Articles | Volume 15, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-37-2015
© 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-15-37-2015
© Author(s) 2015. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research article
| 
07 Jan 2015
Research article |
| 07 Jan 2015
Seasonal characteristics of fine particulate matter (PM) based on high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometric (HR-ToF-AMS) measurements at the HKUST Supersite in Hong Kong
Division of Environment, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
now at: School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
B. P. Lee
Division of Environment, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
L. Su
Environmental Science Program, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
J. C. H. Fung
Division of Environment, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
Department of Mathematics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
C.K. Chan
Division of Environment, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
Related authors
Yuquan Gong, Ru-Jin Huang, Lu Yang, Ting Wang, Wei Yuan, Wei Xu, Wenjuan Cao, Yang Wang, and Yongjie Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15197–15207, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15197-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15197-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study reveals the large day–night differences in brown carbon (BrC) chromophore composition, which was not known previously. The results provide insights into the effects of atmospheric processes and emissions on BrC composition.
Wei Yuan, Ru-Jin Huang, Lu Yang, Ting Wang, Jing Duan, Jie Guo, Haiyan Ni, Yang Chen, Qi Chen, Yongjie Li, Ulrike Dusek, Colin O'Dowd, and Thorsten Hoffmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 3685–3697, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-3685-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-3685-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We characterized the seasonal variations in nitrated aromatic compounds (NACs) in composition, sources, and their light absorption contribution to brown carbon (BrC) aerosol in Xi'an, Northwest China. Our results show that secondary formation and vehicular emission were dominant sources in summer (~80 %), and biomass burning and coal combustion were major sources in winter (~75 %), and they indicate that the composition and sources of NACs have a profound impact on the light absorption of BrC
Yan Zheng, Xi Cheng, Keren Liao, Yaowei Li, Yong Jie Li, Ru-Jin Huang, Weiwei Hu, Ying Liu, Tong Zhu, Shiyi Chen, Limin Zeng, Douglas R. Worsnop, and Qi Chen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 2457–2472, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2457-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2457-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
This paper provides important information to help researchers to understand the mass quantification and source apportionment by Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometers.
Wei Yuan, Ru-Jin Huang, Lu Yang, Jie Guo, Ziyi Chen, Jing Duan, Ting Wang, Haiyan Ni, Yongming Han, Yongjie Li, Qi Chen, Yang Chen, Thorsten Hoffmann, and Colin O'Dowd
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 5129–5144, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-5129-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-5129-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We characterized light-absorbing properties, chromophore composition and sources of brown carbon (BrC) in Xi'an; identified three groups of light-absorbing organics; and quantified their contribution to overall BrC absorption. Our results showed that vehicle emissions and secondary formation are major sources of BrC in spring, coal combustion and vehicle emissions are major sources in fall, biomass burning and coal combustion become major sources in winter, and secondary BrC dominates in summer.
Jing Duan, Ru-Jin Huang, Yongjie Li, Qi Chen, Yan Zheng, Yang Chen, Chunshui Lin, Haiyan Ni, Meng Wang, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Darius Ceburnis, Chunying Chen, Douglas R. Worsnop, Thorsten Hoffmann, Colin O'Dowd, and Junji Cao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 3793–3807, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-3793-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-3793-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We characterized secondary aerosol formation in Beijing. Our results showed that relative humidity (RH) and Ox have opposite effects on sulfate and nitrate formation in summer and winter. The wintertime more-oxidized OOA (MO-OOA) showed a good correlation with aerosol liquid water content (ALWC). Meanwhile, the dependence of less-oxidized OOA (LO-OOA) and the mass ratio of LO-OOA to MO-OOA in Ox both degraded when RH > 60 %, suggesting that RH or ALWC may also affect LO-OOA formation.
Mingjin Tang, Chak K. Chan, Yong Jie Li, Hang Su, Qingxin Ma, Zhijun Wu, Guohua Zhang, Zhe Wang, Maofa Ge, Min Hu, Hong He, and Xinming Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 12631–12686, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-12631-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-12631-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Hygroscopicity is one of the most important properties of aerosol particles, and a number of experimental techniques, which differ largely in principles, configurations and cost, have been developed to investigate hygroscopic properties of atmospherically relevant particles. Our paper provides a comprehensive and critical review of available techniques for aerosol hygroscopicity studies.
Carly L. Reddington, Luke Conibear, Christoph Knote, Ben J. Silver, Yong J. Li, Chak K. Chan, Steve R. Arnold, and Dominick V. Spracklen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 11887–11910, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11887-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11887-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We use a high-resolution model over South and East Asia to explore air quality and human health benefits of eliminating emissions from six man-made pollution sources. We find that preventing emissions from either residential energy use, industry, or open biomass burning yields the largest reductions in ground-level particulate matter pollution and its associated disease burden over this region. We also summarize previous estimates of the source-specific disease burden in China and India.
Zhujie Li, Haobo Tan, Jun Zheng, Li Liu, Yiming Qin, Nan Wang, Fei Li, Yongjie Li, Mingfu Cai, Yan Ma, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 11669–11685, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11669-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11669-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Comprehensive field measurements were conducted to investigate aerosol compositions, optical properties, source origins, and radiative forcing effects in Guangzhou. Particulate brown carbon (BrC) light absorption was differentiated from that of black carbon. BrC was mostly due to primary emissions, such as straw burning, rather than secondary formation. BrC may cause ∼2.3 W m−2 radiative forcing at the top of the atmosphere and contribute to ∼15.8 % of the aerosol warming effect.
Meng Wang, Ru-Jin Huang, Junji Cao, Wenting Dai, Jiamao Zhou, Chunshui Lin, Haiyan Ni, Jing Duan, Ting Wang, Yang Chen, Yongjie Li, Qi Chen, Imad El Haddad, and Thorsten Hoffmann
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 4779–4789, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4779-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4779-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
The analytical performances of SE-GC-MS and TD-GC-MS for the determination of n-alkanes, PAHs and hopanes were evaluated and compared. The two methods show a good agreement with a high correlation efficient (R2 > 0.98) and a slope close to unity. The concentrations of n-alkanes, PAHs and hopanes are found to be much higher in Beijing than those in Chengdu, Shanghai and Guangzhou, most likely due to emissions from coal combustion for wintertime heating in Beijing.
Jing Duan, Ru-Jin Huang, Chunshui Lin, Wenting Dai, Meng Wang, Yifang Gu, Ying Wang, Haobin Zhong, Yan Zheng, Haiyan Ni, Uli Dusek, Yang Chen, Yongjie Li, Qi Chen, Douglas R. Worsnop, Colin D. O'Dowd, and Junji Cao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 10319–10334, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-10319-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-10319-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We present the seasonal distinction of secondary aerosol formation in urban Beijing. Both photochemical oxidation and aqueous-phase processing played important roles in SOA (secondary organic aerosol) formation during all three seasons; while for sulfate formation, gas-phase photochemical oxidation was the major pathway in late summer, aqueous-phase reactions were more responsible during early winter, and both processes had contributions during autumn.
Ru-Jin Huang, Yichen Wang, Junji Cao, Chunshui Lin, Jing Duan, Qi Chen, Yongjie Li, Yifang Gu, Jin Yan, Wei Xu, Roman Fröhlich, Francesco Canonaco, Carlo Bozzetti, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Darius Ceburnis, Manjula R. Canagaratna, John Jayne, Douglas R. Worsnop, Imad El-Haddad, André S. H. Prévôt, and Colin D. O'Dowd
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 2283–2298, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2283-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2283-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We found that in wintertime Shijiazhuang fine PM was mostly from primary emissions without sufficient atmospheric aging. In addition, secondary inorganic and organic aerosol dominated in pollution events under high-RH conditions, likely due to enhanced aqueous-phase chemistry, whereas primary organic aerosol dominated in pollution events under low-RH and stagnant conditions. Our results also highlighted the importance of meteorological conditions for PM pollution in this highly polluted city.
Mingjin Tang, Wenjun Gu, Qingxin Ma, Yong Jie Li, Cheng Zhong, Sheng Li, Xin Yin, Ru-Jin Huang, Hong He, and Xinming Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 2247–2258, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2247-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2247-2019, 2019
Liya Guo, Wenjun Gu, Chao Peng, Weigang Wang, Yong Jie Li, Taomou Zong, Yujing Tang, Zhijun Wu, Qinhao Lin, Maofa Ge, Guohua Zhang, Min Hu, Xinhui Bi, Xinming Wang, and Mingjin Tang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 2115–2133, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2115-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2115-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
In this work, hygroscopic properties of eight Ca- and Mg-containing salts were systematically investigated using two complementary techniques. The results largely improve our knowledge of the physicochemical properties of mineral dust and sea salt aerosols.
Yi Ming Qin, Hao Bo Tan, Yong Jie Li, Zhu Jie Li, Misha I. Schurman, Li Liu, Cheng Wu, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 16409–16418, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16409-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16409-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We developed the relationship between the chemical and optical characteristics of BrC in Guangzhou, China. We determined wavelength-dependent mass absorption coefficients of organic aerosol with different sources. The BrC absorption coefficient was associated with N-containing ion fragments and depended on their degrees of unsaturation/cyclization and oxygenation.
Ru-Jin Huang, Junji Cao, Yang Chen, Lu Yang, Jincan Shen, Qihua You, Kai Wang, Chunshui Lin, Wei Xu, Bo Gao, Yongjie Li, Qi Chen, Thorsten Hoffmann, Colin D. O'Dowd, Merete Bilde, and Marianne Glasius
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 3447–3456, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-3447-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-3447-2018, 2018
Wenjun Gu, Yongjie Li, Jianxi Zhu, Xiaohong Jia, Qinhao Lin, Guohua Zhang, Xiang Ding, Wei Song, Xinhui Bi, Xinming Wang, and Mingjin Tang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 10, 3821–3832, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-3821-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-3821-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
In this work we describe a method to directly quantify water adsorption and mass hygroscopic growth of atmospheric particles as a function of RH at different temperature, using a commercial vapor sorption analyzer. We have demonstrated that this commercial instrument provides a simple, sensitive, and robust method to determine water adsorption and hygroscopicity of atmospheric particles.
Mingjin Tang, Xin Huang, Keding Lu, Maofa Ge, Yongjie Li, Peng Cheng, Tong Zhu, Aijun Ding, Yuanhang Zhang, Sasho Gligorovski, Wei Song, Xiang Ding, Xinhui Bi, and Xinming Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 11727–11777, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-11727-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-11727-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We provide a comprehensive and critical review of laboratory studies of heterogeneous uptake of OH, NO3, O3, and their directly related species by mineral dust particles. The atmospheric importance of heterogeneous uptake as sinks for these species is also assessed. In addition, we have outlined major open questions and challenges in this field and discussed research strategies to address them.
Yi Ming Qin, Hao Bo Tan, Yong Jie Li, Misha I. Schurman, Fei Li, Francesco Canonaco, André S. H. Prévôt, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 10245–10258, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-10245-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-10245-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Freshly emitted HOA contributed significantly to the high concentrations of organics at night as heavy-duty vehicles enter downtown Guangzhou, while SOA contributed to the daytime high concentration. The large input of NOx, from automobile emissions, resulted in the significant formation of nitrate in both daytime and nighttime. Mitigating the PM pollution in urbanized areas such as Guangzhou can potentially benefit their peripheral cities, by reductions in traffic-related pollutants.
Yi Ming Qin, Yong Jie Li, Hao Wang, Berto Paul Yok Long Lee, Dan Dan Huang, and Chak Keung Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 14131–14145, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-14131-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-14131-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
The source, formation, transformation mechanisms and mixing state of particulate matter (PM) in high episodic events under different meteorological conditions in Hong Kong remain unclear. With high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometric measurement, we successfully demonstrated the dynamic and complex nature of PM transformation during high-PM episodes. This study revealed that not only regional transport but also local secondary formation is the culprit for high PM levels.
C. Sun, B. P. Lee, D. Huang, Y. Jie Li, M. I. Schurman, P. K. K. Louie, C. Luk, and C. K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 1713–1728, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-1713-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-1713-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents results of long-term submicron aerosol measurements in Hong Kong. The presented work covers fall and winter 2013. It serves to characterize aerosol in a densely built-up urban area of a typical Asian megacity with strong primary emission sources from vehicles and cooking and presents an in-depth analysis of distinct clean and heavily polluted time periods tied with meteorological data and other gas-phase species observed in the study period.
J. W. Meng, M. C. Yeung, Y. J. Li, B. Y. L. Lee, and C. K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 10267–10282, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-10267-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-10267-2014, 2014
Y. J. Li, D. D. Huang, H. Y. Cheung, A. K. Y. Lee, and C. K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 2871–2885, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-2871-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-2871-2014, 2014
Y. J. Li, B. Y. L. Lee, J. Z. Yu, N. L. Ng, and C. K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 8739–8753, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-8739-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-8739-2013, 2013
Liyuan Zhou, Qianyun Liu, Christian M. Salvador, Michael Le Breton, Mattias Hallquist, Jian Zhen Yu, Chak K. Chan, and Åsa M. Hallquist
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 11045–11061, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11045-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11045-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Our research on city bus emissions reveals that alternative fuels (compressed natural gas and biofuels) reduce fresh particle emissions compared to diesel. However, all fuels lead to secondary air pollution. Aiming at guiding better environmental policies, we studied 76 buses using advanced emission measurement techniques. This work sheds light on the complex effects of bus fuels on urban air quality, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluations of future transportation technologies.
Rongzhi Tang, Jialiang Ma, Ruifeng Zhang, Weizhen Cui, Yuanyuan Qin, Yangxi Chu, Yiming Qin, Alexander L. Vogel, and Chak K. Chan
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2633, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2633, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study provided laboratory evidence that the photosensitizers in biomass burning extracts can enhance the sulfate formation in NaCl particles, primarily by triggering the formation of secondary oxidants under light and air, with less contribution of direct photosensitization via triplets.
Yuquan Gong, Ru-Jin Huang, Lu Yang, Ting Wang, Wei Yuan, Wei Xu, Wenjuan Cao, Yang Wang, and Yongjie Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15197–15207, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15197-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15197-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study reveals the large day–night differences in brown carbon (BrC) chromophore composition, which was not known previously. The results provide insights into the effects of atmospheric processes and emissions on BrC composition.
Kai Song, Rongzhi Tang, Jingshun Zhang, Zichao Wan, Yuan Zhang, Kun Hu, Yuanzheng Gong, Daqi Lv, Sihua Lu, Yu Tan, Ruifeng Zhang, Ang Li, Shuyuan Yan, Shichao Yan, Baoming Fan, Wenfei Zhu, Chak K. Chan, Maosheng Yao, and Song Guo
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 13585–13595, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13585-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13585-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Incense burning is common in Asia, posing threats to human health and air quality. However, less is known about its emissions and health risks. Full-volatility organic species from incense-burning smoke are detected and quantified. Intermediate-volatility volatile organic compounds (IVOCs) are crucial organics accounting for 19.2 % of the total emission factors (EFs) and 40.0 % of the secondary organic aerosol (SOA) estimation, highlighting the importance of incorporating IVOCs into SOA models.
Zhancong Liang, Zhihao Cheng, Ruifeng Zhang, Yiming Qin, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 9585–9595, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-9585-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-9585-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we found that the photolysis of sodium nitrate leads to a much quicker decay of free amino acids (FAAs, with glycine as an example) in the particle phase than ammonium nitrate photolysis, which is likely due to the molecular interactions between FAAs and different nitrate salts. Since sodium nitrate likely co-exists with FAAs in the coarse-mode particles, particulate nitrate photolysis can possibly contribute to a rapid decay of FAAs and affect atmospheric nitrogen cycling.
Ruifeng Zhang and Chak Keung Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 6113–6126, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6113-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6113-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Research into sulfate and nitrate formation from co-uptake of NO2 and SO2, especially under irradiation, is rare. We studied the co-uptake of NO2 and SO2 by NaCl droplets under various conditions, including irradiation and dark, and RHs, using Raman spectroscopy flow cell and kinetic model simulation. Significant nitrate formation from NO2 hydrolysis can be photolyzed to generate OH radicals that can further react with chloride to produce reactive chlorine species and promote sulfate formation.
Liyuan Zhou, Zhancong Liang, Brix Raphael Go, Rosemarie Ann Infante Cuevas, Rongzhi Tang, Mei Li, Chunlei Cheng, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 5251–5261, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5251-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5251-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study reveals the sulfate formation in photosensitized particles from biomass burning under UV and SO2, of which the relative atmospheric importance in sulfate production was qualitatively compared to nitrate photolysis. On the basis of single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry measurements, the number percentage of sulfate-containing particles and relative peak area of sulfate in single-particle spectra exhibited a descending order of 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde > vanillin > syringaldehyde.
Brix Raphael Go, Yong Jie Li, Dan Dan Huang, Yalin Wang, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 2859–2875, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-2859-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-2859-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We compared non-phenolic and phenolic methoxybenzaldehydes as photosensitizers for aqueous secondary organic aerosol (aqSOA) formation under cloud and fog conditions. We showed that the structural features of photosensitizers affect aqSOA formation. We also elucidated potential interactions between photosensitization and ammonium nitrate photolysis. Our findings are useful for evaluating the importance of photosensitized reactions on aqSOA formation, which could improve aqSOA predictive models.
Zhancong Liang, Liyuan Zhou, Xinyue Li, Rosemarie Ann Infante Cuevas, Rongzhi Tang, Mei Li, Chunlei Cheng, Yangxi Chu, and Chak Keung Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2022-838, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2022-838, 2022
Preprint withdrawn
Short summary
Short summary
Incense burning is a common religious ritual, especially in Asian and African communities, with massive particles emitted. While previous research mainly focused on the chemical compositions and potential health impacts of fresh incense particles, our work reveals that nitrate, accompanied by SOA, can rapidly form in incense-burning particles upon photochemical oxidation in the atmosphere. This finding could deepen our understanding of air pollution caused by religious activities.
Zhancong Liang, Yangxi Chu, Masao Gen, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 3017–3044, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-3017-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-3017-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The properties and fate of individual airborne particles can be significantly different, leading to distinct environmental impacts (e.g., climate and human health). While many instruments only analyze an ensemble of these particles, single-particle Raman spectroscopy enables unambiguous characterization of individual particles. This paper comprehensively reviews the applications of such a technique in studying atmospheric particles, especially for their physicochemical processing.
Shang Gao, Mona Kurppa, Chak K. Chan, and Keith Ngan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 2703–2726, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-2703-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-2703-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The contribution of cooking emissions to organic aerosols may exceed that of motor vehicles. However, little is known about how cooking-generated aerosols evolve in the outdoor environment. In this paper, we present a numerical study of the dispersion of cooking emissions. For plausible choices of the emission strength, cooking can yield much higher concentrations than traffic. This has important implications for public health and city planning.
Brix Raphael Go, Yan Lyu, Yan Ji, Yong Jie Li, Dan Dan Huang, Xue Li, Theodora Nah, Chun Ho Lam, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 273–293, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-273-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-273-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Biomass burning (BB) is a global phenomenon that releases large quantities of pollutants such as phenols and aromatic carbonyls into the atmosphere. These compounds can form secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) which play an important role in the Earth’s energy budget. In this work, we demonstrated that the direct irradiation of vanillin (VL) could generate aqueous SOA (aqSOA) such as oligomers. In the presence of nitrate, VL photo-oxidation can also form nitrated compounds.
Wei Yuan, Ru-Jin Huang, Lu Yang, Ting Wang, Jing Duan, Jie Guo, Haiyan Ni, Yang Chen, Qi Chen, Yongjie Li, Ulrike Dusek, Colin O'Dowd, and Thorsten Hoffmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 3685–3697, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-3685-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-3685-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We characterized the seasonal variations in nitrated aromatic compounds (NACs) in composition, sources, and their light absorption contribution to brown carbon (BrC) aerosol in Xi'an, Northwest China. Our results show that secondary formation and vehicular emission were dominant sources in summer (~80 %), and biomass burning and coal combustion were major sources in winter (~75 %), and they indicate that the composition and sources of NACs have a profound impact on the light absorption of BrC
Yan Zheng, Xi Cheng, Keren Liao, Yaowei Li, Yong Jie Li, Ru-Jin Huang, Weiwei Hu, Ying Liu, Tong Zhu, Shiyi Chen, Limin Zeng, Douglas R. Worsnop, and Qi Chen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 2457–2472, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2457-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2457-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
This paper provides important information to help researchers to understand the mass quantification and source apportionment by Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometers.
Wei Yuan, Ru-Jin Huang, Lu Yang, Jie Guo, Ziyi Chen, Jing Duan, Ting Wang, Haiyan Ni, Yongming Han, Yongjie Li, Qi Chen, Yang Chen, Thorsten Hoffmann, and Colin O'Dowd
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 5129–5144, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-5129-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-5129-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We characterized light-absorbing properties, chromophore composition and sources of brown carbon (BrC) in Xi'an; identified three groups of light-absorbing organics; and quantified their contribution to overall BrC absorption. Our results showed that vehicle emissions and secondary formation are major sources of BrC in spring, coal combustion and vehicle emissions are major sources in fall, biomass burning and coal combustion become major sources in winter, and secondary BrC dominates in summer.
Jing Duan, Ru-Jin Huang, Yongjie Li, Qi Chen, Yan Zheng, Yang Chen, Chunshui Lin, Haiyan Ni, Meng Wang, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Darius Ceburnis, Chunying Chen, Douglas R. Worsnop, Thorsten Hoffmann, Colin O'Dowd, and Junji Cao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 3793–3807, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-3793-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-3793-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We characterized secondary aerosol formation in Beijing. Our results showed that relative humidity (RH) and Ox have opposite effects on sulfate and nitrate formation in summer and winter. The wintertime more-oxidized OOA (MO-OOA) showed a good correlation with aerosol liquid water content (ALWC). Meanwhile, the dependence of less-oxidized OOA (LO-OOA) and the mass ratio of LO-OOA to MO-OOA in Ox both degraded when RH > 60 %, suggesting that RH or ALWC may also affect LO-OOA formation.
Liyuan Zhou, Åsa M. Hallquist, Mattias Hallquist, Christian M. Salvador, Samuel M. Gaita, Åke Sjödin, Martin Jerksjö, Håkan Salberg, Ingvar Wängberg, Johan Mellqvist, Qianyun Liu, Berto P. Lee, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 1701–1722, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-1701-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-1701-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The study reports the transition in the atmospheric emission of particles and gases from on-road heavy-duty trucks (HDTs) caused by the modernisation of the fleet. We measured particle number (PN), particle mass (PM), black carbon (BC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), particle size distributions, and volatility in the plumes of 556 individual HDTs. Significant but different changes in emissions were evident for various pollutants with respect to emission standards.
Mingjin Tang, Chak K. Chan, Yong Jie Li, Hang Su, Qingxin Ma, Zhijun Wu, Guohua Zhang, Zhe Wang, Maofa Ge, Min Hu, Hong He, and Xinming Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 12631–12686, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-12631-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-12631-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Hygroscopicity is one of the most important properties of aerosol particles, and a number of experimental techniques, which differ largely in principles, configurations and cost, have been developed to investigate hygroscopic properties of atmospherically relevant particles. Our paper provides a comprehensive and critical review of available techniques for aerosol hygroscopicity studies.
Carly L. Reddington, Luke Conibear, Christoph Knote, Ben J. Silver, Yong J. Li, Chak K. Chan, Steve R. Arnold, and Dominick V. Spracklen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 11887–11910, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11887-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11887-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We use a high-resolution model over South and East Asia to explore air quality and human health benefits of eliminating emissions from six man-made pollution sources. We find that preventing emissions from either residential energy use, industry, or open biomass burning yields the largest reductions in ground-level particulate matter pollution and its associated disease burden over this region. We also summarize previous estimates of the source-specific disease burden in China and India.
Zhujie Li, Haobo Tan, Jun Zheng, Li Liu, Yiming Qin, Nan Wang, Fei Li, Yongjie Li, Mingfu Cai, Yan Ma, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 11669–11685, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11669-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11669-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Comprehensive field measurements were conducted to investigate aerosol compositions, optical properties, source origins, and radiative forcing effects in Guangzhou. Particulate brown carbon (BrC) light absorption was differentiated from that of black carbon. BrC was mostly due to primary emissions, such as straw burning, rather than secondary formation. BrC may cause ∼2.3 W m−2 radiative forcing at the top of the atmosphere and contribute to ∼15.8 % of the aerosol warming effect.
Meng Wang, Ru-Jin Huang, Junji Cao, Wenting Dai, Jiamao Zhou, Chunshui Lin, Haiyan Ni, Jing Duan, Ting Wang, Yang Chen, Yongjie Li, Qi Chen, Imad El Haddad, and Thorsten Hoffmann
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 4779–4789, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4779-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4779-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
The analytical performances of SE-GC-MS and TD-GC-MS for the determination of n-alkanes, PAHs and hopanes were evaluated and compared. The two methods show a good agreement with a high correlation efficient (R2 > 0.98) and a slope close to unity. The concentrations of n-alkanes, PAHs and hopanes are found to be much higher in Beijing than those in Chengdu, Shanghai and Guangzhou, most likely due to emissions from coal combustion for wintertime heating in Beijing.
Jing Duan, Ru-Jin Huang, Chunshui Lin, Wenting Dai, Meng Wang, Yifang Gu, Ying Wang, Haobin Zhong, Yan Zheng, Haiyan Ni, Uli Dusek, Yang Chen, Yongjie Li, Qi Chen, Douglas R. Worsnop, Colin D. O'Dowd, and Junji Cao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 10319–10334, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-10319-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-10319-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We present the seasonal distinction of secondary aerosol formation in urban Beijing. Both photochemical oxidation and aqueous-phase processing played important roles in SOA (secondary organic aerosol) formation during all three seasons; while for sulfate formation, gas-phase photochemical oxidation was the major pathway in late summer, aqueous-phase reactions were more responsible during early winter, and both processes had contributions during autumn.
Ru-Jin Huang, Yichen Wang, Junji Cao, Chunshui Lin, Jing Duan, Qi Chen, Yongjie Li, Yifang Gu, Jin Yan, Wei Xu, Roman Fröhlich, Francesco Canonaco, Carlo Bozzetti, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Darius Ceburnis, Manjula R. Canagaratna, John Jayne, Douglas R. Worsnop, Imad El-Haddad, André S. H. Prévôt, and Colin D. O'Dowd
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 2283–2298, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2283-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2283-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We found that in wintertime Shijiazhuang fine PM was mostly from primary emissions without sufficient atmospheric aging. In addition, secondary inorganic and organic aerosol dominated in pollution events under high-RH conditions, likely due to enhanced aqueous-phase chemistry, whereas primary organic aerosol dominated in pollution events under low-RH and stagnant conditions. Our results also highlighted the importance of meteorological conditions for PM pollution in this highly polluted city.
Mingjin Tang, Wenjun Gu, Qingxin Ma, Yong Jie Li, Cheng Zhong, Sheng Li, Xin Yin, Ru-Jin Huang, Hong He, and Xinming Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 2247–2258, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2247-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2247-2019, 2019
Liya Guo, Wenjun Gu, Chao Peng, Weigang Wang, Yong Jie Li, Taomou Zong, Yujing Tang, Zhijun Wu, Qinhao Lin, Maofa Ge, Guohua Zhang, Min Hu, Xinhui Bi, Xinming Wang, and Mingjin Tang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 2115–2133, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2115-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2115-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
In this work, hygroscopic properties of eight Ca- and Mg-containing salts were systematically investigated using two complementary techniques. The results largely improve our knowledge of the physicochemical properties of mineral dust and sea salt aerosols.
Mingfu Cai, Haobo Tan, Chak K. Chan, Yiming Qin, Hanbing Xu, Fei Li, Misha I. Schurman, Li Liu, and Jun Zhao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 16419–16437, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16419-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16419-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) play a critical role in cloud formation which affects solar radiation and climate. We employed advanced instruments to measure aerosol hygroscopicity and chemical composition and used them to predict CCN activity. Our results found that the CCN activity was largely dependent on the hygroscopicity parameter and the surface tension of the particles. Our study highlights the need for evaluating the effects of organics in order to accurately predict CCN activity.
Yi Ming Qin, Hao Bo Tan, Yong Jie Li, Zhu Jie Li, Misha I. Schurman, Li Liu, Cheng Wu, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 16409–16418, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16409-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16409-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We developed the relationship between the chemical and optical characteristics of BrC in Guangzhou, China. We determined wavelength-dependent mass absorption coefficients of organic aerosol with different sources. The BrC absorption coefficient was associated with N-containing ion fragments and depended on their degrees of unsaturation/cyclization and oxygenation.
Michael Le Breton, Åsa M. Hallquist, Ravi Kant Pathak, David Simpson, Yujue Wang, John Johansson, Jing Zheng, Yudong Yang, Dongjie Shang, Haichao Wang, Qianyun Liu, Chak Chan, Tao Wang, Thomas J. Bannan, Michael Priestley, Carl J. Percival, Dudley E. Shallcross, Keding Lu, Song Guo, Min Hu, and Mattias Hallquist
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 13013–13030, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-13013-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-13013-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We apply state-of-the-art chemical characterization to determine the chloride radical production in Beijing via measurement of inorganic halogens at a semi-rural site. The high concentration of inorganic halogens, namely nitryl chloride, enables the production of chlorinated volatile organic compounds which are measured in both the gas and particle phases simultaneously. This enables the secondary production of aerosols via chlorine oxidation to be directly observed in ambient air.
Yangxi Chu, Erin Evoy, Saeid Kamal, Young Chul Song, Jonathan P. Reid, Chak K. Chan, and Allan K. Bertram
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 4809–4822, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-4809-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-4809-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
The viscosity of erythritol, a tetrol found in aerosol particles, is highly uncertain. To help resolve this uncertainty, we measured the viscosities of
erythritol–water particles using rectangular-area fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and aerosol optical tweezers techniques. These results
should help improve the understanding of the viscosity of secondary organic aerosol particles. In addition, we present an intercomparison of techniques
for measuring the viscosity of particles.
Tengyu Liu, Zhaoyi Wang, Xinming Wang, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 11363–11374, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-11363-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-11363-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
POA and SOA from seven heated cooking oil emissions were investigated in a smog chamber. We found that PMF analysis separated POA and SOA better than the residual spectrum method and the traditional method, assuming first-order POA loss. The PMF factors mass spectra were compared with those of ambient PMF factors. Our results suggest that COA source analysis from ambient data is likely complicated by the cooking style and atmospheric oxidation conditions.
Michael Le Breton, Yujue Wang, Åsa M. Hallquist, Ravi Kant Pathak, Jing Zheng, Yudong Yang, Dongjie Shang, Marianne Glasius, Thomas J. Bannan, Qianyun Liu, Chak K. Chan, Carl J. Percival, Wenfei Zhu, Shengrong Lou, David Topping, Yuchen Wang, Jianzhen Yu, Keding Lu, Song Guo, Min Hu, and Mattias Hallquist
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 10355–10371, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10355-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10355-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
This paper utilizes a chemical ionisation mass spectrometer measuring gas and particle-phase organosulfates (OS) simultaneously during a field campaign in Beijing, China, and highlights how high time frequency online measurements enable a detailed analysis of dominant production mechanisms. We find that high aerosol acidity, organic precursor concentration and relative humidity promote the production of OS. The thermogram desorption reveals the potential for semi-volatile gas-phase OS.
Chunlei Cheng, Zuzhao Huang, Chak K. Chan, Yangxi Chu, Mei Li, Tao Zhang, Yubo Ou, Duohong Chen, Peng Cheng, Lei Li, Wei Gao, Zhengxu Huang, Bo Huang, Zhong Fu, and Zhen Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 9147–9159, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-9147-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-9147-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Particulate amines play an important role for the particle acidity and hygroscopicity. We found amines were internally mixed with sulfate and nitrate at a rural site in the PRD, China, suggesting the formation of aminium sulfate and nitrate salts. The ammonium-poor state of amine particles in summer was associated with the low emission sources of ammonia and a possible contribution of ammonium–amine exchange reactions. Amines could be a buffer for the particle acidity of ammonium-poor particles.
Ru-Jin Huang, Junji Cao, Yang Chen, Lu Yang, Jincan Shen, Qihua You, Kai Wang, Chunshui Lin, Wei Xu, Bo Gao, Yongjie Li, Qi Chen, Thorsten Hoffmann, Colin D. O'Dowd, Merete Bilde, and Marianne Glasius
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 3447–3456, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-3447-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-3447-2018, 2018
Tengyu Liu, Dan Dan Huang, Zijun Li, Qianyun Liu, ManNin Chan, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 5677–5689, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-5677-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-5677-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
The formation of SOA from toluene on initially dry and wet AS seeds was compared using an OFR at an RH of 68 %. We found that, as OH exposure increased, the SOA yield and ALW of the initially dry seeds approached those of the initially wet seeds while the wet seeds yielded SOA of a higher degree of oxidation at all exposure levels. Our results suggest that AS dry seeds soon at least partially deliquesce during SOA formation; more studies on the interplay of SOA formation and ALW are warranted.
Berto Paul Lee, Peter Kwok Keung Louie, Connie Luk, and Chak Keung Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 15121–15135, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-15121-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-15121-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Road traffic is an important source of air pollution. This study investigates the relationship between traffic-related airborne carbonaceous particles and the composition of traffic to reveal how emissions from different vehicle types affect ambient air quality. On average, LPG vehicles showed very small contributions, while gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles emitted similar total amounts of carbon-containing particles but with differences in chemical composition.
Masao Gen and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 14025–14037, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-14025-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-14025-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We propose electrospray-surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (ES-SERS) for measuring the surface chemical compositions of atmospherically relevant particles. The observations of surface aqueous sulfate and adsorbed water demonstrate a possible role of the water in facilitating the dissolution of sulfate from the bulk phase into its water layers. ES-SERS of submicron ambient aerosol particles collected in Hong Kong indicated an enrichment of sulfate and organic matter on the particle surface.
Berto Paul Lee, Hao Wang, and Chak Keung Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 13605–13624, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13605-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13605-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
The size of atmospheric particles is an important physical property that determines environmental and health effects. We measured the size and chemical composition of particles in two locations in Hong Kong impacted by different predominant sources of particulate air pollutants to characterize how particle size and particle composition vary over different time frames, from changes within a day to long-term changes over weeks, and which processes and sources may have played important roles.
Wenjun Gu, Yongjie Li, Jianxi Zhu, Xiaohong Jia, Qinhao Lin, Guohua Zhang, Xiang Ding, Wei Song, Xinhui Bi, Xinming Wang, and Mingjin Tang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 10, 3821–3832, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-3821-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-3821-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
In this work we describe a method to directly quantify water adsorption and mass hygroscopic growth of atmospheric particles as a function of RH at different temperature, using a commercial vapor sorption analyzer. We have demonstrated that this commercial instrument provides a simple, sensitive, and robust method to determine water adsorption and hygroscopicity of atmospheric particles.
Mingjin Tang, Xin Huang, Keding Lu, Maofa Ge, Yongjie Li, Peng Cheng, Tong Zhu, Aijun Ding, Yuanhang Zhang, Sasho Gligorovski, Wei Song, Xiang Ding, Xinhui Bi, and Xinming Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 11727–11777, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-11727-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-11727-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We provide a comprehensive and critical review of laboratory studies of heterogeneous uptake of OH, NO3, O3, and their directly related species by mineral dust particles. The atmospheric importance of heterogeneous uptake as sinks for these species is also assessed. In addition, we have outlined major open questions and challenges in this field and discussed research strategies to address them.
Yi Ming Qin, Hao Bo Tan, Yong Jie Li, Misha I. Schurman, Fei Li, Francesco Canonaco, André S. H. Prévôt, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 10245–10258, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-10245-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-10245-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Freshly emitted HOA contributed significantly to the high concentrations of organics at night as heavy-duty vehicles enter downtown Guangzhou, while SOA contributed to the daytime high concentration. The large input of NOx, from automobile emissions, resulted in the significant formation of nitrate in both daytime and nighttime. Mitigating the PM pollution in urbanized areas such as Guangzhou can potentially benefit their peripheral cities, by reductions in traffic-related pollutants.
Chunlei Cheng, Mei Li, Chak K. Chan, Haijie Tong, Changhong Chen, Duohong Chen, Dui Wu, Lei Li, Cheng Wu, Peng Cheng, Wei Gao, Zhengxu Huang, Xue Li, Zhijuan Zhang, Zhong Fu, Yanru Bi, and Zhen Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 9519–9533, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9519-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9519-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Oxalic acid is an abundant and ubiquitous constituent in secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and can be an effective tracer for the oxidative processes leading to the formation of SOA. In this work photochemical reactions have a significant contribution to oxalic acid formation in summer, while in winter the formation of oxalic acid is closely associated with the oxidation of organic precursors in the aqueous phase.
James W. Grayson, Erin Evoy, Mijung Song, Yangxi Chu, Adrian Maclean, Allena Nguyen, Mary Alice Upshur, Marzieh Ebrahimi, Chak K. Chan, Franz M. Geiger, Regan J. Thomson, and Allan K. Bertram
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 8509–8524, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8509-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8509-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
The viscosities of four polyols and three saccharides mixed with water were determined. The results from the polyol studies suggest viscosity increases by 1–2 orders of magnitude with the addition of an OH functional group to a carbon backbone. The results from the saccharide studies suggest that the viscosity of highly oxidized compounds is strongly dependent on molar mass and oligomerization of highly oxidized compounds in atmospheric SOM could lead to large increases in viscosity.
Tengyu Liu, Zijun Li, ManNin Chan, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 7333–7344, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-7333-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-7333-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Formation of SOA from gas-phase emissions of five heated vegetable oils was investigated in a PAM chamber for the first time. The major SOA precursors from heated cooking oils were related to the content of monounsaturated fat and omega-6 fatty acids in cooking oils. The average production rate of SOA was 3 orders of magnitude lower compared with emission rates of PM2.5 from heated cooking oils. In these experiments, SOA was lightly oxidized.
Meike Sauerwein and Chak Keung Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 6323–6339, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-6323-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-6323-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Heterogeneous uptake is one of the mechanisms influencing the amounts of alkylamines and ammonia in atmospheric particles. The present study investigates the simultaneous uptake of dimethylamine and ammonia at different gas molar ratios into sulfuric and oxalic acid particles at low and high relative humidity. Results showed that the particulate dimethylaminium/ammonium molar ratios changed substantially during the uptake process, depending on the extent of neutralisation and phase state.
Yi Ming Qin, Yong Jie Li, Hao Wang, Berto Paul Yok Long Lee, Dan Dan Huang, and Chak Keung Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 14131–14145, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-14131-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-14131-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
The source, formation, transformation mechanisms and mixing state of particulate matter (PM) in high episodic events under different meteorological conditions in Hong Kong remain unclear. With high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometric measurement, we successfully demonstrated the dynamic and complex nature of PM transformation during high-PM episodes. This study revealed that not only regional transport but also local secondary formation is the culprit for high PM levels.
Heidi H. Y. Cheung, Haobo Tan, Hanbing Xu, Fei Li, Cheng Wu, Jian Z. Yu, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 8431–8446, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8431-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8431-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We present simultaneous measurements of aerosol volatility and carbonaceous matters in Guangzhou, China, in Feb and Mar 2014 using a VTDMA and OC / EC analyzer. Low volatility particles with no significant evaporation at 300° C in the VTDMA contributed 5–15 % of number concentrations of the 40–300 nm particles. Mass closure suggests that non-volatile organic carbon, in addition to elemental carbon, was one of the components of the non-volatile residuals measured by the VTDMA in this study.
C. Sun, B. P. Lee, D. Huang, Y. Jie Li, M. I. Schurman, P. K. K. Louie, C. Luk, and C. K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 1713–1728, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-1713-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-1713-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents results of long-term submicron aerosol measurements in Hong Kong. The presented work covers fall and winter 2013. It serves to characterize aerosol in a densely built-up urban area of a typical Asian megacity with strong primary emission sources from vehicles and cooking and presents an in-depth analysis of distinct clean and heavily polluted time periods tied with meteorological data and other gas-phase species observed in the study period.
G. Kuhlmann, Y. F. Lam, H. M. Cheung, A. Hartl, J. C. H. Fung, P. W. Chan, and M. O. Wenig
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 5627–5644, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-5627-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-5627-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Regional NO2 distributions can be simulated by models or retrieved from satellite observations. We developed a custom OMI NO2 data product for the Pearl River delta region which reduces biases compared to the standard product. The product is used for the evaluation of a regional air quality model for which it is a useful addition to ground measurements. The unbiased NO2 data product can be very helpful for air pollution studies in urban areas.
J. W. Meng, M. C. Yeung, Y. J. Li, B. Y. L. Lee, and C. K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 10267–10282, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-10267-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-10267-2014, 2014
Y. J. Li, D. D. Huang, H. Y. Cheung, A. K. Y. Lee, and C. K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 2871–2885, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-2871-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-2871-2014, 2014
Y. J. Li, B. Y. L. Lee, J. Z. Yu, N. L. Ng, and C. K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 8739–8753, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-8739-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-8739-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Subject: Aerosols | Research Activity: Field Measurements | Altitude Range: Troposphere | Science Focus: Chemistry (chemical composition and reactions)
Opinion: How will advances in aerosol science inform our understanding of the health impacts of outdoor particulate pollution?
Measurement report: Intra-annual variability of black carbon and brown carbon and their interrelation with meteorological conditions over Gangtok, Sikkim
Long-range transport of air pollutants increases the concentration of hazardous components of PM2.5 in northern South America
Dominant influence of biomass combustion and cross-border transport on nitrogen-containing organic compound levels in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau
Impacts of elevated anthropogenic emissions on physicochemical characteristics of black-carbon-containing particles over the Tibetan Plateau
Online characterization of primary and secondary emissions of particulate matter and acidic molecules from a modern fleet of city buses
Atmospheric evolution of environmentally persistent free radicals in the rural North China Plain: effects on water solubility and PM2.5 oxidative potential
Two distinct ship emission profiles for organic-sulfate source apportionment of PM in sulfur emission control areas
Automated compound speciation, cluster analysis, and quantification of organic vapors and aerosols using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
Measurement report: Occurrence of aminiums in PM2.5 during winter in China – aminium outbreak during polluted episodes and potential constraints
Bridging gas and aerosol properties between the northeastern US and Bermuda: analysis of eight transit flights
The behaviour of charged particles (ions) during new particle formation events in urban Leipzig, Germany
Exploring the sources of light-absorbing carbonaceous aerosols by integrating observational and modeling results: insights from Northeast China
Measurement report: Characteristics of airborne black-carbon-containing particles during the 2021 summer COVID-19 lockdown in a typical Yangtze River Delta city, China
Aerosol optical properties within the atmospheric boundary layer predicted from ground-based observations compared to Raman lidar retrievals during RITA-2021
Hygroscopic growth and activation changed submicron aerosol composition and properties in the North China Plain
Measurement report: Formation of tropospheric brown carbon in a lifting air mass
Vertical variability of aerosol properties and trace gases over a remote marine region: a case study over Bermuda
Differences in aerosol and cloud properties along the central California coast when winds change from northerly to southerly
International airport emissions and their impact on local air quality: chemical speciation of ambient aerosols at Madrid–Barajas Airport during the AVIATOR campaign
Significant role of biomass burning in heavy haze formation in a megacity: Molecular-level insights from intensive PM2.5 sampling on winter hazy days
The local ship speed reduction effect on black carbon emissions measured at a remote marine station
High-altitude aerosol chemical characterization and source identification: insights from the CALISHTO campaign
Measurement report: Impact of emission control measures on environmental persistent free radicals and reactive oxygen species – a short-term case study in Beijing
Characterizing water solubility of fresh and aged secondary organic aerosol in PM2.5 with the stable carbon isotope technique
Measurement report: Impact of cloud processes on secondary organic aerosols at a forested mountain site in southeastern China
Critical contribution of chemically diverse carbonyl molecules to the oxidative potential of atmospheric aerosols
Seasonal Investigation of Ultrafine Particle Composition in an Eastern Amazonian Rainforest
Measurement report: Vanadium-containing ship exhaust particles detected in and above the marine boundary layer in the remote atmosphere
Diverging trends in aerosol sulfate and nitrate measured in the remote North Atlantic in Barbados are attributed to clean air policies, African smoke, and anthropogenic emissions
Technical note: Quantified organic aerosol subsaturated hygroscopicity by a simple optical scatter monitor system through field measurements
Diverse sources and aging change the mixing state and ice nucleation properties of aerosol particles over the western Pacific and Southern Ocean
The water-insoluble organic carbon in PM2.5 of typical Chinese urban areas: light-absorbing properties, potential sources, radiative forcing effects, and a possible light-absorbing continuum
Measurement report: Size-resolved secondary organic aerosol formation modulated by aerosol water uptake in wintertime haze
In situ measurement of organic aerosol molecular markers in urban Hong Kong during a summer period: temporal variations and source apportionment
Technical note: Determining chemical composition of atmospheric single particles by a standard-free mass calibration algorithm
Different formation pathways of nitrogen-containing organic compounds in aerosols and fog water in northern China
Impact of weather patterns and meteorological factors on PM2.5 and O3 responses to the COVID-19 lockdown in China
Daytime and nighttime aerosol soluble iron formation in clean and slightly polluted moist air in a coastal city in eastern China
Non-negligible secondary contribution to brown carbon in autumn and winter: inspiration from particulate nitrated and oxygenated aromatic compounds in urban Beijing
A Multi-site Passive Approach for Studying the Emissions and Evolution of Smoke from Prescribed Fires
Non-sea-salt aerosols that contain trace bromine and iodine are widespread in the remote troposphere
Simultaneous organic aerosol source apportionment at two Antarctic sites reveals large-scale and ecoregion-specific components
Measurement report: Optical characterization, seasonality, and sources of brown carbon in fine aerosols from Tianjin, North China: year-round observations
High-resolution analyses of concentrations and sizes of black carbon particles deposited on northwest Greenland over the past 350 years – Part 2: Seasonal and temporal trends in black carbon originated from fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning
Bayesian inference-based estimation of hourly primary and secondary organic carbon in suburban Hong Kong: multi-temporal-scale variations and evolution characteristics during PM2.5 episodes
Formation and chemical evolution of SOA in two different environments: A dual chamber study
Enhanced daytime secondary aerosol formation driven by gas-particle partitioning in downwind urban plumes
Multiple eco-regions contribute to the seasonal cycle of Antarctic aerosol size distributions
Impact assessment of terrestrial and marine air-mass on the constituents and intermixing of bioaerosols over coastal atmosphere
Imad El Haddad, Danielle Vienneau, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, Robin Modini, Jay G. Slowik, Abhishek Upadhyay, Petros N. Vasilakos, David Bell, Kees de Hoogh, and Andre S. H. Prevot
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 11981–12011, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11981-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11981-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This opinion paper explores how advances in aerosol science inform our understanding of the health impacts of outdoor particulate pollution. We advocate for a shift in the way we target PM pollution, focusing on the most harmful anthropogenic emissions. We highlight key observations, modelling developments, and emission measurements needed to achieve this shift.
Pramod Kumar, Khushboo Sharma, Ankita Malu, Rajeev Rajak, Aparna Gupta, Bidyutjyoti Baruah, Shailesh Yadav, Thupstan Angchuk, Jayant Sharma, Rakesh Kumar Ranjan, Anil Kumar Misra, and Nishchal Wanjari
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 11585–11601, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11585-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11585-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This work monitors and assesses air pollution, especially black and brown carbon, its controlling factor, and its effect on the environment of Sikkim Himalayan region. The huge urban sprawl in recent decades has led to regional human-induced air pollution in the region. Black carbon was highest in April 2021 and March 2022, exceeding the WHO limit. The monsoon season causes huge rainfall over the region, which reduces the pollutants by scavenging (rainout and washout).
Maria P. Velásquez-García, K. Santiago Hernández, James A. Vergara-Correa, Richard J. Pope, Miriam Gómez-Marín, and Angela M. Rendón
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 11497–11520, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11497-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11497-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In the Aburrá Valley, northern South America, local emissions determine air quality conditions. However, we found that external sources, such as regional fires, Saharan dust, and volcanic emissions, increase particulate concentrations and worsen chemical composition by introducing elements like heavy metals. Dry winds and source variability contribute to seasonal influences on these events. This study assesses the air quality risks posed by such events, which can affect broad regions worldwide.
Meng Wang, Qiyuan Wang, Steven Sai Hang Ho, Jie Tian, Yong Zhang, Shun-cheng Lee, and Junji Cao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 11175–11189, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11175-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11175-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We studied nitrogen-containing organic compounds (NOCs) in particulate matter <2.5 µm particles on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau. We found that biomass burning and transboundary transport are the main sources of NOCs in the high-altitude area. Understanding these aerosol sources informs how they add to regional and potentially global climate changes. Our findings could help shape effective environmental policies to enhance air quality and address climate impacts in this sensitive region.
Jinbo Wang, Jiaping Wang, Yuxuan Zhang, Tengyu Liu, Xuguang Chi, Xin Huang, Dafeng Ge, Shiyi Lai, Caijun Zhu, Lei Wang, Qiaozhi Zha, Ximeng Qi, Wei Nie, Congbin Fu, and Aijun Ding
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 11063–11080, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11063-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11063-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we found large spatial discrepancies in the physical and chemical properties of black carbon over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Elevated anthropogenic emissions from low-altitude regions can significantly change the mass concentration, mixing state and chemical composition of black-carbon-containing aerosol in the TP region, further altering its light absorption ability. Our study emphasizes the vulnerability of remote plateau regions to intense anthropogenic influences.
Liyuan Zhou, Qianyun Liu, Christian M. Salvador, Michael Le Breton, Mattias Hallquist, Jian Zhen Yu, Chak K. Chan, and Åsa M. Hallquist
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 11045–11061, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11045-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11045-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Our research on city bus emissions reveals that alternative fuels (compressed natural gas and biofuels) reduce fresh particle emissions compared to diesel. However, all fuels lead to secondary air pollution. Aiming at guiding better environmental policies, we studied 76 buses using advanced emission measurement techniques. This work sheds light on the complex effects of bus fuels on urban air quality, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluations of future transportation technologies.
Xu Yang, Fobang Liu, Shuqi Yang, Yuling Yang, Yanan Wang, Jingjing Li, Mingyu Zhao, Zhao Wang, Kai Wang, Chi He, and Haijie Tong
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 11029–11043, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11029-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11029-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
A study in the rural North China Plain showed environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) in atmospheric particulate matter (PM), with a notable water-soluble fraction likely from atmospheric oxidation during transport. Significant positive correlations between EPFRs and the water-soluble oxidative potential of PM2.5 were found, primarily attributable to the water-soluble fractions of EPFRs. These findings emphasize understanding EPFRs' atmospheric evolution for climate and health impacts.
Kirsten N. Fossum, Chunshui Lin, Niall O'Sullivan, Lu Lei, Stig Hellebust, Darius Ceburnis, Aqeel Afzal, Anja Tremper, David Green, Srishti Jain, Steigvilė Byčenkienė, Colin O'Dowd, John Wenger, and Jurgita Ovadnevaite
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 10815–10831, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10815-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10815-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The chemical composition and sources of submicron aerosol in the Dublin Port area were investigated over a month-long campaign. Two distinct types of ship emissions were identified and characterised: sulfate-rich plumes from the use of heavy fuel oil with scrubbers and organic-rich plumes from the use of low-sulfur fuels. The latter were more frequent, emitting double the particle number and having a typical V / Ni ratio for ship emission.
Xiao He, Xuan Zheng, Shuwen Guo, Lewei Zeng, Ting Chen, Bohan Yang, Shupei Xiao, Qiongqiong Wang, Zhiyuan Li, Yan You, Shaojun Zhang, and Ye Wu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 10655–10666, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10655-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10655-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study introduces an innovative method for identifying and quantifying complex organic vapors and aerosols. By combining advanced analytical techniques and new algorithms, we categorized thousands of compounds from heavy-duty diesel vehicles and ambient air and highlighted specific tracers for emission sources. The innovative approach enhances peak identification, reduces quantification uncertainties, and offers new insights for air quality management and atmospheric chemistry.
Yu Xu, Tang Liu, Yi-Jia Ma, Qi-Bin Sun, Hong-Wei Xiao, Hao Xiao, Hua-Yun Xiao, and Cong-Qiang Liu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 10531–10542, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10531-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10531-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates the characteristics of aminiums and ammonium in PM2.5 on clean and polluted winter days in 11 Chinese cities, highlighting the possibility of the competitive uptake of ammonia versus amines on acidic aerosols or the displacement of aminiums by ammonia under high-ammonia conditions. The overall results deepen the understanding of the spatiotemporal differences in aminium characteristics and formation in China.
Cassidy Soloff, Taiwo Ajayi, Yonghoon Choi, Ewan C. Crosbie, Joshua P. DiGangi, Glenn S. Diskin, Marta A. Fenn, Richard A. Ferrare, Francesca Gallo, Johnathan W. Hair, Miguel Ricardo A. Hilario, Simon Kirschler, Richard H. Moore, Taylor J. Shingler, Michael A. Shook, Kenneth L. Thornhill, Christiane Voigt, Edward L. Winstead, Luke D. Ziemba, and Armin Sorooshian
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 10385–10408, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10385-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10385-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Using aircraft measurements over the northwestern Atlantic between the US East Coast and Bermuda and trajectory modeling of continental outflow, we identify trace gas and particle properties that exhibit gradients with offshore distance and quantify these changes with high-resolution measurements of concentrations and particle chemistry, size, and scattering properties. This work furthers our understanding of the complex interactions between continental and marine environments.
Alex Rowell, James Brean, David C. S. Beddows, Zongbo Shi, Avinash Kumar, Matti Rissanen, Miikka Dal Maso, Peter Mettke, Kay Weinhold, Maik Merkel, and Roy M. Harrison
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 10349–10361, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10349-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10349-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Ions enhance the formation and growth rates of new particles, affecting the Earth's radiation budget. Despite these effects, there is little published data exploring the sources of ions in the urban environment and their role in new particle formation (NPF). Here we show that natural ion sources dominate in urban environments, while traffic is a secondary source. Ions contribute up to 12.7 % of the formation rate of particles, indicating that they are important for forming urban PM.
Yuan Cheng, Xu-bing Cao, Sheng-qiang Zhu, Zhi-qing Zhang, Jiu-meng Liu, Hong-liang Zhang, Qiang Zhang, and Ke-bin He
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9869–9883, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9869-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9869-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The agreement between observational and modeling results is essential for the development of efficient air pollution control strategies. Here we constrained the modeling results of carbonaceous aerosols by field observation in Northeast China, a historically overlooked but recently targeted region of national clean-air actions. Our study suggested that the simulation of agricultural fire emissions and secondary organic aerosols remains challenging.
Yuan Dai, Junfeng Wang, Houjun Wang, Shijie Cui, Yunjiang Zhang, Haiwei Li, Yun Wu, Ming Wang, Eleonora Aruffo, and Xinlei Ge
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9733–9748, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9733-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9733-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Short-term strict emission control can improve air quality, but its effectiveness needs assessment. During the 2021 summer COVID-19 lockdown in Yangzhou, we found that PM2.5 levels did not decrease despite reduced primary emissions. Aged black-carbon particles increased substantially due to higher O3 levels and transported pollutants. High humidity and low wind also played key roles. The results highlight the importance of a regionally balanced control strategy for future air quality management.
Xinya Liu, Diego Alves Gouveia, Bas Henzing, Arnoud Apituley, Arjan Hensen, Danielle van Dinther, Rujin Huang, and Ulrike Dusek
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9597–9614, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9597-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9597-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The vertical distribution of aerosol optical properties is important for their effect on climate. This is usually measured by lidar, which has limitations, most notably the assumption of a lidar ratio. Our study shows that routine surface-level aerosol measurements are able to predict this lidar ratio reasonably well within the lower layers of the atmosphere and thus provide a relatively simple and cost-effective method to improve lidar measurements.
Weiqi Xu, Ye Kuang, Wanyun Xu, Zhiqiang Zhang, Biao Luo, Xiaoyi Zhang, Jiangchuang Tao, Hongqin Qiao, Li Liu, and Yele Sun
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9387–9399, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9387-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9387-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We deployed an advanced aerosol–fog sampling system at a rural site in the North China Plain to investigate impacts of aerosol hygroscopic growth and activation on the physicochemical properties of submicron aerosols. Observed results highlighted remarkably different aqueous processing of primary and secondary submicron aerosol components under distinct ambient relative humidity (RH) conditions and that RH levels significantly impact aerosol sampling through the aerosol swelling effect.
Can Wu, Xiaodi Liu, Ke Zhang, Si Zhang, Cong Cao, Jianjun Li, Rui Li, Fan Zhang, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9263–9275, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9263-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9263-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Brown carbon (BrC) is prevalent in the troposphere and can efficiently absorb solar and terrestrial radiation. Our observations show that the enhanced light absorption of BrC relative to black carbon at the tropopause can be attributed to the formation of nitrogen-containing organic compounds through the aqueous-phase reactions of carbonyls with ammonium.
Taiwo Ajayi, Yonghoon Choi, Ewan C. Crosbie, Joshua P. DiGangi, Glenn S. Diskin, Marta A. Fenn, Richard A. Ferrare, Johnathan W. Hair, Miguel Ricardo A. Hilario, Chris A. Hostetler, Simon Kirschler, Richard H. Moore, Taylor J. Shingler, Michael A. Shook, Cassidy Soloff, Kenneth L. Thornhill, Christiane Voigt, Edward L. Winstead, Luke D. Ziemba, and Armin Sorooshian
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9197–9218, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9197-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9197-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study uses airborne data to examine vertical profiles of trace gases, aerosol particles, and meteorological variables over a remote marine area (Bermuda). Results show distinct differences based on both air mass source region (North America, Ocean, Caribbean/North Africa) and altitude for a given air mass type. This work highlights the sensitivity of remote marine areas to long-range transport and the importance of considering the vertical dependence of trace gas and aerosol properties.
Kira Zeider, Grace Betito, Anthony Bucholtz, Peng Xian, Annette Walker, and Armin Sorooshian
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9059–9083, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9059-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9059-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The predominant wind direction along the California coast (northerly) reverses several times during the summer (to southerly). The effects of these wind reversals on aerosol and cloud characteristics are not well understood. Using data from multiple datasets we found that southerly flow periods had enhanced signatures of anthropogenic emissions due to shipping and continental sources, and clouds had more but smaller droplets.
Saleh Alzahrani, Doğuşhan Kılıç, Michael Flynn, Paul I. Williams, and James Allan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9045–9058, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9045-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9045-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This paper investigates emissions from aviation activities at an international airport to evaluate their impact on local air quality. The study provides detailed insights into the chemical composition of aerosols and key pollutants in the airport environment. Source apportionment analysis using positive matrix factorisation (PMF) identified three significant sources: less oxidised oxygenated organic aerosol, alkane organic aerosol, and more oxidised oxygenated organic aerosol.
Mingjie Kang, Mengying Bao, Wenhuai Song, Aduburexiati Abulimiti, Fang Cao, Sönke Szidat, and Yanlin Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2098, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2098, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Reports on the molecular level knowledge of high temporal resolution PM2.5 components on hazy days are still limited. This study investigated many individual PM2.5 species and sources. The results show biomass burning (BB) was the main source of organic carbon. Moreover, BB enhanced fungal spore emissions and secondary aerosol formation. The contribution of non-fossils increased with increasing haze pollution. These findings suggest BB may be an important driver of haze events in winter.
Mikko Heikkilä, Krista Luoma, Timo Mäkelä, and Tiia Grönholm
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8927–8941, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8927-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8927-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Black carbon (BC) concentration was measured from 211 ship exhaust gas plumes at a remote marine station. Emission factors of BC were calculated in grams per kilogram of fuel. Ships with an exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) were found to have median BC emissions per fuel consumed 5 times lower than ships without an EGCS. However, this might be because of non-EGCS ships running at low engine loads rather than the EGCS itself. A local speed restriction would increase BC emissions of ships.
Olga Zografou, Maria Gini, Prodromos Fetfatzis, Konstantinos Granakis, Romanos Foskinis, Manousos Ioannis Manousakas, Fotios Tsopelas, Evangelia Diapouli, Eleni Dovrou, Christina N. Vasilakopoulou, Alexandros Papayannis, Spyros N. Pandis, Athanasios Nenes, and Konstantinos Eleftheriadis
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8911–8926, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8911-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8911-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Characterization of PM1 and positive matrix factorization (PMF) source apportionment of organic and inorganic fractions were conducted at the high-altitude station (HAC)2. Cloud presence reduced PM1, affecting sulfate more than organics. Free-troposphere (FT) conditions showed more black carbon (eBC) than planetary boundary layer (PBL) conditions.
Yuanyuan Qin, Xinghua Zhang, Wei Huang, Juanjuan Qin, Xiaoyu Hu, Yuxuan Cao, Tianyi Zhao, Yang Zhang, Jihua Tan, Ziyin Zhang, Xinming Wang, and Zhenzhen Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8737–8750, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8737-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8737-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs) and reactive oxygen species (ROSs) play an active role in the atmosphere. Despite control measures having effectively reduced their emissions, reductions were less than in PM2.5. Emission control measures performed well in achieving Parade Blue, but reducing the impact of the atmosphere on human health remains challenging. Thus, there is a need to reassess emission control measures to better address the challenges posed by EPFRs and ROSs.
Fenghua Wei, Xing Peng, Liming Cao, Mengxue Tang, Ning Feng, Xiaofeng Huang, and Lingyan He
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8507–8518, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8507-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8507-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The water solubility of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) is a crucial factor in determining their hygroscopicity and climatic impact. Stable carbon isotope and mass spectrometry techniques were combined to assess the water solubility of SOAs with different aging degrees in a coastal megacity in China. This work revealed a much higher water-soluble fraction of aged SOA compared to fresh SOA, indicating that the aging degree of SOA has considerable impacts on its water solubility.
Zijun Zhang, Weiqi Xu, Yi Zhang, Wei Zhou, Xiangyu Xu, Aodong Du, Yinzhou Zhang, Hongqin Qiao, Ye Kuang, Xiaole Pan, Zifa Wang, Xueling Cheng, Lanzhong Liu, Qingyan Fu, Douglas R. Worsnop, Jie Li, and Yele Sun
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8473–8488, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8473-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8473-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We investigated aerosol composition and sources and the interaction between secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and clouds at a regional mountain site in southeastern China. Clouds efficiently scavenge more oxidized SOA; however, cloud evaporation leads to the production of less oxidized SOA. The unexpectedly high presence of nitrate in aerosol particles indicates that nitrate formed in polluted areas has undergone interactions with clouds, significantly influencing the regional background site.
Feifei Li, Shanshan Tang, Jitao Lv, Shiyang Yu, Xu Sun, Dong Cao, Yawei Wang, and Guibin Jiang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8397–8411, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8397-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8397-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Targeted derivatization and non-targeted analysis with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) were used to reveal the molecular composition of carbonyl molecules in PM2.5, and the important role of carbonyls in increasing the oxidative potential of organic aerosol was found in real samples.
Adam E. Thomas, Hayley S. Glicker, Alex B. Guenther, Roger Seco, Oscar Vega Bustillos, Julio Tota, Rodrigo A. F. Souza, and James N. Smith
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2230, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2230, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We present measurements of the composition of ultrafine particles collected from the eastern Amazon, a relatively understudied region that is subjected to increasing human influence. We find that while isoprene chemistry is likely significant to ultrafine particle growth throughout the year, compounds related to other sources such as biological spore emissions and biomass burning exhibit striking seasonal differences, implying an extensive variation in regional ultrafine particle sources.
Maya Abou-Ghanem, Daniel M. Murphy, Gregory P. Schill, Michael J. Lawler, and Karl D. Froyd
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8263–8275, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8263-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8263-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Using particle analysis by laser mass spectrometry, we examine vanadium-containing ship exhaust particles measured on NASA's DC-8 during the Atmospheric Tomography Mission (ATom). Our results reveal ship exhaust particles are sufficiently widespread in the marine atmosphere and experience atmospheric aging. Finally, we use laboratory calibrations to determine the vanadium, sulfate, and organic single-particle mass fractions of vanadium-containing ship exhaust particles.
Cassandra J. Gaston, Joseph M. Prospero, Kristen Foley, Havala O. T. Pye, Lillian Custals, Edmund Blades, Peter Sealy, and James A. Christie
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8049–8066, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8049-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8049-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
To understand how changing emissions have impacted aerosols in remote regions, we measured nitrate and sulfate in Barbados and compared them to model predictions from EPA’s Air QUAlity TimE Series (EQUATES). Nitrate was stable, except for spikes in 2008 and 2010 due to transported smoke. Sulfate decreased in the 1990s due to reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the US and Europe; then it increased in the 2000s, likely due to anthropogenic emissions from Africa.
Jie Zhang, Tianyu Zhu, Alexandra Catena, Yaowei Li, Margaret Schwab, Pengfei Liu, Akua Asa-Awuku, and James Schwab
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1390, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1390, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study shows the derived organic aerosol hygroscopicity under high humidity conditions based on a simple optical scatter monitor system, including two nephelometric monitors (pDR-1500), after knowing the aerosol chemical composition.
Jiao Xue, Tian Zhang, Keyhong Park, Jinpei Yan, Young Jun Yoon, Jiyeon Park, and Bingbing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7731–7754, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7731-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7731-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Ice formation by particles is an important way of making mixed-phase and ice clouds. We found that particles collected in the marine atmosphere exhibit diverse ice nucleation abilities and mixing states. Sea salt mixed-sulfate particles were enriched in ice-nucleating particles. Selective aging on sea salt particles made particle populations more externally mixed. Characterizations of particles and their mixing state are needed for a better understanding of aerosol–cloud interactions.
Yangzhi Mo, Jun Li, Guangcai Zhong, Sanyuan Zhu, Shizhen Zhao, Jiao Tang, Hongxing Jiang, Zhineng Cheng, Chongguo Tian, Yingjun Chen, and Gan Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7755–7772, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7755-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7755-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we found that biomass burning (31.0 %) and coal combustion (31.1 %) were the dominant sources of water-insoluble organic carbon in China, with coal combustion sources exhibiting the strongest light-absorbing capacity. Additionally, we propose a light-absorbing carbonaceous continuum, revealing that components enriched with fossil sources tend to have stronger light-absorbing capacity, higher aromaticity, higher molecular weights, and greater recalcitrance in the atmosphere.
Jing Duan, Ru-Jin Huang, Ying Wang, Wei Xu, Haobin Zhong, Chunshui Lin, Wei Huang, Yifang Gu, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Darius Ceburnis, and Colin O'Dowd
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7687–7698, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7687-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7687-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The chemical composition of atmospheric particles has shown significant changes in recent years. We investigated the potential effects of changes in inorganics on aerosol water uptake and, thus, secondary organic aerosol formation in wintertime haze based on the size-resolved measurements of non-refractory fine particulate matter (NR-PM2.5) in Xi’an, northwestern China. We highlight the key role of aerosol water as a medium to link inorganics and organics in their multiphase processes.
Hongyong Li, Xiaopu Lyu, Likun Xue, Yunxi Huo, Dawen Yao, Haoxian Lu, and Hai Guo
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7085–7100, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7085-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7085-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Organic aerosol is ubiquitous in the atmosphere and largely explains the gap between current levels of fine particulate matter in many cities and the World Health Organization guideline values. This study highlights the dominant contributions of cooking emissions to organic aerosol when marine air prevailed in Hong Kong, which were occasionally overwhelmed by aromatics-derived secondary organic aerosol in continental ouflows.
Shao Shi, Jinghao Zhai, Xin Yang, Yechun Ruan, Yuanlong Huang, Xujian Chen, Antai Zhang, Jianhuai Ye, Guomao Zheng, Baohua Cai, Yaling Zeng, Yixiang Wang, Chunbo Xing, Yujie Zhang, Tzung-May Fu, Lei Zhu, Huizhong Shen, and Chen Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7001–7012, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7001-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7001-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The determination of ions in the mass spectra of individual particles remains uncertain. We have developed a standard-free mass calibration algorithm applicable to more than 98 % of ambient particles. With our algorithm, ions with ~ 0.05 Th mass difference could be determined. Therefore, many more atmospheric species could be determined and involved in the source apportionment of aerosols, the study of chemical reaction mechanisms, and the analysis of single-particle mixing states.
Wei Sun, Xiaodong Hu, Yuzhen Fu, Guohua Zhang, Yujiao Zhu, Xinfeng Wang, Caiqing Yan, Likun Xue, He Meng, Bin Jiang, Yuhong Liao, Xinming Wang, Ping'an Peng, and Xinhui Bi
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6987–6999, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6987-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6987-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The formation pathways of nitrogen-containing compounds (NOCs) in the atmosphere remain unclear. We investigated the composition of aerosols and fog water by state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and compared the formation pathways of NOCs. We found that NOCs in aerosols were mainly formed through nitration reaction, while ammonia addition played a more important role in fog water. The results deepen our understanding of the processes of organic particulate pollution.
Fuzhen Shen, Michaela I. Hegglin, and Yue Yuan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6539–6553, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6539-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6539-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We attempt to use a novel structural self-organising map and machine learning models to identify a weather system and quantify the importance of each meteorological factor in driving the unexpected PM2.5 and O3 changes under the specific weather system during the COVID-19 lockdown in China. The result highlights that temperature under the double-centre high-pressure system plays the most crucial role in abnormal events.
Wenshuai Li, Yuxuan Qi, Yingchen Liu, Guanru Wu, Yanjing Zhang, Jinhui Shi, Wenjun Qu, Lifang Sheng, Wencai Wang, Daizhou Zhang, and Yang Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6495–6508, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6495-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6495-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Aerosol particles from mainland can transport to oceans and deposit, providing soluble Fe and affecting phytoplankton growth. Thus, we studied the dissolution process of aerosol Fe and found that photochemistry played a key role in promoting Fe dissolution in clean conditions. RH-dependent reactions were more influential in slightly polluted conditions. These results highlight the distinct roles of two weather-related parameters (radiation and RH) in influencing geochemical cycles related to Fe.
Yanqin Ren, Zhenhai Wu, Yuanyuan Ji, Fang Bi, Junling Li, Haijie Zhang, Hao Zhang, Hong Li, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6525–6538, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6525-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6525-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Nitrated aromatic compounds (NACs) and oxygenated derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) in PM2.5 were examined from an urban area in Beijing during the autumn and winter. The OPAH and NAC concentrations were much higher during heating than before heating. They majorly originated from the combustion of biomass and automobile emissions, and the secondary generation was the major contributor throughout the whole sampling period.
Rime El Asmar, Zongrun Li, David J. Tanner, Yongtao Hu, Susan O’Neill, L. Gregory Huey, M. Talat Odman, and Rodney J. Weber
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1485, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1485, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Prescribed burning is an important method for managing ecosystems and preventing wildfires, however, smoke from prescribed fires can have a significant impact on air quality. Here, using a network of fixed sites and sampling throughout an extended prescribed burning period in two different years, we characterize the emissions and evolution up to 8 hours of PM2.5 mass, BC, and BrC in smoke from burning of forested lands in the southeastern US.
Gregory P. Schill, Karl D. Froyd, Daniel M. Murphy, Christina J. Williamson, Charles Brock, Tomás Sherwen, Mat J. Evans, Eric A. Ray, Eric C. Apel, Rebecca S. Hornbrook, Alan J. Hills, Jeff Peischl, Tomas B. Ryerson, Chelsea R. Thompson, Ilann Bourgeois, Donald R. Blake, Joshua P. DiGangi, and Glenn S. Diskin
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1399, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1399, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Using single-particle mass spectrometry, we show that trace concentrations of bromine and iodine are ubiquitous in remote tropospheric aerosol, and suggest that aerosols are an important part of the global reactive iodine budget. Comparisons to a global climate model with detailed iodine chemistry are favorable in the background atmosphere; however, the model cannot replicate our measurements near the ocean surface, in biomass burning plumes, and in the stratosphere.
Marco Paglione, David C. S. Beddows, Anna Jones, Thomas Lachlan-Cope, Matteo Rinaldi, Stefano Decesari, Francesco Manarini, Mara Russo, Karam Mansour, Roy M. Harrison, Andrea Mazzanti, Emilio Tagliavini, and Manuel Dall'Osto
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6305–6322, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6305-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6305-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Applying factor analysis techniques to H-NMR spectra, we present the organic aerosol (OA) source apportionment of PM1 samples collected in parallel at two Antarctic stations, namely Signy and Halley, allowing investigation of aerosol–climate interactions in an unperturbed atmosphere. Our results show remarkable differences between pelagic (open-ocean) and sympagic (sea-ice-influenced) air masses and indicate that various sources and processes are controlling Antarctic aerosols.
Zhichao Dong, Chandra Mouli Pavuluri, Peisen Li, Zhanjie Xu, Junjun Deng, Xueyan Zhao, Xiaomai Zhao, Pingqing Fu, and Cong-Qiang Liu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 5887–5905, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5887-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5887-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Comprehensive study of optical properties of brown carbon (BrC) in fine aerosols from Tianjin, China, implied that biological emissions are major sources of BrC in summer, whereas fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning emissions are in cold periods. The direct radiation absorption caused by BrC in short wavelengths contributed about 40 % to that caused by BrC in 300–700 nm. Water-insoluble but methanol-soluble BrC contains more protein-like chromophores (PLOM) than that of water-soluble BrC.
Kumiko Goto-Azuma, Yoshimi Ogawa-Tsukagawa, Kaori Fukuda, Koji Fujita, Motohiro Hirabayashi, Remi Dallmayr, Jun Ogata, Nobuhiro Moteki, Tatsuhiro Mori, Sho Ohata, Yutaka Kondo, Makoto Koike, Sumito Matoba, and Teruo Aoki
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1498, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1498, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Monthly records spanning 350 years from a Greenland ice core reveal trends in black carbon (BC) concentrations and sizes. BC concentrations have risen since the late 19th century due to the inflow of anthropogenic BC, with these particles being larger than those from biomass burning (BB). High BB BC concentration peaks in summer originating from BB could reduce albedo. However, BB BC showed no upward trend until the early 2000s. Our findings are crucial for validating aerosol and climate models.
Shan Wang, Kezheng Liao, Zijing Zhang, Yuk Ying Cheng, Qiongqiong Wang, Hanzhe Chen, and Jian Zhen Yu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 5803–5821, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5803-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5803-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this work, hourly primary and secondary organic carbon were estimated by a novel Bayesian inference approach in suburban Hong Kong. Their multi-temporal-scale variations and evolution characteristics during PM2.5 episodes were examined. The methodology could serve as a guide for other locations with similar monitoring capabilities. The observation-based results are helpful for understanding the evolving nature of secondary organic aerosols and refining the accuracy of model simulations.
Andreas Aktypis, Dontavious Sippial, Christina Vasilakopoulou, Angeliki Matrali, Christos Kaltsonoudis, Andrea Simonati, Marco Paglione, Matteo Rinaldi, Stefano Decesari, and Spyros Pandis
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1317, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1317, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
A dual chamber system was deployed in two different environments (Po Valley, Italy and Pertouli forest, Greece) to study the potential of ambient air directly injected into the chambers, to form secondary aerosol. In the Po Valley, the system reacts rapidly forming large amounts of SOA, while in Pertouli the corresponding SOA formation chemistry appears to have been practically terminated before the beginning of most experiments, so there is little additional SOA formation potential left.
Mingfu Cai, Chenshuo Ye, Bin Yuan, Shan Huang, E Zheng, Suxia Yang, Zelong Wang, Yi Lin, Tiange Li, Weiwei Hu, Wei Chen, Qicong Song, Wei Li, Yuwen Peng, Baolin Liang, Qibin Sun, Jun Zhao, Duohong Chen, Jiaren Sun, Zhiyong Yang, and Min Shao
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-887, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-887, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigated the daytime secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation in urban plumes. We observed a significant daytime SOA formation through gas-particle partitioning when the site was affected by urban plumes. Box model simulation indicated that urban pollutants (nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds) could enhance the oxidizing capacity, while the elevated volatile organic compounds were mainly responsible for promoting daytime SOA formation.
James Brean, David C. S. Beddows, Eija Asmi, Ari Virkkula, Lauriane L. J. Quéléver, Mikko Sipilä, Floortje Van Den Heuvel, Thomas Lachlan-Cope, Anna Jones, Markus Frey, Angelo Lupi, Jiyeon Park, Young Jun Yoon, Ralf Weller, Giselle L. Marincovich, Gabriela C. Mulena, Roy M. Harrison, and Manuel Dall´Osto
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-987, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-987, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Our results emphasize how understanding the geographical variation in surface types across the Antarctic is key to understanding secondary aerosol sources.
Qun He, Zhaowen Wang, Houfeng Liu, Pengju Xu, Rongbao Duan, Caihong Xu, Jianmin Chen, and Min Wei
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-841, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-841, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Coastal environments provide an ideal setting for investigating the intermixing processes of terrestrial and marine aerosols. Terrestrial air mass constituted a larger proportion during severe air pollution, harboring more animal and human pathogens. A relative shift towards marine air-mass with respect to pollution elimination, where saprophytic bacteria and fungi were predominant. Mixed air-mass reveals the intermixing processes of terrestrial and marine sources.
Cited articles
Aiken, A. C., DeCarlo, P. F., and Jimenez, J. L.: Elemental analysis of organic species with electron ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry, Anal. Chem., 79, 8350–8358, 2007.
Aiken, A. C., Decarlo, P. F., Kroll, J. H., Worsnop, D. R., Huffman, J. A., Docherty, K. S., Ulbrich, I. M., Mohr, C., Kimmel, J. R., Sueper, D., Sun, Y., Zhang, Q., Trimborn, A., Northway, M., Ziemann, P. J., Canagaratna, M. R., Onasch, T. B., Alfarra, M. R., Prevot, A. S. H., Dommen, J., Duplissy, J., Metzger, A., Baltensperger, U., and Jimenez, J. L.: O / C and OM / OC ratios of primary, secondary, and ambient organic aerosols with high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry, Environ. Sci. Technol., 42, 4478–4485, 2008.
Aiken, A. C., Salcedo, D., Cubison, M. J., Huffman, J. A., DeCarlo, P. F., Ulbrich, I. M., Docherty, K. S., Sueper, D., Kimmel, J. R., Worsnop, D. R., Trimborn, A., Northway, M., Stone, E. A., Schauer, J. J., Volkamer, R. M., Fortner, E., de Foy, B., Wang, J., Laskin, A., Shutthanandan, V., Zheng, J., Zhang, R., Gaffney, J., Marley, N. A., Paredes-Miranda, G., Arnott, W. P., Molina, L. T., Sosa, G., and Jimenez, J. L.: Mexico City aerosol analysis during MILAGRO using high resolution aerosol mass spectrometry at the urban supersite (T0) – Part 1: Fine particle composition and organic source apportionment, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 9, 6633–6653, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-9-6633-2009, 2009.
Allan, J. D., Alfarra, M. R., Bower, K. N., Williams, P. I., Gallagher, M. W., Jimenez, J. L., McDonald, A. G., Nemitz, E., Canagaratna, M. R., Jayne, J. T., Coe, H., and Worsnop, D. R.: Quantitative sampling using an Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer - 2. Measurements of fine particulate chemical composition in two U.K. cities, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 108, 4091, https://doi.org/4010.1029/2002jd002359, 2003.
Allan, J. D., Delia, A. E., Coe, H., Bower, K. N., Alfarra, M. R., Jimenez, J. L., Middlebrook, A. M., Drewnick, F., Onasch, T. B., Canagaratna, M. R., Jayne, J. T., and Worsnop, D. R.: A generalised method for the extraction of chemically resolved mass spectra from aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer data, J. Aerosol Sci., 35, 909–922, 2004.
Canagaratna, M. R., Onasch, T. B., Wood, E. C., Herndon, S. C., Jayne, J. T., Cross, E. S., Miake-Lye, R. C., Kolb, C. E., and Worsnop, D. R.: Evolution of Vehicle Exhaust Particles in the Atmosphere, J. Air Waste Manage. Assoc., 60, 1192–1203, 2010.
Chan, C. K. and Yao, X.: Air pollution in mega cities in China, Atmos. Environ., 42, 1–42, 2008.
DeCarlo, P. F., Kimmel, J. R., Trimborn, A., Northway, M. J., Jayne, J. T., Aiken, A. C., Gonin, M., Fuhrer, K., Horvath, T., Docherty, K. S., Worsnop, D. R., and Jimenez, J. L.: Field-deployable, high-resolution, time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer, Anal. Chem., 78, 8281–8289, 2006.
Draxler, R. R. and Hess, G. D.: Description of the HYSPLIT_4 modeling system, available at: http://www.arl.noaa.gov/documents/reports/arl-224.pdf (last access: 5 January 2014), NOAA Air Resources Laboratory, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, 1997.
Draxler, R. R., Stunder, B., Rolph, G., Stein, A., and Taylor, A.: HYSPLIT_4 User's Guide, available at http://www.arl.noaa.gov/documents/reports/hysplit_user_guide.pdf (last access: 5 January 2014), NOAA Air Resources Laboratory, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, 2012a.
Draxler, R. R., Stunder, B., Rolph, G., Stein, A., and Taylor, A.: HYSPLIT tutorial, available at: http://www.arl.noaa.gov/documents/workshop/Spring2011/HYSPLIT_Tutorial.pdf (last access: 5 January 2014), NOAA Air Resources Laboratory, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, 2012b.
Gilardoni, S., Massoli, P., Giulianelli, L., Rinaldi, M., Paglione, M., Pollini, F., Lanconelli, C., Poluzzi, V., Carbone, S., Hillamo, R., Russell, L. M., Facchini, M. C., and Fuzzi, S.: Fog scavenging of organic and inorganic aerosol in the Po Valley, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 6967–6981, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-6967-2014, 2014.
Gong, Z. H., Lan, Z. J., Xue, L., Zeng, L. W., He, L. Y., and Huang, X. F.: Characterization of submicron aerosols in the urban outflow of the central Pearl River Delta region of China, Front. Env. Sci. Eng., 6, 725–733, 2012.
Guenther, A. B., Zimmerman, P. R., Harley, P. C., Monson, R. K., and Fall, R.: Isoprene and Monoterpene Emission Rate Variability - Model Evaluations and Sensitivity Analyses, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 98, https://doi.org/10.1029/93jd00527, 12609–12617, 1993.
He, L. Y., Huang, X. F., Xue, L., Hu, M., Lin, Y., Zheng, J., Zhang, R. Y., and Zhang, Y. H.: Submicron aerosol analysis and organic source apportionment in an urban atmosphere in Pearl River Delta of China using high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometry, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 116, D12304, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010JD014566, 2011.
Heald, C. L., Kroll, J. H., Jimenez, J. L., Docherty, K. S., DeCarlo, P. F., Aiken, A. C., Chen, Q., Martin, S. T., Farmer, D. K., and Artaxo, P.: A simplified description of the evolution of organic aerosol composition in the atmosphere, Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L08803, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010gl042737, 2010.
Hennigan, C. J., Sullivan, A. P., Collett, J. L., Jr., and Robinson, A. L.: Levoglucosan stability in biomass burning particles exposed to hydroxyl radicals, Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L09806, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010gl043088, 2010.
Hu, D. and Yu, J. Z.: Secondary organic aerosol tracers and malic acid in Hong Kong: seasonal trends and origins, Environ. Chem., 10, 381–394, 2013.
Hu, W. W., Hu, M., Yuan, B., Jimenez, J. L., Tang, Q., Peng, J. F., Hu, W., Shao, M., Wang, M., Zeng, L. M., Wu, Y. S., Gong, Z. H., Huang, X. F., and He, L. Y.: Insights on organic aerosol aging and the influence of coal combustion at a regional receptor site of central eastern China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 10095–10112, 2013.
Huang, X. F., Yu, J. Z., Yuan, Z. B., Lau, A. K. H., and Louie, P. K. K.: Source analysis of high particulate matter days in Hong Kong, Atmos. Environ., 43, 1196–1203, 2009.
Huang, X.-F., He, L.-Y., Hu, M., Canagaratna, M. R., Kroll, J. H., Ng, N. L., Zhang, Y.-H., Lin, Y., Xue, L., Sun, T.-L., Liu, X.-G., Shao, M., Jayne, J. T., and Worsnop, D. R.: Characterization of submicron aerosols at a rural site in Pearl River Delta of China using an Aerodyne High-Resolution Aerosol Mass Spectrometer, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 1865–1877, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-1865-2011, 2011.
Huang, X.-F., He, L.-Y., Xue, L., Sun, T.-L., Zeng, L.-W., Gong, Z.-H., Hu, M., and Zhu, T.: Highly time-resolved chemical characterization of atmospheric fine particles during 2010 Shanghai World Expo, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 12, 4897–4907, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-12-4897-2012, 2012.
Huang, X. F., Xue, L., Tian, X. D., Shao, W. W., Sun, T. L., Gong, Z. H., Ju, W. W., Jiang, B., Hu, M., and He, L. Y.: Highly time-resolved carbonaceous aerosol characterization in Yangtze River Delta of China: Composition, mixing state and secondary formation, Atmos. Environ., 64, 200–207, 2013.
Kroll, J. H., Donahue, N. M., Jimenez, J. L., Kessler, S. H., Canagaratna, M. R., Wilson, K. R., Altieri, K. E., Mazzoleni, L. R., Wozniak, A. S., Bluhm, H., Mysak, E. R., Smith, J. D., Kolb, C. E., and Worsnop, D. R.: Carbon oxidation state as a metric for describing the chemistry of atmospheric organic aerosol, Nature Chem., 3, 133–139, 2011.
Lanz, V. A., Alfarra, M. R., Baltensperger, U., Buchmann, B., Hueglin, C., and Prévôt, A. S. H.: Source apportionment of submicron organic aerosols at an urban site by factor analytical modelling of aerosol mass spectra, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 7, 1503–1522, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-7-1503-2007, 2007.
Lau, J., Hung, W. T., Cheung, C. S., and Yuen, D.: Contributions of roadside vehicle emissions to general air quality in Hong Kong, Transport Res D-Tr E, 13, 19–26, 2008.
Lee, B. Y. L., Li, Y. J., Yu, J. Z., Louie, K. K. P., and Chan, C. K.: Characteristics of ambient aerosol at a suburban site in Hong Kong during springtime, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 118, https://doi.org/10.1002/jgrd.50658, 8625–8639, 2013.
Li, Y. J., Yeung, J. W. T., Leung, T. P. I., Lau, A. P. S., and Chan, C. K.: Characterization of Organic Particles from Incense Burning Using an Aerodyne High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer, Aerosol Sci. Technol., 46, 654–665, 2011.
Li, Y., Lau, A. K. H., Fung, J. C. H., Zheng, J. Y., Zhong, L. J., and Louie, P. K. K.: Ozone source apportionment (OSAT) to differentiate local regional and super-regional source contributions in the Pearl River Delta region, China, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 117, D15305, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011jd017340, 2012.
Li, Y. J., Lee, B. Y. L., Yu, J. Z., Ng, N. L., and Chan, C. K.: Evaluating the degree of oxygenation of organic aerosol during foggy and hazy days in Hong Kong using high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry (HR-ToF-AMS), Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 8739–8753, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-8739-2013, 2013.
Li, Y. J., Huang, D. D., Cheung, H. Y., Lee, A. K. Y., and Chan, C. K.: Aqueous-phase photochemical oxidation and direct photolysis of vanillin – a model compound of methoxy phenols from biomass burning, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 2871–2885, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-2871-2014, 2014.
Louie, P. K. K., Watson, J. G., Chow, J. C., Chen, A., Sin, D. W. M., and Lau, A. K. H.: Seasonal characteristics and regional transport of PM2.5 in Hong Kong, Atmos. Environ., 39, 1695–1710, 2005.
Meng, J. W., Yeung, M. C., Li, Y. J., Lee, B. Y. L., and Chan, C. K.: Size-resolved cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity and closure analysis at the HKUST Supersite in Hong Kong, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 10267–10282, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-10267-2014, 2014.
Middlebrook, A. M., Bahreini, R., Jimenez, J. L., and Canagaratna, M. R.: Evaluation of Composition-Dependent Collection Efficiencies for the Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer using Field Data, Aerosol Sci. Technol., 46, 258–271, 2012.
Ng, N. L., Canagaratna, M. R., Zhang, Q., Jimenez, J. L., Tian, J., Ulbrich, I. M., Kroll, J. H., Docherty, K. S., Chhabra, P. S., Bahreini, R., Murphy, S. M., Seinfeld, J. H., Hildebrandt, L., Donahue, N. M., DeCarlo, P. F., Lanz, V. A., Prévôt, A. S. H., Dinar, E., Rudich, Y., and Worsnop, D. R.: Organic aerosol components observed in Northern Hemispheric datasets from Aerosol Mass Spectrometry, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 4625–4641, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-10-4625-2010, 2010.
Paatero, P. and Tapper, U.: Positive Matrix Factorization - a Nonnegative Factor Model with Optimal Utilization of Error-Estimates of Data Values, Environmetrics, 5, 111–126, 1994.
Saarikoski, S., Carbone, S., Decesari, S., Giulianelli, L., Angelini, F., Canagaratna, M., Ng, N. L., Trimborn, A., Facchini, M. C., Fuzzi, S., Hillamo, R., and Worsnop, D.: Chemical characterization of springtime submicrometer aerosol in Po Valley, Italy, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 12, 8401–8421, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-12-8401-2012, 2012.
Seinfeld, J. H. and Pandis, S. N.: Atmospheric chemistry and physics: From air pollution to climate change, 2nd ed., Wiley, New Jersey, 474 pp., 2006.
Sueper, D.: ToF-AMS data analysis software, available at: http://cires.colorado.edu/jimenez-group/ToFAMSResources/ToFSoftware/index.html, last access: 1 December 2013.
Sun, Y.-L., Zhang, Q., Schwab, J. J., Demerjian, K. L., Chen, W.-N., Bae, M.-S., Hung, H.-M., Hogrefe, O., Frank, B., Rattigan, O. V., and Lin, Y.-C.: Characterization of the sources and processes of organic and inorganic aerosols in New York city with a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass apectrometer, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 1581–1602, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-1581-2011, 2011.
Sun, Y. L., Wang, Z. F., Fu, P. Q., Yang, T., Jiang, Q., Dong, H. B., Li, J., and Jia, J. J.: Aerosol composition, sources and processes during wintertime in Beijing, China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 4577–4592, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-4577-2013, 2013.
Ulbrich, I. M., Canagaratna, M. R., Zhang, Q., Worsnop, D. R., and Jimenez, J. L.: Interpretation of organic components from Positive Matrix Factorization of aerosol mass spectrometric data, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 9, 2891–2918, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-9-2891-2009, 2009.
Wang, W., Bruyere, M., Duda, M., Dudhia, J., Gill, D., Kavulich, M., Keene, K., Lin, H., Michalakes, J., Rizvi, S., and Zhang, X.: Weather Research and Forecasting ARW version 3 modeling system user's guide, available at: http://www2.mmm.ucar.edu/wrf/users/docs/user_guide_V3/ARWUsersGuideV3.pdf (last access: July 2014), Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology Division, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO, USA, 2014.
Warneck, P.: Chemistry of the natural atmosphere, 2nd ed., Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 589 pp., 2000.
Wu, D., Wu, C., Liao, B., Chen, H., Wu, M., Li, F., Tan, H., Deng, T., Li, H., Jiang, D., and Yu, J. Z.: Black carbon over the South China Sea and in various continental locations in South China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 12257–12270, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-12257-2013, 2013.
Xiao, R., Takegawa, N., Zheng, M., Kondo, Y., Miyazaki, Y., Miyakawa, T., Hu, M., Shao, M., Zeng, L., Gong, Y., Lu, K., Deng, Z., Zhao, Y., and Zhang, Y. H.: Characterization and source apportionment of submicron aerosol with aerosol mass spectrometer during the PRIDE-PRD 2006 campaign, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 6911–6929, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-6911-2011, 2011.
Yang, F., Tan, J., Zhao, Q., Du, Z., He, K., Ma, Y., Duan, F., Chen, G., and Zhao, Q.: Characteristics of PM2.5 speciation in representative megacities and across China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 5207–5219, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-5207-2011, 2011.
Yeung, M. C., Lee, B. P., Li, Y. J., and Chan, C. K.: Simultaneous HTDMA and HR-ToF-AMS measurements at the HKUST Supersite in Hong Kong in 2011, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 119, 9864–9883, https://doi.org/10.1002/2013JD021146, 2014.
Yuan, Z. B., Yu, J. Z., Lau, A. K. H., Louie, P. K. K., and Fung, J. C. H.: Application of positive matrix factorization in estimating aerosol secondary organic carbon in Hong Kong and its relationship with secondary sulfate, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 6, 25–34, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-6-25-2006, 2006.
Zhang, J. K., Sun, Y., Liu, Z. R., Ji, D. S., Hu, B., Liu, Q., and Wang, Y. S.: Characterization of submicron aerosols during a month of serious pollution in Beijing, 2013, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 2887–2903, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-2887-2014, 2014.
Zhang, Q., Jimenez, J. L., Canagaratna, M. R., Ulbrich, I. M., Ng, N. L., Worsnop, D. R., and Sun, Y. L.: Understanding atmospheric organic aerosols via factor analysis of aerosol mass spectrometry: a review, Anal. Bioanal. Chem., 401, 3045–3067, 2011.
Zhang, X. Y., Wang, Y. Q., Niu, T., Zhang, X. C., Gong, S. L., Zhang, Y. M., and Sun, J. Y.: Atmospheric aerosol compositions in China: spatial/temporal variability, chemical signature, regional haze distribution and comparisons with global aerosols, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 12, 779–799, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-12-779-2012, 2012.
Zhao, Y., Wang, S. X., Nielsen, C. P., Li, X. H., and Hao, J. M.: Establishment of a database of emission factors for atmospheric pollutants from Chinese coal-fired power plants, Atmos. Environ., 44, 1515–1523, 2010.
Short summary
(1) NR-PM1 at the HKUST Supersite was highly aged, with a high sulfate content and highly oxygenated organics.
(2) Seasonal variation in NR-PM1 concentration was not obvious, but the relative fractions of different species showed strong seasonal dependence.
(3) Both NR-PM1 concentrations and the relative fractions showed a strong dependence on air mass origin.
(4) Both locally produced and regionally transported organic aerosols contribute to the organic content of PM at this site.
(1) NR-PM1 at the HKUST Supersite was highly aged, with a high sulfate content and highly...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint