ageing of aerosols contributes significantly to the production of atmospheric formic acid
Nitrous acid budgets in the coastal atmosphere: potential daytime marine sources
Undetected biogenic volatile organic compounds from Norway spruce drive total ozone reactivity measurements
Quantification of fossil fuel CO2 from combined CO, δ13CO2 and Δ14CO2 observations
Radical chemistry and ozone production at a UK coastal receptor site
Sources and long-term variability of carbon monoxide at Mount Kenya and in Nairobi
Measurement report: Airborne measurements of NOx fluxes over Los Angeles during the RECAP-CA 2021 campaign
Arianna Peron, Martin Graus, Marcus Striednig, Christian Lamprecht, Georg Wohlfahrt, and Thomas Karl
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7063–7083, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7063-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7063-2024, 2024
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The anthropogenic fraction of non-methane volatile organic compound (NMVOC) emissions associated with biogenic sources (e.g., terpenes) is investigated based on eddy covariance observations. The anthropogenic fraction of terpene emissions is strongly dependent on season. When analyzing volatile chemical product (VCP) emissions in urban environments, we caution that observations from short-term campaigns might over-/underestimate their significance depending on local and seasonal circumstances.
Sihang Wang, Bin Yuan, Xianjun He, Ru Cui, Xin Song, Yubin Chen, Caihong Wu, Chaomin Wang, Yibo Huangfu, Xiao-Bing Li, Boguang Wang, and Min Shao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7101–7121, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7101-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7101-2024, 2024
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Emissions of reactive organic gases from industrial volatile chemical product sources are measured. There are large differences among these industrial sources. We show that oxygenated species account for significant contributions to reactive organic gas emissions, especially for industrial sources utilizing water-borne chemicals.
Qing Yang, Xiao-Bing Li, Bin Yuan, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Yibo Huangfu, Lei Yang, Xianjun He, Jipeng Qi, and Min Shao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6865–6882, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6865-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6865-2024, 2024
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Online vertical gradient measurements of formic and isocyanic acids were made based on a 320 m tower in a megacity. Vertical variations and sources of the two acids were analyzed in this study. We find that formic and isocyanic acids exhibited positive vertical gradients and were mainly contributed by photochemical formations. The formation of formic and isocyanic acids was also significantly enhanced in urban regions aloft.
Junwei Song, Harald Saathoff, Feng Jiang, Linyu Gao, Hengheng Zhang, and Thomas Leisner
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6699–6717, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6699-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6699-2024, 2024
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This study presents concurrent online measurements of organic gas and particles (VOCs and OA) at a forested site in summer. Both VOCs and OA were largely contributed by oxygenated organic compounds. Semi-volatile oxygenated OA and organic nitrate formed from monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes contributed significantly to nighttime particle growth. The results help us to understand the causes of nighttime particle growth regularly observed in summer in central European rural forested environments.
Xin Yang, Kimberly Strong, Alison S. Criscitiello, Marta Santos-Garcia, Kristof Bognar, Xiaoyi Zhao, Pierre Fogal, Kaley A. Walker, Sara M. Morris, and Peter Effertz
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 5863–5886, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5863-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5863-2024, 2024
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This study uses snow samples collected from a Canadian high Arctic site, Eureka, to demonstrate that surface snow in early spring is a net sink of atmospheric bromine and nitrogen. Surface snow bromide and nitrate are significantly correlated, indicating the oxidation of reactive nitrogen is accelerated by reactive bromine. In addition, we show evidence that snow photochemical release of reactive bromine is very weak, and its emission flux is much smaller than the deposition flux of bromide.
Rebecca M. Garland, Katye E. Altieri, Laura Dawidowski, Laura Gallardo, Aderiana Mbandi, Nestor Y. Rojas, and N'datchoh E. Touré
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 5757–5764, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5757-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5757-2024, 2024
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This opinion piece focuses on two geographical areas in the Global South where the authors are based that are underrepresented in atmospheric science. This opinion provides context on common challenges and constraints, with suggestions on how the community can address these. The focus is on the strengths of atmospheric science research in these regions. It is these strengths, we believe, that highlight the critical role of Global South researchers in the future of atmospheric science research.
Patrick Dewald, Tobias Seubert, Simone T. Andersen, Gunther N. T. E. Türk, Jan Schuladen, Max R. McGillen, Cyrielle Denjean, Jean-Claude Etienne, Olivier Garrouste, Marina Jamar, Sergio Harb, Manuela Cirtog, Vincent Michoud, Mathieu Cazaunau, Antonin Bergé, Christopher Cantrell, Sebastien Dusanter, Bénédicte Picquet-Varrault, Alexandre Kukui, Chaoyang Xue, Abdelwahid Mellouki, Jos Lelieveld, and John N. Crowley
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1223, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1223, 2024
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In scope of a field campaign in a suburban forest near Paris in the summer of 2022, we measured the reactivity of the nitrate radical (NO3) towards biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs, e.g. monoterpenes) mainly below, but also above the canopy. NO3 reactivity was highest during nights with strong temperature inversions and decreased strongly with height. Reactions with BVOCs were the main removal process of NO3 throughout the diel cycle below the canopy.
Heidi Hellén, Rostislav Kouznetsov, Kaisa Kraft, Jukka Seppälä, Mika Vestenius, Jukka-Pekka Jalkanen, Lauri Laakso, and Hannele Hakola
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 4717–4731, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4717-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4717-2024, 2024
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Mixing ratios of C2-C5 NMHCs and methanethiol were measured on an island in the Baltic Sea using an in situ gas chromatograph. Shipping emissions were found to be an important source of ethene, ethyne, propene, and benzene. High summertime mixing ratios of methanethiol and dependence of mixing ratios on seawater temperature and height indicated the biogenic origin to possibly be phytoplankton or macroalgae. These emissions may have a strong impact on SO2 production and new particle formation.
Eleanor J. Derry, Tyler Elgiar, Taylor Y. Wilmot, Nicholas W. Hoch, Noah S. Hirshorn, Peter Weiss-Penzias, Christopher F. Lee, John C. Lin, A. Gannet Hallar, Rainer Volkamer, Seth N. Lyman, and Lynne E. Gratz
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1046, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1046, 2024
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Mercury (Hg) is a globally-distributed neurotoxic pollutant. Atmospheric deposition is the main source of Hg to ecosystems. However, measurement biases hinder understanding of the origins and abundance of the more bioavailable oxidized form. We used an improved, calibrated measurement system to study air mass composition and transport of atmospheric Hg at a remote mountaintop site in the central U.S. Oxidized Hg originated upwind in the low to mid-free troposphere under clean, dry conditions.
Matthew M. Coggon, Chelsea E. Stockwell, Lu Xu, Jeff Peischl, Jessica B. Gilman, Aaron Lamplugh, Henry J. Bowman, Kenneth Aikin, Colin Harkins, Qindan Zhu, Rebecca H. Schwantes, Jian He, Meng Li, Karl Seltzer, Brian McDonald, and Carsten Warneke
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 4289–4304, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4289-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4289-2024, 2024
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Residential and commercial cooking emits pollutants that degrade air quality. Here, ambient observations show that cooking is an important contributor to anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted in Las Vegas, NV. These emissions are not fully presented in air quality models, and more work may be needed to quantify emissions from important sources, such as commercial restaurants.
Fabien Paulot, Gabrielle Pétron, Andrew M. Crotwell, and Matteo B. Bertagni
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 4217–4229, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4217-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4217-2024, 2024
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New data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show that hydrogen (H2) concentrations increased from 2010 to 2019, which is consistent with the simulated increase in H2 photochemical production (mainly from methane). But this cannot be reconciled with the expected decrease (increase) in H2 anthropogenic emissions (soil deposition) in the same period. This shows gaps in our knowledge of the H2 biogeochemical cycle that must be resolved to quantify the impact of higher H2 usage.
Wenjie Wang, Bin Yuan, Hang Su, Yafang Cheng, Jipeng Qi, Sihang Wang, Wei Song, Xinming Wang, Chaoyang Xue, Chaoqun Ma, Fengxia Bao, Hongli Wang, Shengrong Lou, and Min Shao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 4017–4027, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4017-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4017-2024, 2024
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This study investigates the important role of unmeasured volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ozone formation. Based on results in a megacity of China, we show that unmeasured VOCs can contribute significantly to ozone fomation and also influence the determination of ozone control strategy. Our results show that these unmeasured VOCs are mainly from human sources.
Benjamin A. Nault, Katherine R. Travis, James H. Crawford, Donald R. Blake, Pedro Campuzano-Jost, Ronald C. Cohen, Joshua P. DiGangi, Glenn S. Diskin, Samuel R. Hall, L. Gregory Huey, Jose L. Jimenez, Kyung-Eun Kim, Young R. Lee, Isobel J. Simpson, Kirk Ullmann, and Armin Wisthaler
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-596, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-596, 2024
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Ozone (O3) is a pollutant formed from the reactions of gases emitted from various sources. In urban areas, the density of human activities can increase the O3 formation rate (P(O3)); thus, impact air quality and health. Observations collected over Seoul, South Korea, are used to constrain P(O3). A high local P(O3) was found; however, local P(O3) was partly reduced due to compounds typically ignored. These observations also provide constraints for unmeasured compounds that will impact P(O3).
Romain Salignat, Matti Rissanen, Siddharth Iyer, Jean-Luc Baray, Pierre Tulet, Jean-Marc Metzger, Jérôme Brioude, Karine Sellegri, and Clémence Rose
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3785–3812, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3785-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3785-2024, 2024
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Using mass spectrometry data collected at the Maïdo Observatory (2160 m a.s.l., Réunion), we provide the first detailed analysis of molecular cluster chemical composition specifically in the marine free troposphere. The abundance of the identified species is related both to in situ meteorological parameters and air mass history, which also provide insight into their origin. Our work makes an important contribution to documenting the chemistry and physics of the marine free troposphere.
Delaney B. Kilgour, Gordon A. Novak, Megan S. Claflin, Brian M. Lerner, and Timothy H. Bertram
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3729–3742, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3729-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3729-2024, 2024
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Laboratory experiments with seawater mimics suggest ozone deposition to the surface ocean can be a source of reactive carbon to the marine atmosphere. We conduct both field and laboratory measurements to assess abiotic VOC composition and yields from ozonolysis of real surface seawater. We show that C5–C11 aldehydes contribute to the observed VOC emission flux. We estimate that VOCs generated by the ozonolysis of surface seawater are competitive with biological VOC production and emission.
Xiangdong Zheng, Wen Yang, Yuting Sun, Chunmei Geng, Yingying Liu, and Xiaobin Xu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3759–3768, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3759-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3759-2024, 2024
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Chen et al. (2022) attributed the nocturnal ozone enhancement (NOE) during the night of 31 July 2021 in the North China Plain (NCP) to "the direct stratospheric intrusion to reach the surface". We analyzed in situ data from the NCP. Our results do not suggest that there was a significant impact from the stratosphere on surface ozone during the NOE. We argue that the NOE was not caused by stratospheric intrusion but originated from fresh photochemical production in the lower troposphere.
James M. Roberts, Siyuan Wang, Patrick R. Veres, J. Andrew Neuman, Michael A. Robinson, Ilann Bourgeois, Jeff Peischl, Thomas B. Ryerson, Chelsea R. Thompson, Hannah M. Allen, John D. Crounse, Paul O. Wennberg, Samuel R. Hall, Kirk Ullmann, Simone Meinardi, Isobel J. Simpson, and Donald Blake
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3421–3443, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3421-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3421-2024, 2024
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We measured cyanogen bromide (BrCN) in the troposphere for the first time. BrCN is a product of the same active bromine chemistry that destroys ozone and removes mercury in polar surface environments and is a previously unrecognized sink for active Br compounds. BrCN has an apparent lifetime against heterogeneous loss in the range 1–10 d, so it serves as a cumulative marker of Br-radical chemistry. Accounting for BrCN chemistry is an important part of understanding polar Br cycling.
Kai Qin, Wei Hu, Qin He, Fan Lu, and Jason Blake Cohen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3009–3028, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3009-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3009-2024, 2024
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We compute CH4 emissions and uncertainty on a mine-by-mine basis, including underground, overground, and abandoned mines. Mine-by-mine gas and flux data and 30 min observations from a flux tower located next to a mine shaft are integrated. The observed variability and bias correction are propagated over the emissions dataset, demonstrating that daily observations may not cover the range of variability. Comparisons show both an emissions magnitude and spatial mismatch with current inventories.
Fan Zhang, Binyu Xiao, Zeyu Liu, Yan Zhang, Chongguo Tian, Rui Li, Can Wu, Yali Lei, Si Zhang, Xinyi Wan, Yubao Chen, Yong Han, Min Cui, Cheng Huang, Hongli Wang, Yingjun Chen, and Gehui Wang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-652, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-652, 2024
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Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel according to global sulfur limit regulation leads to large uncertainty on VOCs emission. Therefore, on-board test of VOCs from 9 typical cargo ships in China were carried out. Results showed that the switch of fuels from heavy fuel oil to diesel increased EFVOCs by 48% on average, enhancing both O3 and secondary organic aerosol formation potentials. This indicated the implementation of globally ultra-low-sulfur oil policy in the near future needs to be optimized.
Jian Wang, Lei Xue, Qianyao Ma, Feng Xu, Gaobin Xu, Shibo Yan, Jiawei Zhang, Jianlong Li, Honghai Zhang, Guiling Zhang, and Zhaohui Chen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2935, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2935, 2024
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This study investigated the distribution and sources of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) in the lower atmosphere over the marginal seas of China. NMHCs, a subset of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), play a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry. Derived from systematic atmospheric sampling in coastal cities and marginal sea regions, this study offer valuable insights into the interaction between land and sea in shaping offshore atmospheric NMHCs.
Yao Yan Huang and D. James Donaldson
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 2387–2398, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2387-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2387-2024, 2024
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Ground-level ozone interacts at the lake–land boundary; this is important to our understanding and modelling of atmospheric chemistry and air pollution in the lower atmosphere. We show that a steep ozone gradient occurs year-round moving inland up to 1 km from the lake and that this gradient is influenced by seasonal factors on the local land environment, where more rural areas are more greatly affected seasonally.
Arpit Awasthi, Baerbel Sinha, Haseeb Hakkim, Sachin Mishra, Varkrishna Mummidivarapu, Gurmanjot Singh, Sachin D. Ghude, Vijay Kumar Soni, Narendra Nigam, Vinayak Sinha, and Madhavan N. Rajeevan
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-501, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-501, 2024
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Our study uses a data set of 111 VOCs from a PTR-ToF-MS 10k, PM10 and PM2.5 in a PMF source-receptor model to resolve 11 pollution sources validated with chemical fingerprints collected at the source. Crop residue burning and heating contribute ~50 % of the PM, while traffic and industrial emissions dominate the gas-phase VOCs burden and SOA formation potential (>60 %). Non-tailpipe emissions from CNG powered commercial vehicles dominate the transport sector contribution to the PM burden.
Katrin Müller, Jordis S. Tradowsky, Peter von der Gathen, Christoph Ritter, Sharon Patris, Justus Notholt, and Markus Rex
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 2169–2193, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2169-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2169-2024, 2024
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The Palau Atmospheric Observatory is introduced as an ideal site to detect changes in atmospheric composition and dynamics above the remote tropical western Pacific. We focus on the ozone sounding program from 2016–2021, including El Niño 2016. The year-round high convective activity is reflected in dominant low tropospheric ozone and high relative humidity. Their seasonal distributions are unique compared to other tropical sites and are modulated by the Intertropical Convergence Zone.
Ziyan Guo, Keding Lu, Pengxiang Qiu, Mingyi Xu, and Zhaobing Guo
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 2195–2205, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2195-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2195-2024, 2024
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The formation of secondary sulfate needs to be further explored. In this work, we simultaneously measured sulfur and oxygen isotopic compositions to gain an increased understanding of specific sulfate formation processes. The results indicated that secondary sulfate was mainly ascribed to SO2 homogeneous oxidation by OH radicals and heterogeneous oxidation by H2O2 and Fe3+ / O2. This study is favourable for deeply investigating the sulfur cycle in the atmosphere.
Imran A. Girach, Narendra Ojha, Prabha R. Nair, Kandula V. Subrahmanyam, Neelakantan Koushik, Mohammed M. Nazeer, Nadimpally Kiran Kumar, Surendran Nair Suresh Babu, Jos Lelieveld, and Andrea Pozzer
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1979–1995, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1979-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1979-2024, 2024
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We investigate surface ozone variability in East Antarctica based on measurements and EMAC global model simulations during austral summer. Nearly half of the surface ozone is found to be of stratospheric origin. The east coast of Antarctica acts as a stronger sink of ozone than surrounding regions. Photochemical loss of ozone is counterbalanced by downward transport of ozone. The study highlights the intertwined role of chemistry and dynamics in governing ozone variations over East Antarctica.
Ying Zhang, Duzitian Li, Xu-Cheng He, Wei Nie, Chenjuan Deng, Runlong Cai, Yuliang Liu, Yishuo Guo, Chong Liu, Yiran Li, Liangduo Chen, Yuanyuan Li, Chenjie Hua, Tingyu Liu, Zongcheng Wang, Jiali Xie, Lei Wang, Tuukka Petäjä, Federico Bianchi, Ximeng Qi, Xuguang Chi, Pauli Paasonen, Yongchun Liu, Chao Yan, Jingkun Jiang, Aijun Ding, and Markku Kulmala
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1873–1893, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1873-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1873-2024, 2024
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This study conducts a long-term observation of gaseous iodine oxoacids in two Chinese megacities, revealing their ubiquitous presence with peak concentrations (up to 0.1 pptv) in summer. Our analysis suggests a mix of terrestrial and marine sources for iodine. Additionally, iodic acid is identified as a notable contributor to sub-3 nm particle growth and particle survival probability.
Xinyuan Zhang, Lingling Wang, Nan Wang, Shuangliang Ma, Shenbo Wang, Ruiqin Zhang, Dong Zhang, Mingkai Wang, and Hongyu Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2913, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2913, 2024
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Online observational data on particulate matter composition, gaseous pollutants, and meteorological conditions from ten sites in China before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed to investigate the variation in NH3 concentrations and particle pH and explore the promoting effect of increased pH values on HONO formation. This is the first study to discuss the reasons for the increase in AOC during the pandemic from the perspective of the influence of NH3 on HONO.
Guoxian Zhang, Renzhi Hu, Pinhua Xie, Changjin Hu, Xiaoyan Liu, Liujun Zhong, Haotian Cai, Bo Zhu, Shiyong Xia, Xiaofeng Huang, Xin Li, and Wenqing Liu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1825–1839, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1825-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1825-2024, 2024
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Comprehensive observation of HOx radicals was conducted at a coastal site in the Pearl River Delta. Radical chemistry was influenced by different air masses in a time-dependent way. Land mass promotes a more active photochemical process, with daily averages of 7.1 × 106 and 5.2 × 108 cm−3 for OH and HO2 respectively. The rapid oxidation process was accompanied by a higher diurnal HONO concentration, which influences the ozone-sensitive system and eventually magnifies the background ozone.
Sarah Albertin, Joël Savarino, Slimane Bekki, Albane Barbero, Roberto Grilli, Quentin Fournier, Irène Ventrillard, Nicolas Caillon, and Kathy Law
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1361–1388, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1361-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1361-2024, 2024
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This study reports the first simultaneous records of oxygen (Δ17O) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrate (NO3−). These data are combined with atmospheric observations to explore sub-daily N reactive chemistry and quantify N fractionation effects in an Alpine winter city. The results highlight the necessity of using Δ17O and δ15N in both NO2 and NO3− to avoid biased estimations of NOx sources and fates from NO3− isotopic records in urban winter environments.
Shigeyuki Ishidoya, Kazuhiro Tsuboi, Hiroaki Kondo, Kentaro Ishijima, Nobuyuki Aoki, Hidekazu Matsueda, and Kazuyuki Saito
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1059–1077, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1059-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1059-2024, 2024
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A method evaluating techniques for carbon neutrality, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), is important. This study presents a method to evaluate CO2 emissions from a cement plant based on atmospheric O2 and CO2 measurements. The method will also be useful for evaluating CO2 capture from flue gas at CCS plants, since the plants remove CO2 from the atmosphere without causing any O2 changes, just as cement plants do, differing only in the direction of CO2 exchange with the atmosphere.
Magdalena Pühl, Anke Roiger, Alina Fiehn, Alan M. Gorchov Negron, Eric A. Kort, Stefan Schwietzke, Ignacio Pisso, Amy Foulds, James Lee, James L. France, Anna E. Jones, Dave Lowry, Rebecca E. Fisher, Langwen Huang, Jacob Shaw, Prudence Bateson, Stephen Andrews, Stuart Young, Pamela Dominutti, Tom Lachlan-Cope, Alexandra Weiss, and Grant Allen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1005–1024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1005-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1005-2024, 2024
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In April–May 2019 we carried out an airborne field campaign in the southern North Sea with the aim of studying methane emissions of offshore gas installations. We determined methane emissions from elevated methane measured downstream of the sampled installations. We compare our measured methane emissions with estimated methane emissions from national and global annual inventories. As a result, we find inconsistencies of inventories and large discrepancies between measurements and inventories.
Georgios I. Gkatzelis, Matthew M. Coggon, Chelsea E. Stockwell, Rebecca S. Hornbrook, Hannah Allen, Eric C. Apel, Megan M. Bela, Donald R. Blake, Ilann Bourgeois, Steven S. Brown, Pedro Campuzano-Jost, Jason M. St. Clair, James H. Crawford, John D. Crounse, Douglas A. Day, Joshua P. DiGangi, Glenn S. Diskin, Alan Fried, Jessica B. Gilman, Hongyu Guo, Johnathan W. Hair, Hannah S. Halliday, Thomas F. Hanisco, Reem Hannun, Alan Hills, L. Gregory Huey, Jose L. Jimenez, Joseph M. Katich, Aaron Lamplugh, Young Ro Lee, Jin Liao, Jakob Lindaas, Stuart A. McKeen, Tomas Mikoviny, Benjamin A. Nault, J. Andrew Neuman, John B. Nowak, Demetrios Pagonis, Jeff Peischl, Anne E. Perring, Felix Piel, Pamela S. Rickly, Michael A. Robinson, Andrew W. Rollins, Thomas B. Ryerson, Melinda K. Schueneman, Rebecca H. Schwantes, Joshua P. Schwarz, Kanako Sekimoto, Vanessa Selimovic, Taylor Shingler, David J. Tanner, Laura Tomsche, Krystal T. Vasquez, Patrick R. Veres, Rebecca Washenfelder, Petter Weibring, Paul O. Wennberg, Armin Wisthaler, Glenn M. Wolfe, Caroline C. Womack, Lu Xu, Katherine Ball, Robert J. Yokelson, and Carsten Warneke
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 929–956, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-929-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-929-2024, 2024
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This study reports emissions of gases and particles from wildfires. These emissions are related to chemical proxies that can be measured by satellite and incorporated into models to improve predictions of wildfire impacts on air quality and climate.
Jie Wang, Haichao Wang, Yee Jun Tham, Lili Ming, Zelong Zheng, Guizhen Fang, Cuizhi Sun, Zhenhao Ling, Jun Zhao, and Shaojia Fan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 977–992, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-977-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-977-2024, 2024
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Many works report NO3 chemistry in inland regions while less target marine regions. We measured N2O5 and related species on a typical island and found intensive nighttime chemistry and rapid NO3 loss. NO contributed significantly to NO3 loss despite its sub-ppbv level, suggesting nocturnal NO3 reactions would be largely enhanced once free from NO emissions in the open ocean. This highlights the strong influences of urban outflow on downward marine areas in terms of nighttime chemistry.
Jun Zhou, Chunsheng Zhang, Aiming Liu, Bin Yuan, Yan Wang, Wenjie Wang, Jie-Ping Zhou, Yixin Hao, Xiao-Bing Li, Xianjun He, Xin Song, Yubin Chen, Suxia Yang, Shuchun Yang, Yanfeng Wu, Bin Jiang, Shan Huang, Junwen Liu, Jipeng Qi, Minhui Deng, Yibo Huangfu, and Min Shao
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2230, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2230, 2024
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In-depth understanding of near-ground vertical and temporal photochemical ozone (O3) formation is crucial for mitigating O3 pollution. By utilizing a self-built vertical observation system, a direct net photochemical O3 production rate detection system, and an observation-based model, we have diagnosed the vertical distributions and formation mechanism of net photochemical O3 production rates and sensitivity in Pearl River Delta region, one of the most O3 polluted area in China.
Tanja J. Schuck, Johannes Degen, Eric Hintsa, Peter Hoor, Markus Jesswein, Timo Keber, Daniel Kunkel, Fred Moore, Florian Obersteiner, Matt Rigby, Thomas Wagenhäuser, Luke M. Western, Andreas Zahn, and Andreas Engel
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 689–705, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-689-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-689-2024, 2024
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We study the interhemispheric gradient of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a strong long-lived greenhouse gas. Its emissions are stronger in the Northern Hemisphere; therefore, mixing ratios in the Southern Hemisphere lag behind. Comparing the observations to a box model, the model predicts air in the Southern Hemisphere to be older. For a better agreement, the emissions used as model input need to be increased (and their spatial pattern changed), and we need to modify north–south transport.
Jérémy Gueffier, François Gheusi, Marie Lothon, Véronique Pont, Alban Philibert, Fabienne Lohou, Solène Derrien, Yannick Bezombes, Gilles Athier, Yves Meyerfeld, Antoine Vial, and Emmanuel Leclerc
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 287–316, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-287-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-287-2024, 2024
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This study investigates the link between weather regime and atmospheric composition at a Pyrenean observatory. Five years of meteorological data were synchronized on a daily basis and then, using a clustering method, separated into six groups of observation days, with most showing marked characteristics of different weather regimes (fair and disturbed weather, winter windstorms, foehn). Statistical differences in gas and particle concentrations appeared between the groups and are discussed.
Yusheng Zhang, Feixue Zheng, Zemin Feng, Chaofan Lian, Weigang Wang, Xiaolong Fan, Wei Ma, Zhuohui Lin, Chang Li, Gen Zhang, Chao Yan, Ying Zhang, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Federico Bianch, Tuukka Petäjä, Juha Kangasluoma, Markku Kulmala, and Yongchun Liu
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-3139, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-3139, 2024
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In this study, HONO budget has been validated during COVID-19 lockdown event. Main conclusions are as follows: 1. HONO concentrations show a significant decrease from 0.97 to 0.53ppb during lockdown. 2. Vehicle emissions accounted for 53% of nighttime sources. The heterogeneous conversion of NO2 on ground surfaces important (31%) than aerosol (2%). 3. Daytime dominant source shifts from the homogenous reaction between NO and OH (51%) to photolysis of nitrate photolysis (53%) during the lockdown.
Dong Zhang, Xiao Li, Minghao Yuan, Yifei Xu, Qixiang Xu, Fangcheng Su, Shenbo Wang, and Ruiqin Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2835, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2835, 2024
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In recent years, Zhengzhou's O3 pollution has increasingly intensified, becoming one of the cities with the highest O3 pollution in central China. During the observation period, ethane, acetone, and propane were always the most abundant species. Vehicular exhaust, solvent usage, and industrial production were the main emission sources of VOCs. According to the scenario analysis, the minimum reduction ratio of AVOCs/NOx should be no less than 3:1 to reduce O3 production.
Nathaniel Brockway, Peter K. Peterson, Katja Bigge, Kristian D. Hajny, Paul B. Shepson, Kerri A. Pratt, Jose D. Fuentes, Tim Starn, Robert Kaeser, Brian H. Stirm, and William R. Simpson
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 23–40, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-23-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-23-2024, 2024
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Bromine monoxide (BrO) strongly affects atmospheric chemistry in the springtime Arctic, yet there are still many uncertainties around its sources and recycling, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing Arctic. In this study, we observed BrO as a function of altitude above the Alaskan Arctic. We found that BrO was often most concentrated near the ground, confirming the ability of snow to produce and recycle reactive bromine, and identified four common vertical distributions of BrO.
Alina Fiehn, Maximilian Eckl, Julian Kostinek, Michał Gałkowski, Christoph Gerbig, Michael Rothe, Thomas Röckmann, Malika Menoud, Hossein Maazallahi, Martina Schmidt, Piotr Korbeń, Jarosław Neçki, Mila Stanisavljević, Justyna Swolkień, Andreas Fix, and Anke Roiger
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15749–15765, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15749-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15749-2023, 2023
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During the CoMet mission in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) ground-based and airborne air samples were taken and analyzed for the isotopic composition of CH4 to derive the mean signature of the USCB and source signatures of individual coal mines. Using δ2H signatures, the biogenic emissions from the USCB account for 15 %–50 % of total emissions, which is underestimated in common emission inventories. This demonstrates the importance of δ2H-CH4 observations for methane source apportionment.
Yifei Song, Chaoyang Xue, Yuanyuan Zhang, Pengfei Liu, Fengxia Bao, Xuran Li, and Yujing Mu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15733–15747, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15733-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15733-2023, 2023
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We present measurements of HONO flux and related parameters over an agricultural field during a whole growing season of summer maize. This dataset allows studies on the characteristics and influencing factors of soil HONO emissions, determination of HONO emission factors, estimation of total HONO emissions at a national scale, and the discussion on future environmental policies in terms of mitigating regional air pollution.
Can Ye, Keding Lu, Xuefei Ma, Wanyi Qiu, Shule Li, Xinping Yang, Chaoyang Xue, Tianyu Zhai, Yuhan Liu, Xuan Li, Yang Li, Haichao Wang, Zhaofeng Tan, Xiaorui Chen, Huabin Dong, Limin Zeng, Min Hu, and Yuanhang Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15455–15472, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15455-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15455-2023, 2023
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In this study, combining comprehensive field measurements and a box model, we found NO2 conversion on the ground surface was the most important source for HONO production among the proposed heterogeneous and gas-phase HONO sources. In addition, HONO was found to evidently enhance O3 production and aggravate O3 pollution in summer in China. Our study improved our understanding of the relative importance of different HONO sources and the crucial role of HONO in O3 formation in polluted areas.
Yann Cohen, Didier Hauglustaine, Bastien Sauvage, Susanne Rohs, Patrick Konjari, Ulrich Bundke, Andreas Petzold, Valérie Thouret, Andreas Zahn, and Helmut Ziereis
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14973–15009, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14973-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14973-2023, 2023
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The upper troposphere–lower stratosphere (UTLS) is a key region regarding the lower atmospheric composition. This study consists of a comprehensive evaluation of an up-to-date chemistry–climate model in this layer, using regular in situ measurements based on passenger aircraft. For this purpose, a specific software (Interpol-IAGOS) has been updated and made publicly available. The model reproduces the carbon monoxide peaks due to biomass burning over the continental tropics particularly well.
Yifan Jiang, Men Xia, Zhe Wang, Penggang Zheng, Yi Chen, and Tao Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14813–14828, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14813-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14813-2023, 2023
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This study provides the first estimate of high rates of formic acid (HCOOH) production from the photochemical aging of real ambient particles and demonstrates the potential importance of this pathway in the formation of HCOOH under ambient conditions. Incorporating this pathway significantly improved the performance of a widely used chemical model. Our solution irradiation experiments demonstrated the importance of nitrate photolysis in HCOOH production via the production of oxidants.
Xuelian Zhong, Hengqing Shen, Min Zhao, Ji Zhang, Yue Sun, Yuhong Liu, Yingnan Zhang, Ye Shan, Hongyong Li, Jiangshan Mu, Yu Yang, Yanqiu Nie, Jinghao Tang, Can Dong, Xinfeng Wang, Yujiao Zhu, Mingzhi Guo, Wenxing Wang, and Likun Xue
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14761–14778, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14761-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14761-2023, 2023
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Nitrous acid (HONO) is vital for atmospheric oxidation. In research at Mount Lao, China, models revealed a significant unidentified marine HONO source. Overlooking this could skew our understanding of air quality and climate change. This finding emphasizes HONO’s importance in the coastal atmosphere, uncovering previously unnoticed interactions.
Steven Job Thomas, Toni Tykkä, Heidi Hellén, Federico Bianchi, and Arnaud P. Praplan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14627–14642, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14627-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14627-2023, 2023
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The study employed total ozone reactivity to demonstrate how emissions of Norway spruce readily react with ozone and could be a major ozone sink, particularly under stress. Additionally, this approach provided insight into the limitations of current analytical techniques that measure the compounds present or emitted into the atmosphere. The study shows how the technique used was not enough to measure all compounds emitted, and this could potentially underestimate various atmospheric processes.
Jinsol Kim, John B. Miller, Charles E. Miller, Scott J. Lehman, Sylvia E. Michel, Vineet Yadav, Nick E. Rollins, and William M. Berelson
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14425–14436, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14425-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14425-2023, 2023
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In this study, we present the partitioning of CO2 signals from biogenic, petroleum and natural gas sources by combining CO, 13CO2 and 14CO2 measurements. Using measurements from flask air samples at three sites in the greater Los Angeles region, we find larger and positive contributions of biogenic signals in winter and smaller and negative contributions in summer. The largest contribution of natural gas combustion generally occurs in summer.
Robert Woodward-Massey, Roberto Sommariva, Lisa K. Whalley, Danny R. Cryer, Trevor Ingham, William J. Bloss, Stephen M. Ball, Sam Cox, James D. Lee, Chris P. Reed, Leigh R. Crilley, Louisa J. Kramer, Brian J. Bandy, Grant L. Forster, Claire E. Reeves, Paul S. Monks, and Dwayne E. Heard
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14393–14424, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14393-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14393-2023, 2023
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Measurements of OH, HO2 and RO2 radicals and also OH reactivity were made at a UK coastal site and compared to calculations from a constrained box model utilising the Master Chemical Mechanism. The model agreement displayed a strong dependence on the NO concentration. An experimental budget analysis for OH, HO2, RO2 and total ROx demonstrated significant imbalances between HO2 and RO2 production rates. Ozone production rates were calculated from measured radicals and compared to modelled values.
Leonard Kirago, Örjan Gustafsson, Samuel Mwaniki Gaita, Sophie L. Haslett, Michael J. Gatari, Maria Elena Popa, Thomas Röckmann, Christoph Zellweger, Martin Steinbacher, Jörg Klausen, Christian Félix, David Njiru, and August Andersson
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14349–14357, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14349-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14349-2023, 2023
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This study provides ground-observational evidence that supports earlier suggestions that savanna fires are the main emitters and modulators of carbon monoxide gas in Africa. Using isotope-based techniques, the study has shown that about two-thirds of this gas is emitted from savanna fires, while for urban areas, in this case Nairobi, primary sources approach 100 %. The latter has implications for air quality policy, suggesting primary emissions such as traffic should be targeted.
Clara M. Nussbaumer, Bryan K. Place, Qindan Zhu, Eva Y. Pfannerstill, Paul Wooldridge, Benjamin C. Schulze, Caleb Arata, Ryan Ward, Anthony Bucholtz, John H. Seinfeld, Allen H. Goldstein, and Ronald C. Cohen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 13015–13028, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13015-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13015-2023, 2023
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NOx is a precursor to hazardous tropospheric ozone and can be emitted from various anthropogenic sources. It is important to quantify NOx emissions in urban environments to improve the local air quality, which still remains a challenge, as sources are heterogeneous in space and time. In this study, we calculate NOx emissions over Los Angeles, based on aircraft measurements in June 2021, and compare them to a local emission inventory, which we find mostly overpredicts the measured values.
Cited articles
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Ambrose, J. L., Lyman, S. N., Huang, J. Gustin, M. S., and Jaffe, D. A.: Fast time resolution oxidized mercury measurements during the Reno Atmospheric Mercury Intercomparison Experiment (RAMIX), Environ. Sci. Technol., 47, 7285–7294, 2013.
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Short summary
Speciated atmospheric Hg measurements from five high-elevation sites were compared with a global mercury model. The comparison confirmed that reactive mercury is formed in dry free tropospheric air from the oxidation of elemental Hg, more so in the summer than in other seasons. Simulations run with OH-O3 oxidation instead of the Br oxidation mechanism compared more closely with observations at desert sites, suggesting future simulations should include multiple reaction mechanisms simultaneously.
Speciated atmospheric Hg measurements from five high-elevation sites were compared with a global...
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