Articles | Volume 17, issue 20
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-12327-2017
© Author(s) 2017. 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-17-12327-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research article
| 
17 Oct 2017
Research article |
| 17 Oct 2017
Aerosol surface area concentration: a governing factor in new particle formation in Beijing
Runlong Cai
State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution
Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
Dongsen Yang
Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and
Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science &
Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
Yueyun Fu
State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution
Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
Xing Wang
Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and
Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science &
Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
Xiaoxiao Li
State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution
Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
Yan Ma
Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and
Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science &
Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
Jiming Hao
State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution
Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and
Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science &
Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
Jingkun Jiang
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution
Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
Related authors
Anna Bengs, Mrisha Koirala, Chengfeng Liu, Henning Finkenzeller, Cecilia Righi, Sebastian Holm, Lauri Ahonen, Veli Kolhinen, Rima Baalbaki, Fabian Schmidt-Ott, Yiliang Liu, Jianfei Peng, Tuukka Petäjä, Markku Kulmala, Nina Sarnela, Runlong Cai, and Juha Kangasluoma
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-5681, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-5681, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Measurement Techniques (AMT).
Short summary
Short summary
Forests emit trace gases that react to form compounds relevant to air quality and climate. Identifying them is difficult because common instruments cannot fully separate molecules of similar mass. We compared three mass spectrometers with different resolving power in a Finnish forest. The highest-resolution instrument identified far more molecules, and using its results to reanalyze the others' data nearly tripled the number identified, improving identification in widely used equipment.
Runlong Cai, Shimeng Xu, Veli-Matti Kerminen, and Markku Kulmala
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-4269, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-4269, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
New particle formation (NPF) is a dominant global source of atmospheric particle number concentration and cloud condensation nuclei, yet its contribution to aerosol mass remains an open question. A prevailing hypothesis argues that vapors would partition into the particle phase regardless of the existence of new particles. Here we challenge this hypothesis by showing that NPF can significantly affect the aerosol surface area distribution and further contribute significantly to aerosol mass.
Xun Rong, Lei Yao, Chuang Li, Cong An, Gan Yang, Jiali Shen, Runlong Cai, Douglas R. Worsnop, and Lin Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 11339–11354, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-11339-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-11339-2026, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents a systematic chamber study on reaction kinetics and the formation of multi-sulfur products from a series of sulfur-containing volatile organic compounds including thiols and sulfides with OH radicals. The findings advance our understanding of the role of sulfur-VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in atmospheric sulfur cycle and their potential contribution to secondary aerosol formation.
Chuang Li, Runlong Cai, Zexin Chen, Gan Yang, Feilin Zhao, Yueyang Li, Jingyu An, Qiwen Sun, Sijia Yin, Shimeng Xu, Yiliang Liu, Douglas Worsnop, Lei Yao, and Lin Wang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3174, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3174, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
Aerosols are tiny particles that help clouds form and shape the climate. Newly formed particles must grow quickly to survive, yet how they grow is poorly understood. Combining laboratory experiments with field measurements, we tested seven common methods for predicting this growth. Most overestimate how strongly organic vapours condense onto particles, especially in polluted air, and even the best cannot fully explain the growth we observe, revealing a gap in our understanding.
Jiaqi Jin, Runlong Cai, Yiliang Liu, Gan Yang, Yueyang Li, Chuang Li, Lei Yao, Jingkun Jiang, Xiuhui Zhang, and Lin Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 17125–17138, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17125-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17125-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Based on observed atmospheric new particle formation events at multiple sites in eastern China, we find that sulfuric acid and dimethylamine can explain the observed atmospheric nucleation and the differences in the nucleation intensity among campaigns can be largely attributed to temperature and precursor concentrations. Our results also show that oxygenated organic molecules can make a great contribution to the initial growth of freshly nucleated particles in the real atmosphere.
Runlong Cai and Markku Kulmala
Aerosol Research, 3, 231–235, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-231-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-231-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The concept of the mean free path is fundamentally important to aerosol studies. Recent studies suggest that the mean free path of air (λair) could have been significantly overestimated by a factor of ~2. Here we show that this potential overestimation does not directly affect collision-induced aerosol dynamics in atmospheric conditions without high excess latent heat, while a similar influence of the mean free path of vapor (λ) on aerosol dynamics has been accounted for in current studies.
Yiliang Liu, Arttu Yli-Kujala, Fabian Schmidt-Ott, Sebastian Holm, Lauri Ahonen, Tommy Chan, Joonas Enroth, Joonas Vanhanen, Runlong Cai, Tuukka Petäjä, Markku Kulmala, Yang Chen, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 18, 431–442, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-431-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-431-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Accurate measurement of nanoparticles is crucial for understanding their impact on new particle formation and climate change. In this study, we calibrated the Particle Size Magnifier version 2.0 (PSM 2.0), using both laboratory-generated and atmospheric particles. Some differences were observed in the calibration results, with direct calibration using atmospheric particles enhancing measurement accuracy.
Diego Aliaga, Victoria A. Sinclair, Radovan Krejci, Marcos Andrade, Paulo Artaxo, Luis Blacutt, Runlong Cai, Samara Carbone, Yvette Gramlich, Liine Heikkinen, Dominic Heslin-Rees, Wei Huang, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Alkuin Maximilian Koenig, Markku Kulmala, Paolo Laj, Valeria Mardoñez-Balderrama, Claudia Mohr, Isabel Moreno, Pauli Paasonen, Wiebke Scholz, Karine Sellegri, Laura Ticona, Gaëlle Uzu, Fernando Velarde, Alfred Wiedensohler, Doug Worsnop, Cheng Wu, Chen Xuemeng, Qiaozhi Zha, and Federico Bianchi
Aerosol Research, 3, 15–44, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-15-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-15-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study examines new particle formation (NPF) in the Bolivian Andes at Chacaltaya mountain (CHC) and the urban El Alto–La Paz area (EAC). Days are clustered into four categories based on NPF intensity. Differences in particle size, precursor gases, and pollution levels are found. High NPF intensities increased Aitken mode particle concentrations at both sites, while volcanic influence selectively diminished NPF intensity at CHC but not EAC. This study highlights NPF dynamics in the Andes.
Jiewen Shen, Bin Zhao, Shuxiao Wang, An Ning, Yuyang Li, Runlong Cai, Da Gao, Biwu Chu, Yang Gao, Manish Shrivastava, Jingkun Jiang, Xiuhui Zhang, and Hong He
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 10261–10278, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10261-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10261-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We extensively compare various cluster-dynamics-based parameterizations for sulfuric acid–dimethylamine nucleation and identify a newly developed parameterization derived from Atmospheric Cluster Dynamic Code (ACDC) simulations as being the most reliable one. This study offers a valuable reference for developing parameterizations of other nucleation systems and is meaningful for the accurate quantification of the environmental and climate impacts of new particle formation.
Ella Häkkinen, Huan Yang, Runlong Cai, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 4211–4225, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4211-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4211-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We report measurements of evaporation kinetics and surface equilibrium vapor pressures for various laboratory-generated organic nanoparticles using the dynamic-aerosol-size electrical mobility spectrometer (DEMS), a recent advancement in aerosol process characterization. Our findings align well with literature values, demonstrating DEMS's effectiveness. We suggest future improvements to DEMS and anticipate its potential for probing aerosol-related kinetic processes with unknown mechanisms.
Markku Kulmala, Diego Aliaga, Santeri Tuovinen, Runlong Cai, Heikki Junninen, Chao Yan, Federico Bianchi, Yafang Cheng, Aijun Ding, Douglas R. Worsnop, Tuukka Petäjä, Katrianne Lehtipalo, Pauli Paasonen, and Veli-Matti Kerminen
Aerosol Research, 2, 49–58, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-49-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-49-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric new particle formation (NPF), together with secondary production of particulate matter in the atmosphere, dominates aerosol particle number concentrations and submicron particle mass loads in many environments globally. In this opinion paper, we describe the paradigm shift to understand NPF in a continuous way instead of using traditional binary event–non-event analysis.
Jing Cai, Juha Sulo, Yifang Gu, Sebastian Holm, Runlong Cai, Steven Thomas, Almuth Neuberger, Fredrik Mattsson, Marco Paglione, Stefano Decesari, Matteo Rinaldi, Rujing Yin, Diego Aliaga, Wei Huang, Yuanyuan Li, Yvette Gramlich, Giancarlo Ciarelli, Lauriane Quéléver, Nina Sarnela, Katrianne Lehtipalo, Nora Zannoni, Cheng Wu, Wei Nie, Juha Kangasluoma, Claudia Mohr, Markku Kulmala, Qiaozhi Zha, Dominik Stolzenburg, and Federico Bianchi
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 2423–2441, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2423-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2423-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
By combining field measurements, simulations and recent chamber experiments, we investigate new particle formation (NPF) and growth in the Po Valley, where both haze and frequent NPF occur. Our results show that sulfuric acid, ammonia and amines are the dominant NPF precursors there. A high NPF rate and a lower condensation sink lead to a greater survival probability for newly formed particles, highlighting the importance of gas-to-particle conversion for aerosol concentrations.
Ying Zhang, Duzitian Li, Xu-Cheng He, Wei Nie, Chenjuan Deng, Runlong Cai, Yuliang Liu, Yishuo Guo, Chong Liu, Yiran Li, Liangduo Chen, Yuanyuan Li, Chenjie Hua, Tingyu Liu, Zongcheng Wang, Jiali Xie, Lei Wang, Tuukka Petäjä, Federico Bianchi, Ximeng Qi, Xuguang Chi, Pauli Paasonen, Yongchun Liu, Chao Yan, Jingkun Jiang, Aijun Ding, and Markku Kulmala
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1873–1893, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1873-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1873-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study conducts a long-term observation of gaseous iodine oxoacids in two Chinese megacities, revealing their ubiquitous presence with peak concentrations (up to 0.1 pptv) in summer. Our analysis suggests a mix of terrestrial and marine sources for iodine. Additionally, iodic acid is identified as a notable contributor to sub-3 nm particle growth and particle survival probability.
Xiaoxiao Li, Yijing Chen, Yuyang Li, Runlong Cai, Yiran Li, Chenjuan Deng, Jin Wu, Chao Yan, Hairong Cheng, Yongchun Liu, Markku Kulmala, Jiming Hao, James N. Smith, and Jingkun Jiang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14801–14812, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14801-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14801-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Near-continuous measurements show the composition, sources, and seasonal variations of ultrafine particles (UFPs) in urban Beijing. Vehicle and cooking emissions and new particle formation are the main sources of UFPs, and aqueous/heterogeneous processes increase UFP mode diameters. UFPs are the highest in winter due to the highest primary particle emission rates and new particle formation rates, and CHO fractions are the highest in summer due to the strongest photooxidation.
Yuyang Li, Jiewen Shen, Bin Zhao, Runlong Cai, Shuxiao Wang, Yang Gao, Manish Shrivastava, Da Gao, Jun Zheng, Markku Kulmala, and Jingkun Jiang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 8789–8804, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-8789-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-8789-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We set up a new parameterization for 1.4 nm particle formation rates from sulfuric acid–dimethylamine (SA–DMA) nucleation, fully including the effects of coagulation scavenging and cluster stability. Incorporating the new parameterization into 3-D chemical transport models, we achieved better consistencies between simulation results and observation data. This new parameterization provides new insights into atmospheric nucleation simulations and its effects on atmospheric pollution or health.
Chenxi Li, Yuyang Li, Xiaoxiao Li, Runlong Cai, Yaxin Fan, Xiaohui Qiao, Rujing Yin, Chao Yan, Yishuo Guo, Yongchun Liu, Jun Zheng, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Markku Kulmala, Huayun Xiao, and Jingkun Jiang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 6879–6896, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6879-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6879-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
New particle formation and growth in polluted environments are not fully understood despite intensive research. We applied a cluster dynamics–multicomponent sectional model to simulate the new particle formation events observed in Beijing, China. The simulation approximately captures how the events evolve. Further diagnosis shows that the oxygenated organic molecules may have been under-detected, and modulating their abundance leads to significantly improved simulation–observation agreement.
Juan Hong, Min Tang, Qiaoqiao Wang, Nan Ma, Shaowen Zhu, Shaobin Zhang, Xihao Pan, Linhong Xie, Guo Li, Uwe Kuhn, Chao Yan, Jiangchuan Tao, Ye Kuang, Yao He, Wanyun Xu, Runlong Cai, Yaqing Zhou, Zhibin Wang, Guangsheng Zhou, Bin Yuan, Yafang Cheng, and Hang Su
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 5699–5713, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5699-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5699-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A comprehensive investigation of the characteristics of new particle formation (NPF) events was conducted at a rural site on the North China Plain (NCP), China, during the wintertime of 2018 by covering the particle number size distribution down to sub–3 nm. Potential mechanisms for NPF under the current environment were explored, followed by a further discussion on the factors governing the occurrence of NPF at this rural site compared with other regions (e.g., urban areas) in the NCP region.
Rujing Yin, Xiaoxiao Li, Chao Yan, Runlong Cai, Ying Zhou, Juha Kangasluoma, Nina Sarnela, Janne Lampilahti, Tuukka Petäjä, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Federico Bianchi, Markku Kulmala, and Jingkun Jiang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 5279–5296, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5279-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5279-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric cluster ions are important constituents in the atmosphere. However, the quantitative research on their compositions is still limited, especially in urban environments. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of an in situ quantification method of cluster ions measured by a high-resolution mass spectrometer and reveal their governing factors, sources, and sinks in urban Beijing through quantitative analysis of cluster ions, reagent ions, neutral molecules, and condensation sink.
Melissa Meder, Otso Peräkylä, Jonathan G. Varelas, Jingyi Luo, Runlong Cai, Yanjun Zhang, Theo Kurtén, Matthieu Riva, Matti Rissanen, Franz M. Geiger, Regan J. Thomson, and Mikael Ehn
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 4373–4390, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4373-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4373-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We discuss and show the viability of a method where multiple isotopically labelled precursors are used for probing the formation pathways of highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs) from the oxidation of the monoterpene a-pinene. HOMs are very important for secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation in forested regions, and monoterpenes are the single largest source of SOA globally. The fast reactions forming HOMs have thus far remained elusive despite considerable efforts over the last decade.
Santeri Tuovinen, Runlong Cai, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Jingkun Jiang, Chao Yan, Markku Kulmala, and Jenni Kontkanen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 15071–15091, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-15071-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-15071-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We compare observed survival probabilities of atmospheric particles from Beijing, China, with survival probabilities based on analytical formulae and model simulations. We find observed survival probabilities under polluted conditions at smaller sizes to be higher, while at larger sizes they are lower than or similar to theoretical survival probabilities. Uncertainties in condensation sink and growth rate are unlikely to explain higher-than-predicted survival probabilities at smaller sizes.
Runlong Cai, Chenjuan Deng, Dominik Stolzenburg, Chenxi Li, Junchen Guo, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Jingkun Jiang, Markku Kulmala, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 14571–14587, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-14571-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-14571-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The survival probability of new particles is the key parameter governing their influences on the atmosphere and climate, yet the knowledge of particle survival in the atmosphere is rather limited. We propose methods to compute the size-resolved particle survival probability and validate them using simulations and measurements from diverse environments. Using these methods, we could explain particle survival from the cluster size to the cloud condensation nuclei size.
Chenjuan Deng, Yiran Li, Chao Yan, Jin Wu, Runlong Cai, Dongbin Wang, Yongchun Liu, Juha Kangasluoma, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Markku Kulmala, and Jingkun Jiang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 13569–13580, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-13569-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-13569-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The size distributions of urban atmospheric particles convey important information on their origins and impacts. This study investigates the characteristics of typical particle size distributions and key gaseous precursors in the long term in urban Beijing. A fitting function is proposed to represent and help interpret size distribution including particles and gaseous precursors. In addition to NPF (new particle formation) as the major source, vehicles can emit sub-3 nm particles as well
Chao Yan, Yicheng Shen, Dominik Stolzenburg, Lubna Dada, Ximeng Qi, Simo Hakala, Anu-Maija Sundström, Yishuo Guo, Antti Lipponen, Tom V. Kokkonen, Jenni Kontkanen, Runlong Cai, Jing Cai, Tommy Chan, Liangduo Chen, Biwu Chu, Chenjuan Deng, Wei Du, Xiaolong Fan, Xu-Cheng He, Juha Kangasluoma, Joni Kujansuu, Mona Kurppa, Chang Li, Yiran Li, Zhuohui Lin, Yiliang Liu, Yuliang Liu, Yiqun Lu, Wei Nie, Jouni Pulliainen, Xiaohui Qiao, Yonghong Wang, Yifan Wen, Ye Wu, Gan Yang, Lei Yao, Rujing Yin, Gen Zhang, Shaojun Zhang, Feixue Zheng, Ying Zhou, Antti Arola, Johanna Tamminen, Pauli Paasonen, Yele Sun, Lin Wang, Neil M. Donahue, Yongchun Liu, Federico Bianchi, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, Douglas R. Worsnop, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Tuukka Petäjä, Aijun Ding, Jingkun Jiang, and Markku Kulmala
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 12207–12220, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-12207-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-12207-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric new particle formation (NPF) is a dominant source of atmospheric ultrafine particles. In urban environments, traffic emissions are a major source of primary pollutants, but their contribution to NPF remains under debate. During the COVID-19 lockdown, traffic emissions were significantly reduced, providing a unique chance to examine their relevance to NPF. Based on our comprehensive measurements, we demonstrate that traffic emissions alone are not able to explain the NPF in Beijing.
Runlong Cai, Ella Häkkinen, Chao Yan, Jingkun Jiang, Markku Kulmala, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 11529–11541, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11529-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11529-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The influences of new particle formation on the climate and air quality are governed by particle survival, which has been under debate due to uncertainties in the coagulation sink. Here we measure the coagulation coefficient of sub-10 nm particles and demonstrate that collisions between the freshly nucleated and background particles can effectively lead to coagulation. We further show that the effective coagulation sink is consistent with the new particle formation measured in urban Beijing.
Anna Bengs, Mrisha Koirala, Chengfeng Liu, Henning Finkenzeller, Cecilia Righi, Sebastian Holm, Lauri Ahonen, Veli Kolhinen, Rima Baalbaki, Fabian Schmidt-Ott, Yiliang Liu, Jianfei Peng, Tuukka Petäjä, Markku Kulmala, Nina Sarnela, Runlong Cai, and Juha Kangasluoma
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-5681, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-5681, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Measurement Techniques (AMT).
Short summary
Short summary
Forests emit trace gases that react to form compounds relevant to air quality and climate. Identifying them is difficult because common instruments cannot fully separate molecules of similar mass. We compared three mass spectrometers with different resolving power in a Finnish forest. The highest-resolution instrument identified far more molecules, and using its results to reanalyze the others' data nearly tripled the number identified, improving identification in widely used equipment.
Tinghan Zhang, Wei Du, Xinran Zhang, Janne Lampilahti, Chengfeng Liu, Zehao Zou, Men Xia, Qi Yuan, Qiaozhi Zha, Jing Cai, Yiyang Wang, Tom Kokkonen, Katrianne Lehtipalo, Tuukka Petäjä, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Chao Yan, Jingkun Jiang, Yongchun Liu, and Markku Kulmala
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-5379, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-5379, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
Short summary
Short summary
New particle formation (NPF) is an important source of atmospheric aerosols, but weak events are often overlooked by traditional classification. We applied continuous nanoparticle ranking and particle size distribution normalization to four-year observations from a Finnish boreal forest and the megacity of Beijing. The results show that NPF intensity is governed by source–sink competition and that particle formation and growth are not necessarily controlled by the same atmospheric conditions.
Yijing Chen, Cheng Wu, Epameinondas Tsiligiannis, Ravi Kant Pathak, Jan B. C. Pettersson, Harsh Raj Mishra, Gazala Habib, Geetam Tiwari, Kebin He, Jingkun Jiang, and Mattias Hallquist
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 13121–13137, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-13121-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-13121-2026, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
This work extends current understanding of atmospheric chemistry across different NO regimes in Delhi. Field measurements during the early springtime of 2023 show enhanced nighttime production of N2O5 and ClNO2, driven by decreased NO and high particulate chloride concentrations. The inert particulate chloride can be efficiently activated to photolabile gases with the reduction of NO, and contributes to secondary pollution by enhancing atmospheric organics oxidation in Delhi.
Runlong Cai, Shimeng Xu, Veli-Matti Kerminen, and Markku Kulmala
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-4269, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-4269, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
New particle formation (NPF) is a dominant global source of atmospheric particle number concentration and cloud condensation nuclei, yet its contribution to aerosol mass remains an open question. A prevailing hypothesis argues that vapors would partition into the particle phase regardless of the existence of new particles. Here we challenge this hypothesis by showing that NPF can significantly affect the aerosol surface area distribution and further contribute significantly to aerosol mass.
Xun Rong, Lei Yao, Chuang Li, Cong An, Gan Yang, Jiali Shen, Runlong Cai, Douglas R. Worsnop, and Lin Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 11339–11354, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-11339-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-11339-2026, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents a systematic chamber study on reaction kinetics and the formation of multi-sulfur products from a series of sulfur-containing volatile organic compounds including thiols and sulfides with OH radicals. The findings advance our understanding of the role of sulfur-VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in atmospheric sulfur cycle and their potential contribution to secondary aerosol formation.
Chuang Li, Runlong Cai, Zexin Chen, Gan Yang, Feilin Zhao, Yueyang Li, Jingyu An, Qiwen Sun, Sijia Yin, Shimeng Xu, Yiliang Liu, Douglas Worsnop, Lei Yao, and Lin Wang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3174, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3174, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
Aerosols are tiny particles that help clouds form and shape the climate. Newly formed particles must grow quickly to survive, yet how they grow is poorly understood. Combining laboratory experiments with field measurements, we tested seven common methods for predicting this growth. Most overestimate how strongly organic vapours condense onto particles, especially in polluted air, and even the best cannot fully explain the growth we observe, revealing a gap in our understanding.
Maoyu Cao, Chao Yan, Yuliang Liu, Dafeng Ge, Junchao Yin, Yuanyuan Li, Tao Xu, Ziqian Wei, Jinbo Wang, Ying Zhang, Zhenning Wang, Valter Mickwitz, Ziheng Chen, Bisen Han, Jianxun Wang, Caijun Zhu, Ximeng Qi, Qiaozhi Zha, Xuguang Chi, Zhe Wang, Jian Zhao, Mikael Ehn, Wei Nie, Jingkun Jiang, and Aijun Ding
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3647, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3647, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
Fine airborne particles affect air quality, human health, and climate, yet their molecular composition is difficult to measure. Using a newly characterized instrument that detects these molecules in real time, we carried out the first such study in an eastern Chinese city. We find that particle composition is shaped not only by molecules condensing from the air, but also by chemical reactions within the particles, with natural and human sources and regional transport all contributing.
Hengjia Ou, Yao Li, Yuqing Sha, Hui Zhou, Jingkun Jiang, and Kunpeng Chen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3255, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3255, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
We studied the kinetic relaxation in the formation of Criegee intermediates (CIs) from sesquiterpene ozonolysis. We found that the formation rate constant of sesquiterpene-derived CIs is initially unstable but gradually approaches a plateau that equals the rate constant of sesquiterpene ozonolysis. Our findings demonstrate that neglecting this kinetic relaxation may substantially overestimate the rate of sesquiterpene-derived CI formation and thus the CI-driven atmospheric oxidation capacity.
Yishuo Guo, Chao Yan, Chang Li, Chenjuan Deng, Ying Zhang, Ying Zhou, Haotian Zheng, Yueqi Jiang, Xin Chen, Wei Ma, Nina Sarnela, Zhuohui Lin, Chenjie Hua, Xiaolong Fan, Feixue Zheng, Zemin Feng, Zongcheng Wang, Yusheng Zhang, Jingkun Jiang, Bin Zhao, Markku Kulmala, and Yongchun Liu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 3467–3487, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-3467-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-3467-2026, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
Gaseous sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a key precursor in atmospheric cluster formation. Measurement challenges hinder its widespread observation. We conducted a three-year continuous measurement of H2SO4 in urban Beijing during 2019–2021, characterize its interannual, seasonal, and diurnal variations, and derives proxies to estimate its concentration. These proxies and parameters therein could be applicable at diverse sites and thus provide H2SO4 concentration covering many regions worldwide.
Ruilin Wan, Guangjie Zheng, Yuyang Li, Xiaolin Duan, Jingkun Jiang, and Kebin He
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 1795–1807, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-1795-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-1795-2026, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
Semi-volatile NH4NO3 is a major component of atmospheric aerosols, and the activity coefficient of NH4NO3 is a key parameter in its estimations. Here we show different thermodynamic models differed in the NH4NO3 non-ideality representations, resulting in discrepancies in nitrate gas–particle partitioning predictions. The driving factors of chemical profiles and meteorological conditions are also investigated. This discrepancy can be an important source of uncertainty in air quality predictions.
Jiaqi Jin, Runlong Cai, Yiliang Liu, Gan Yang, Yueyang Li, Chuang Li, Lei Yao, Jingkun Jiang, Xiuhui Zhang, and Lin Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 17125–17138, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17125-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17125-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Based on observed atmospheric new particle formation events at multiple sites in eastern China, we find that sulfuric acid and dimethylamine can explain the observed atmospheric nucleation and the differences in the nucleation intensity among campaigns can be largely attributed to temperature and precursor concentrations. Our results also show that oxygenated organic molecules can make a great contribution to the initial growth of freshly nucleated particles in the real atmosphere.
Pan Wang, Yue Zhao, Jiandong Wang, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Jingkun Jiang, and Chenxi Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 7431–7446, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7431-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7431-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a numerical model to investigate the evolution of the charge state of newly formed atmospheric particles. Based on the simulation results, we successfully employed neural networks to predict particle charge states and estimate ion-induced nucleation rates. This study provides new insights into the dynamics of particle charging and introduces advanced methods for evaluating ion-induced nucleation in atmospheric research.
Yuying Cui, Qingru Wu, Shuxiao Wang, Kaiyun Liu, Shengyue Li, Zhezhe Shi, Daiwei Ouyang, Zhongyan Li, Qinqin Chen, Changwei Lü, Fei Xie, Yi Tang, Yan Wang, and Jiming Hao
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 17, 3315–3328, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-17-3315-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-17-3315-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We develop P-CAME, a long-term gridded emission inventory for China spanning from 1978 to 2021. P-CAME enhances the accuracy of emissions mapping, identifies potential pollution hotspots, and aligns with observed Hg0 concentration trends. With its improved spatial resolution and reliable long-term trends, P-CAME offers valuable support for global emissions modeling, legacy impact studies, and evaluations of the Minamata Convention.
Runlong Cai and Markku Kulmala
Aerosol Research, 3, 231–235, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-231-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-231-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The concept of the mean free path is fundamentally important to aerosol studies. Recent studies suggest that the mean free path of air (λair) could have been significantly overestimated by a factor of ~2. Here we show that this potential overestimation does not directly affect collision-induced aerosol dynamics in atmospheric conditions without high excess latent heat, while a similar influence of the mean free path of vapor (λ) on aerosol dynamics has been accounted for in current studies.
Shuwen Guo, Xuan Zheng, Xiao He, Lewei Zeng, Liqiang He, Xian Wu, Yifei Dai, Zihao Huang, Ting Chen, Shupei Xiao, Yan You, Sheng Xiang, Shaojun Zhang, Jingkun Jiang, and Ye Wu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2695–2705, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2695-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2695-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We considered two potential influencing factors of heavy-duty diesel vehicle emissions that are rarely mentioned in the literature: cumulative mileage and ambient temperatures. The results suggest that prolonged use of heavy-duty diesel vehicles and low ambient temperatures leads to reduced engine combustion efficiency, which in turn increases tailpipe emissions significantly.
Yiliang Liu, Arttu Yli-Kujala, Fabian Schmidt-Ott, Sebastian Holm, Lauri Ahonen, Tommy Chan, Joonas Enroth, Joonas Vanhanen, Runlong Cai, Tuukka Petäjä, Markku Kulmala, Yang Chen, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 18, 431–442, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-431-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-431-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Accurate measurement of nanoparticles is crucial for understanding their impact on new particle formation and climate change. In this study, we calibrated the Particle Size Magnifier version 2.0 (PSM 2.0), using both laboratory-generated and atmospheric particles. Some differences were observed in the calibration results, with direct calibration using atmospheric particles enhancing measurement accuracy.
Diego Aliaga, Victoria A. Sinclair, Radovan Krejci, Marcos Andrade, Paulo Artaxo, Luis Blacutt, Runlong Cai, Samara Carbone, Yvette Gramlich, Liine Heikkinen, Dominic Heslin-Rees, Wei Huang, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Alkuin Maximilian Koenig, Markku Kulmala, Paolo Laj, Valeria Mardoñez-Balderrama, Claudia Mohr, Isabel Moreno, Pauli Paasonen, Wiebke Scholz, Karine Sellegri, Laura Ticona, Gaëlle Uzu, Fernando Velarde, Alfred Wiedensohler, Doug Worsnop, Cheng Wu, Chen Xuemeng, Qiaozhi Zha, and Federico Bianchi
Aerosol Research, 3, 15–44, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-15-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-15-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study examines new particle formation (NPF) in the Bolivian Andes at Chacaltaya mountain (CHC) and the urban El Alto–La Paz area (EAC). Days are clustered into four categories based on NPF intensity. Differences in particle size, precursor gases, and pollution levels are found. High NPF intensities increased Aitken mode particle concentrations at both sites, while volcanic influence selectively diminished NPF intensity at CHC but not EAC. This study highlights NPF dynamics in the Andes.
Zhaojin An, Rujing Yin, Xinyan Zhao, Xiaoxiao Li, Yuyang Li, Yi Yuan, Junchen Guo, Yiqi Zhao, Xue Li, Dandan Li, Yaowei Li, Dongbin Wang, Chao Yan, Kebin He, Douglas R. Worsnop, Frank N. Keutsch, and Jingkun Jiang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 13793–13810, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13793-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13793-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Online Vocus-PTR measurements show the compositions and seasonal variations in organic vapors in urban Beijing. With enhanced sensitivity and mass resolution, various species at a level of sub-parts per trillion (ppt) and organics with multiple oxygens (≥ 3) were observed. The fast photooxidation process in summer leads to an increase in both concentration and proportion of organics with multiple oxygens, while, in other seasons, the variations in them could be influenced by mixed sources.
Jiewen Shen, Bin Zhao, Shuxiao Wang, An Ning, Yuyang Li, Runlong Cai, Da Gao, Biwu Chu, Yang Gao, Manish Shrivastava, Jingkun Jiang, Xiuhui Zhang, and Hong He
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 10261–10278, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10261-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10261-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We extensively compare various cluster-dynamics-based parameterizations for sulfuric acid–dimethylamine nucleation and identify a newly developed parameterization derived from Atmospheric Cluster Dynamic Code (ACDC) simulations as being the most reliable one. This study offers a valuable reference for developing parameterizations of other nucleation systems and is meaningful for the accurate quantification of the environmental and climate impacts of new particle formation.
Ella Häkkinen, Huan Yang, Runlong Cai, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 4211–4225, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4211-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4211-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We report measurements of evaporation kinetics and surface equilibrium vapor pressures for various laboratory-generated organic nanoparticles using the dynamic-aerosol-size electrical mobility spectrometer (DEMS), a recent advancement in aerosol process characterization. Our findings align well with literature values, demonstrating DEMS's effectiveness. We suggest future improvements to DEMS and anticipate its potential for probing aerosol-related kinetic processes with unknown mechanisms.
Markku Kulmala, Diego Aliaga, Santeri Tuovinen, Runlong Cai, Heikki Junninen, Chao Yan, Federico Bianchi, Yafang Cheng, Aijun Ding, Douglas R. Worsnop, Tuukka Petäjä, Katrianne Lehtipalo, Pauli Paasonen, and Veli-Matti Kerminen
Aerosol Research, 2, 49–58, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-49-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-49-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric new particle formation (NPF), together with secondary production of particulate matter in the atmosphere, dominates aerosol particle number concentrations and submicron particle mass loads in many environments globally. In this opinion paper, we describe the paradigm shift to understand NPF in a continuous way instead of using traditional binary event–non-event analysis.
Jing Cai, Juha Sulo, Yifang Gu, Sebastian Holm, Runlong Cai, Steven Thomas, Almuth Neuberger, Fredrik Mattsson, Marco Paglione, Stefano Decesari, Matteo Rinaldi, Rujing Yin, Diego Aliaga, Wei Huang, Yuanyuan Li, Yvette Gramlich, Giancarlo Ciarelli, Lauriane Quéléver, Nina Sarnela, Katrianne Lehtipalo, Nora Zannoni, Cheng Wu, Wei Nie, Juha Kangasluoma, Claudia Mohr, Markku Kulmala, Qiaozhi Zha, Dominik Stolzenburg, and Federico Bianchi
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 2423–2441, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2423-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2423-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
By combining field measurements, simulations and recent chamber experiments, we investigate new particle formation (NPF) and growth in the Po Valley, where both haze and frequent NPF occur. Our results show that sulfuric acid, ammonia and amines are the dominant NPF precursors there. A high NPF rate and a lower condensation sink lead to a greater survival probability for newly formed particles, highlighting the importance of gas-to-particle conversion for aerosol concentrations.
Ying Zhang, Duzitian Li, Xu-Cheng He, Wei Nie, Chenjuan Deng, Runlong Cai, Yuliang Liu, Yishuo Guo, Chong Liu, Yiran Li, Liangduo Chen, Yuanyuan Li, Chenjie Hua, Tingyu Liu, Zongcheng Wang, Jiali Xie, Lei Wang, Tuukka Petäjä, Federico Bianchi, Ximeng Qi, Xuguang Chi, Pauli Paasonen, Yongchun Liu, Chao Yan, Jingkun Jiang, Aijun Ding, and Markku Kulmala
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1873–1893, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1873-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1873-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study conducts a long-term observation of gaseous iodine oxoacids in two Chinese megacities, revealing their ubiquitous presence with peak concentrations (up to 0.1 pptv) in summer. Our analysis suggests a mix of terrestrial and marine sources for iodine. Additionally, iodic acid is identified as a notable contributor to sub-3 nm particle growth and particle survival probability.
Xiaoxiao Li, Yijing Chen, Yuyang Li, Runlong Cai, Yiran Li, Chenjuan Deng, Jin Wu, Chao Yan, Hairong Cheng, Yongchun Liu, Markku Kulmala, Jiming Hao, James N. Smith, and Jingkun Jiang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14801–14812, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14801-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14801-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Near-continuous measurements show the composition, sources, and seasonal variations of ultrafine particles (UFPs) in urban Beijing. Vehicle and cooking emissions and new particle formation are the main sources of UFPs, and aqueous/heterogeneous processes increase UFP mode diameters. UFPs are the highest in winter due to the highest primary particle emission rates and new particle formation rates, and CHO fractions are the highest in summer due to the strongest photooxidation.
Chupeng Zhang, Shangfei Hai, Yang Gao, Yuhang Wang, Shaoqing Zhang, Lifang Sheng, Bin Zhao, Shuxiao Wang, Jingkun Jiang, Xin Huang, Xiaojing Shen, Junying Sun, Aura Lupascu, Manish Shrivastava, Jerome D. Fast, Wenxuan Cheng, Xiuwen Guo, Ming Chu, Nan Ma, Juan Hong, Qiaoqiao Wang, Xiaohong Yao, and Huiwang Gao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 10713–10730, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-10713-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-10713-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
New particle formation is an important source of atmospheric particles, exerting critical influences on global climate. Numerical models are vital tools to understanding atmospheric particle evolution, which, however, suffer from large biases in simulating particle numbers. Here we improve the model chemical processes governing particle sizes and compositions. The improved model reveals substantial contributions of newly formed particles to climate through effects on cloud condensation nuclei.
Yuyang Li, Jiewen Shen, Bin Zhao, Runlong Cai, Shuxiao Wang, Yang Gao, Manish Shrivastava, Da Gao, Jun Zheng, Markku Kulmala, and Jingkun Jiang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 8789–8804, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-8789-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-8789-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We set up a new parameterization for 1.4 nm particle formation rates from sulfuric acid–dimethylamine (SA–DMA) nucleation, fully including the effects of coagulation scavenging and cluster stability. Incorporating the new parameterization into 3-D chemical transport models, we achieved better consistencies between simulation results and observation data. This new parameterization provides new insights into atmospheric nucleation simulations and its effects on atmospheric pollution or health.
Chenxi Li, Yuyang Li, Xiaoxiao Li, Runlong Cai, Yaxin Fan, Xiaohui Qiao, Rujing Yin, Chao Yan, Yishuo Guo, Yongchun Liu, Jun Zheng, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Markku Kulmala, Huayun Xiao, and Jingkun Jiang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 6879–6896, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6879-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6879-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
New particle formation and growth in polluted environments are not fully understood despite intensive research. We applied a cluster dynamics–multicomponent sectional model to simulate the new particle formation events observed in Beijing, China. The simulation approximately captures how the events evolve. Further diagnosis shows that the oxygenated organic molecules may have been under-detected, and modulating their abundance leads to significantly improved simulation–observation agreement.
Yishuo Guo, Chenjuan Deng, Aino Ovaska, Feixue Zheng, Chenjie Hua, Junlei Zhan, Yiran Li, Jin Wu, Zongcheng Wang, Jiali Xie, Ying Zhang, Tingyu Liu, Yusheng Zhang, Boying Song, Wei Ma, Yongchun Liu, Chao Yan, Jingkun Jiang, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Men Xia, Tuomo Nieminen, Wei Du, Tom Kokkonen, and Markku Kulmala
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 6663–6690, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6663-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6663-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Using the comprehensive datasets, we investigated the long-term variations of air pollutants during winter in Beijing from 2019 to 2022 and analyzed the characteristics of atmospheric pollution cocktail during different short-term special events (e.g., Beijing Winter Olympics, COVID lockdown and Chinese New Year) associated with substantial emission reductions. Our results are useful in planning more targeted and sustainable long-term pollution control plans.
Shengyue Li, Shuxiao Wang, Qingru Wu, Yanning Zhang, Daiwei Ouyang, Haotian Zheng, Licong Han, Xionghui Qiu, Yifan Wen, Min Liu, Yueqi Jiang, Dejia Yin, Kaiyun Liu, Bin Zhao, Shaojun Zhang, Ye Wu, and Jiming Hao
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 15, 2279–2294, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-2279-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-2279-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study compiled China's emission inventory of air pollutants and CO2 during 2005–2021 (ABaCAS-EI v2.0) based on unified emission-source framework. The emission trends and its drivers are analyzed. Key sectors and regions with higher synergistic reduction potential of air pollutants and CO2 are identified. Future control measures are suggested. The dataset and analyses provide insights into the synergistic reduction of air pollutants and CO2 emissions for China and other developing countries.
Juan Hong, Min Tang, Qiaoqiao Wang, Nan Ma, Shaowen Zhu, Shaobin Zhang, Xihao Pan, Linhong Xie, Guo Li, Uwe Kuhn, Chao Yan, Jiangchuan Tao, Ye Kuang, Yao He, Wanyun Xu, Runlong Cai, Yaqing Zhou, Zhibin Wang, Guangsheng Zhou, Bin Yuan, Yafang Cheng, and Hang Su
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 5699–5713, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5699-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5699-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A comprehensive investigation of the characteristics of new particle formation (NPF) events was conducted at a rural site on the North China Plain (NCP), China, during the wintertime of 2018 by covering the particle number size distribution down to sub–3 nm. Potential mechanisms for NPF under the current environment were explored, followed by a further discussion on the factors governing the occurrence of NPF at this rural site compared with other regions (e.g., urban areas) in the NCP region.
Rujing Yin, Xiaoxiao Li, Chao Yan, Runlong Cai, Ying Zhou, Juha Kangasluoma, Nina Sarnela, Janne Lampilahti, Tuukka Petäjä, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Federico Bianchi, Markku Kulmala, and Jingkun Jiang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 5279–5296, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5279-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5279-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric cluster ions are important constituents in the atmosphere. However, the quantitative research on their compositions is still limited, especially in urban environments. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of an in situ quantification method of cluster ions measured by a high-resolution mass spectrometer and reveal their governing factors, sources, and sinks in urban Beijing through quantitative analysis of cluster ions, reagent ions, neutral molecules, and condensation sink.
Rui Li, Yining Gao, Yubao Chen, Meng Peng, Weidong Zhao, Gehui Wang, and Jiming Hao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 4709–4726, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4709-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4709-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A random forest model was used to isolate the effects of emission and meteorology to trace elements in PM2.5 in Tangshan. The results suggested that control measures facilitated decreases of Ga, Co, Pb, Zn, and As, due to the strict implementation of coal-to-gas strategies and optimisation of industrial structure and layout. However, the deweathered levels of Ca, Cr, and Fe only displayed minor decreases, indicating that ferrous metal smelting and vehicle emission controls should be enhanced.
Melissa Meder, Otso Peräkylä, Jonathan G. Varelas, Jingyi Luo, Runlong Cai, Yanjun Zhang, Theo Kurtén, Matthieu Riva, Matti Rissanen, Franz M. Geiger, Regan J. Thomson, and Mikael Ehn
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 4373–4390, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4373-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4373-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We discuss and show the viability of a method where multiple isotopically labelled precursors are used for probing the formation pathways of highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs) from the oxidation of the monoterpene a-pinene. HOMs are very important for secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation in forested regions, and monoterpenes are the single largest source of SOA globally. The fast reactions forming HOMs have thus far remained elusive despite considerable efforts over the last decade.
Santeri Tuovinen, Runlong Cai, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Jingkun Jiang, Chao Yan, Markku Kulmala, and Jenni Kontkanen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 15071–15091, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-15071-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-15071-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We compare observed survival probabilities of atmospheric particles from Beijing, China, with survival probabilities based on analytical formulae and model simulations. We find observed survival probabilities under polluted conditions at smaller sizes to be higher, while at larger sizes they are lower than or similar to theoretical survival probabilities. Uncertainties in condensation sink and growth rate are unlikely to explain higher-than-predicted survival probabilities at smaller sizes.
Runlong Cai, Chenjuan Deng, Dominik Stolzenburg, Chenxi Li, Junchen Guo, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Jingkun Jiang, Markku Kulmala, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 14571–14587, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-14571-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-14571-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The survival probability of new particles is the key parameter governing their influences on the atmosphere and climate, yet the knowledge of particle survival in the atmosphere is rather limited. We propose methods to compute the size-resolved particle survival probability and validate them using simulations and measurements from diverse environments. Using these methods, we could explain particle survival from the cluster size to the cloud condensation nuclei size.
Chenjuan Deng, Yiran Li, Chao Yan, Jin Wu, Runlong Cai, Dongbin Wang, Yongchun Liu, Juha Kangasluoma, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Markku Kulmala, and Jingkun Jiang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 13569–13580, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-13569-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-13569-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The size distributions of urban atmospheric particles convey important information on their origins and impacts. This study investigates the characteristics of typical particle size distributions and key gaseous precursors in the long term in urban Beijing. A fitting function is proposed to represent and help interpret size distribution including particles and gaseous precursors. In addition to NPF (new particle formation) as the major source, vehicles can emit sub-3 nm particles as well
Chao Yan, Yicheng Shen, Dominik Stolzenburg, Lubna Dada, Ximeng Qi, Simo Hakala, Anu-Maija Sundström, Yishuo Guo, Antti Lipponen, Tom V. Kokkonen, Jenni Kontkanen, Runlong Cai, Jing Cai, Tommy Chan, Liangduo Chen, Biwu Chu, Chenjuan Deng, Wei Du, Xiaolong Fan, Xu-Cheng He, Juha Kangasluoma, Joni Kujansuu, Mona Kurppa, Chang Li, Yiran Li, Zhuohui Lin, Yiliang Liu, Yuliang Liu, Yiqun Lu, Wei Nie, Jouni Pulliainen, Xiaohui Qiao, Yonghong Wang, Yifan Wen, Ye Wu, Gan Yang, Lei Yao, Rujing Yin, Gen Zhang, Shaojun Zhang, Feixue Zheng, Ying Zhou, Antti Arola, Johanna Tamminen, Pauli Paasonen, Yele Sun, Lin Wang, Neil M. Donahue, Yongchun Liu, Federico Bianchi, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, Douglas R. Worsnop, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Tuukka Petäjä, Aijun Ding, Jingkun Jiang, and Markku Kulmala
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 12207–12220, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-12207-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-12207-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric new particle formation (NPF) is a dominant source of atmospheric ultrafine particles. In urban environments, traffic emissions are a major source of primary pollutants, but their contribution to NPF remains under debate. During the COVID-19 lockdown, traffic emissions were significantly reduced, providing a unique chance to examine their relevance to NPF. Based on our comprehensive measurements, we demonstrate that traffic emissions alone are not able to explain the NPF in Beijing.
Lulu Cui, Di Wu, Shuxiao Wang, Qingcheng Xu, Ruolan Hu, and Jiming Hao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 11931–11944, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11931-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11931-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A 1-year campaign was conducted to characterize VOCs at a Beijing urban site during different episodes. VOCs from fuel evaporation and diesel exhaust, particularly toluene, xylenes, trans-2-butene, acrolein, methyl methacrylate, vinyl acetate, 1-butene, and 1-hexene, were the main contributors. VOCs from diesel exhaust as well as coal and biomass combustion were found to be the dominant contributors for SOAFP, particularly the VOC species toluene, 1-hexene, xylenes, ethylbenzene, and styrene.
Mengying Li, Shaocai Yu, Xue Chen, Zhen Li, Yibo Zhang, Zhe Song, Weiping Liu, Pengfei Li, Xiaoye Zhang, Meigen Zhang, Yele Sun, Zirui Liu, Caiping Sun, Jingkun Jiang, Shuxiao Wang, Benjamin N. Murphy, Kiran Alapaty, Rohit Mathur, Daniel Rosenfeld, and John H. Seinfeld
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 11845–11866, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11845-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11845-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This study constructed an emission inventory of condensable particulate matter (CPM) in China with a focus on organic aerosols (OAs), based on collected CPM emission information. The results show that OA emissions are enhanced twofold for the years 2014 and 2017 after the inclusion of CPM in the new inventory. Sensitivity cases demonstrated the significant contributions of CPM emissions from stationary combustion and mobile sources to primary, secondary, and total OA concentrations.
Runlong Cai, Ella Häkkinen, Chao Yan, Jingkun Jiang, Markku Kulmala, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 11529–11541, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11529-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11529-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The influences of new particle formation on the climate and air quality are governed by particle survival, which has been under debate due to uncertainties in the coagulation sink. Here we measure the coagulation coefficient of sub-10 nm particles and demonstrate that collisions between the freshly nucleated and background particles can effectively lead to coagulation. We further show that the effective coagulation sink is consistent with the new particle formation measured in urban Beijing.
Yishuo Guo, Chao Yan, Yuliang Liu, Xiaohui Qiao, Feixue Zheng, Ying Zhang, Ying Zhou, Chang Li, Xiaolong Fan, Zhuohui Lin, Zemin Feng, Yusheng Zhang, Penggang Zheng, Linhui Tian, Wei Nie, Zhe Wang, Dandan Huang, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, Lei Yao, Lubna Dada, Federico Bianchi, Jingkun Jiang, Yongchun Liu, Veli-Matti Kerminen, and Markku Kulmala
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 10077–10097, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10077-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10077-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Gaseous oxygenated organic molecules (OOMs) are able to form atmospheric aerosols, which will impact on human health and climate change. Here, we find that OOMs in urban Beijing are dominated by anthropogenic sources, i.e. aromatic (29 %–41 %) and aliphatic (26 %–41 %) OOMs. They are also the main contributors to the condensational growth of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). Therefore, the restriction on anthropogenic VOCs is crucial for the reduction of SOAs and haze formation.
Jiandong Wang, Jia Xing, Shuxiao Wang, Rohit Mathur, Jiaping Wang, Yuqiang Zhang, Chao Liu, Jonathan Pleim, Dian Ding, Xing Chang, Jingkun Jiang, Peng Zhao, Shovan Kumar Sahu, Yuzhi Jin, David C. Wong, and Jiming Hao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 5147–5156, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-5147-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-5147-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Aerosols reduce surface solar radiation and change the photolysis rate and planetary boundary layer stability. In this study, the online coupled meteorological and chemistry model was used to explore the detailed pathway of how aerosol direct effects affect secondary inorganic aerosol. The effects through the dynamics pathway act as an equally or even more important route compared with the photolysis pathway in affecting secondary aerosol concentration in both summer and winter.
Xiaomeng Wu, Daoyuan Yang, Ruoxi Wu, Jiajun Gu, Yifan Wen, Shaojun Zhang, Rui Wu, Renjie Wang, Honglei Xu, K. Max Zhang, Ye Wu, and Jiming Hao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 1939–1950, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1939-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1939-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Our work pioneered land-use machine learning methods for developing link-level emission inventories, utilizing hourly traffic profiles, including volume, speed, and fleet mix, obtained from the governmental intercity highway monitoring network in the "capital circles" of China. This research provides a platform to realize the near-real-time process of establishing high-resolution vehicle emission inventories for policy makers to engage in sophisticated traffic management.
Jing Cai, Cheng Wu, Jiandong Wang, Wei Du, Feixue Zheng, Simo Hakala, Xiaolong Fan, Biwu Chu, Lei Yao, Zemin Feng, Yongchun Liu, Yele Sun, Jun Zheng, Chao Yan, Federico Bianchi, Markku Kulmala, Claudia Mohr, and Kaspar R. Daellenbach
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 1251–1269, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1251-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1251-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates the connection between organic aerosol (OA) molecular composition and particle absorptive properties in autumn in Beijing. We find that the molecular properties of OA compounds in different episodes influence particle light absorption properties differently: the light absorption enhancement of black carbon and light absorption coefficient of brown carbon were mostly related to more oxygenated OA (low C number and four O atoms) and aromatics/nitro-aromatics, respectively.
Cited articles
Cai, R., Chen, D.-R., Hao, J., and Jiang, J.: A Miniature Cylindrical Differential Mobility Analyzer for sub-3 nm Particle Sizing, J. Aerosol. Sci., 106, 111–119, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaerosci.2017.01.004, 2017.
Cai, R. and Jiang, J.: A new balance formula to estimate new particle formation rate: reevaluating the effect of coagulation scavenging, Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2017-199, in review, 2017.
Dal Maso, M., Kulmala, M., Lehtinen, K. E., Mäkelä, J. M., Aalto, J., and O'Dowd, C. D.: Condensation and coagulation sinks and formation of nucleation mode particles in coastal and boreal forest boundary layers, J. Geophys. Res., 107, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.1029/2001jd001053, 2002.
Dal Maso, M., Kulmala, M., Riipinen, I., Wagner, R., Hussein, T., Aalto, P., and Lehtinen, K. E.: Formation and growth of fresh atmospheric aerosols: eight years of aerosol size distribution data from SMEAR II, Hyytiälä, Finland, Boreal Environ. Res., 10, 323–336, 2005.
Davis, E. J., Ravindran, P., and Ray, A. K.: A Review of Theory and Experiments on Diffusion from Submicroscopic Particles, Chem. Eng. Commun., 5, 251–268, 1980.
Eisele, F. L., Lovejoy, E. R., Kosciuch, E., Moore, K. F., Mauldin, R. L., Smith, J. N., McMurry, P. H., and Iida, K.: Negative atmospheric ions and their potential role in ion-induced nucleation, J. Geophys. Res., 111, D04305, https://doi.org/10.1029/2005jd006568, 2006.
Erupe, M. E., Benson, D. R., Li, J., Young, L.-H., Verheggen, B., Al-Refai, M., Tahboub, O., Cunningham, V., Frimpong, F., Viggiano, A. A., and Lee, S.-H.: Correlation of aerosol nucleation rate with sulfuric acid and ammonia in Kent, Ohio, An atmospheric observation, J. Geophys. Res., 115, D23216, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010jd013942, 2010.
Gong, Y., Hu, M., Cheng, Y., Su, H., Yue, D., Liu, F., Wiedensohler, A., Wang, Z., Kalesse, H., and Liu, S.: Competition of coagulation sink and source rate: New particle formation in the Pearl River Delta of China, Atmos. Environ., 44, 3278–3285, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2010.05.049, 2010.
He, K., Yang, F., Ma, Y., Zhang, Q., Yao, X., Chan, C. K., Cadel, S., Chan, T., and Mulawa, P.: The characteristics of PM2.5 in Beijing, China, Atmos. Environ., 35, 4959–4970, 2001.
HEI Review Panel on Ultrafine Particles: Understanding the Health Effects of Ambient Ultrafine Particles, HEI Perspectives 3, Health Effects Institute, Boston, MA, 2013.
Hu, M., Peng, J., Sun, K., Yue, D., Guo, S., Wiedensohler, A., and Wu, Z.: Estimation of size-resolved ambient particle density based on the measurement of aerosol number, mass, and chemical size distributions in the winter in Beijing, Environ. Sci. Technol., 46, 9941–9947, https://doi.org/10.1021/es204073t, 2012.
Iida, K., Stolzenburg, M., McMurry, P., Dunn, M. J., Smith, J. N., Eisele, F., and Keady, P.: Contribution of ion-induced nucleation to new particle formation, Methodology and its application to atmospheric observations in Boulder, Colorado, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 111, D23201, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006jd007167, 2006.
Iida, K., Stolzenburg, M. R., McMurry, P. H., and Smith, J. N.: Estimating nanoparticle growth rates from size-dependent charged fractions: Analysis of new particle formation events in Mexico City, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 113, D05207, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007jd009260, 2008.
IPCC.: Climate Change 2013, IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5), Cambridge University Press, 2013.
Jayaratne, R., Pushpawela, B., He, C., Li, H., Gao, J., Chai, F., and Morawska, L.: Observations of particles at their formation sizes in Beijing, China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 8825–8835, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8825-2017, 2017.
Jiang, J., Chen, M., Kuang, C., Attoui, M., and McMurry, P. H.: Electrical Mobility Spectrometer Using a Diethylene Glycol Condensation Particle Counter for Measurement of Aerosol Size Distributions Down to 1 nm, Aerosol Sci. Tech., 45, 510–521, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2010.547538, 2011a.
Jiang, J., Zhao, J., Chen, M., Eisele, F. L., Scheckman, J., Williams, B. J., Kuang, C., and McMurry, P. H.: First Measurements of Neutral Atmospheric Cluster and 1–2 nm Particle Number Size Distributions During Nucleation Events, Aerosol Sci. Tech., 45, D04305, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2010.546817, 2011b.
Kerminen, V.-M., Pirjola, L., and Kulmala, M.: How significantly does coagulational scavenging limit atmospheric particle production? J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 106, 24119–24125, https://doi.org/10.1029/2001jd000322, 2001.
Kerminen, V. M. and Kulmala, M.: Analytical formulae connecting the “real” and the “apparent” nucleation rate and the nuclei number concentration for atmospheric nucleation events, J. Aerosol Sci., 33, 609–622, 2002.
Kuang, C., McMurry, P. H., McCormick, A. V., and Eisele, F. L.: Dependence of nucleation rates on sulfuric acid vapor concentration in diverse atmospheric locations, J. Geophys. Res., 113, D10209, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007jd009253, 2008.
Kuang, C., McMurry, P. H., and McCormick, A. V.: Determination of cloud condensation nuclei production from measured new particle formation events, Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L09822, https://doi.org/10.1029/2009gl037584, 2009.
Kuang, C., Riipinen, I., Sihto, S.-L., Kulmala, M., McCormick, A. V., and McMurry, P. H.: An improved criterion for new particle formation in diverse atmospheric environments, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 8469–8480, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-10-8469-2010, 2010.
Kuang, C., Chen, M., Zhao, J., Smith, J., McMurry, P. H., and Wang, J.: Size and time-resolved growth rate measurements of 1 to 5 nm freshly formed atmospheric nuclei, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 12, 3573–3589, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-12-3573-2012, 2012.
Kulmala, M., Dal Maso, M., Mäkelä, J. M., Pirjola, L., Väkevä, M., Aalto, P., Miikkulainen, P., Hämeri, K., and O'Dowd, C. D.: On the formation, growth and composition of nucleation mode particles, Tellus, 53, 479–490, 2001.
Kulmala, M., Vehkamäki, H., Petäjä, T., Dal Maso, M., Lauri, A., Kerminen, V. M., Birmili, W., and McMurry, P. H.: Formation and growth rates of ultrafine atmospheric particles: a review of observations, J. Aerosol Sci., 35, 143–176, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaerosci.2003.10.003, 2004.
Kulmala, M., Kontkanen, J., Junninen, H., Lehtipalo, K., Manninen, H. E., Nieminen, T., Petäjä, T., Sipilä, M., Schobesberger, S., Rantala, P., Franchin, A., Jokinen, T., Jarvinen, E., Äijälä, M., Kangasluoma, J., Hakala, J., Aalto, P. P., Paasonen, P., Mikkilä, J., Vanhanen, J., Aalto, J., Hakola, H., Makkonen, U., Ruuskanen, T., Mauldin III, R. L., Duplissy, J., Vehkamäki, H., Bäck, J., Kortelainen, A., Riipinen, I., Kurtén, T., Johnston, M. V., Smith, J. N., Ehn, M., Mentel, T. F., Lehtinen, K. E., Laaksonen, A., Kerminen, V.-M., and Worsnop, D. R.: Direct observations of atmospheric aerosol nucleation, Science, 339, 943–946, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1227385, 2013.
Kulmala, M., Petäjä, T., Kerminen, V.-M., Kujansuu, J., Ruuskanen, T., Ding, A., Nie, W., Hu, M., Wang, Z., Wu, Z., Wang, L., and Worsnop, D. R.: On secondary new particle formation in China, Front. Environ. Sci. En., 10, 8, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-016-0850-1, 2016.
Lehtinen, K. E. J., Dal Maso, M., Kulmala, M., and Kerminen, V.-M.: Estimating nucleation rates from apparent particle formation rates and vice versa, Revised formulation of the Kerminen–Kulmala equation, J. Aerosol Sci., 38, 988–994, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaerosci.2007.06.009, 2007.
Liu, J., Jiang, J., Zhang, Q., Deng, J., and Hao, J.: A spectrometer for measuring particle size distributions in the range of 3 nm to 10 µm, Front. Environ. Sci. En., 10, 63–72, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-014-0754-x, 2016.
Ma, Y., Diao, Y., Zhang, B., Wang, W., Ren, X., Yang, D., Wang, M., Shi, X., and Zheng, J.: Detection of formaldehyde emissions from an industrial zone in the Yangtze River Delta region of China using a proton transfer reaction ion-drift chemical ionization mass spectrometer, Atmos. Meas. Tech., 9, 6101–6116, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-6101-2016, 2016.
Manninen, E. H., Petäjä, T., Asmi, E., Riipinen, I., Nieminen, T., Mikkilä, J., Hõrrak, U., Mirme, A., Mirme, S., Laakso, L., Kerminen, V.-M., and Kulmala, M.: Long-term field measurements of charged and neutral clusters using Neutral cluster and Air Ion Spectrometer (NAIS), Boreal Environ. Res., 14, 591–605, 2009.
McMurry, P. H.: New particle formation in the presence of an aerosol: rates, time scales, and sub-0.01 µm size distributions, J. Colloid Interf. Sci., 95, 72–80, 1983.
McMurry, P. H., Fink, M., Sakurai, H., Stolzenburg, M. R., Mauldin, R. L., Smith, J., Eisele, F., Moore, K., Sjostedt, S., Tanner, D., Huey, L. G., Nowak, J. B., Edgerton, E., and Voisin, D.: A criterion for new particle formation in the sulfur-rich Atlanta atmosphere, J. Geophys. Res., 110, D22S02, https://doi.org/10.1029/2005jd005901, 2005.
O'Dowd, C. D., Aalto, P., Hmeri, K., Kulmala, M., and Hoffmann, T.: Aerosol formation: atmospheric particles from organic vapours, Nature, 416, 497–498, https://doi.org/10.1038/416497a, 2002.
Petäjä, T., Mauldin, R. L., Kosciuch, E., McGrath, J., Nieminen, T., Paasonen, P., Boy, M., Adamov, A., Kotiaho, T., and Kulmala, M.: Sulfuric acid and OH concentrations in a boreal forest site, J. Aerosol. Sci., 9, 7435–7448, 2009.
Qi, X. M., Ding, A. J., Nie, W., Petäjä, T., Kerminen, V.-M., Herrmann, E., Xie, Y. N., Zheng, L. F., Manninen, H., Aalto, P., Sun, J. N., Xu, Z. N., Chi, X. G., Huang, X., Boy, M., Virkkula, A., Yang, X.-Q., Fu, C. B., and Kulmala, M.: Aerosol size distribution and new particle formation in the western Yangtze River Delta of China: 2 years of measurements at the SORPES station, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 12445–12464, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-12445-2015, 2015.
Riipinen, I., Sihto, S.-L., Kulmala, M., Arnold, F., Dal Maso, M., Birmili, W., Saarnio, K., Teinilä, K., Kerminen, V.-M., Laaksonen, A., and Lehtinen, K. E. J.: Connections between atmospheric sulphuric acid and new particle formation during QUEST III-IV campaigns in Heidelberg and Hyytiälä, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 7, 1899–1914, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-7-1899-2007, 2007.
Ristovski, Z. D., Suni, T., Kulmala, M., Boy, M., Meyer, N. K., Duplissy, J., Turnipseed, A., Morawska, L., and Baltensperger, U.: The role of sulphates and organic vapours in growth of newly formed particles in a eucalypt forest, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 2919–2926, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-10-2919-2010, 2010.
Salma, I., Németh, Z., Kerminen, V.-M., Aalto, P., Nieminen, T., Weidinger, T., Moln'ar, Á., Imre, K., and Kulmala, M.: Regional effect on urban atmospheric nucleation, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 8715–8728, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8715-2016, 2016.
Seinfeld, J. H. and Pandis, S. N.: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (2nd Ed), John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New Jersey, 2006.
Sihto, S.-L., Kulmala, M., Kerminen, V.-M., Dal Maso, M., Petäjä, T., Riipinen, I., Korhonen, H., Arnold, F., Janson, R., Boy, M., Laaksonen, A., and Lehtinen, K. E. J.: Atmospheric sulphuric acid and aerosol formation: implications from atmospheric measurements for nucleation and early growth mechanisms, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 6, 4079–4091, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-6-4079-2006, 2006.
Spracklen, D. V., Carslaw, K. S., Kulmala, M., Kerminen, V.-M., Sihto, S.-L., Riipinen, I., Merikanto, J., Mann, G. W., Chipperfield, M. P., Wiedensohler, A., Birmili, W., and Lihavainen, H.: Contribution of particle formation to global cloud condensation nuclei concentrations, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L06808, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007gl033038, 2008.
Vanhanen, J., Mikkilä, J., Lehtipalo, K., Sipilä, M., Manninen, H. E., Siivola, E., Petäjä, T., and Kulmala, M.: Particle Size Magnifier for Nano-CN Detection, Aerosol Sci. Technol., 45, 533–542, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2010.547889, 2011.
Wehner, B., Birmili, W., Ditas, F., Wu, Z., Hu, M., Liu, X., Mao, J., Sugimoto, N., and Wiedensohler, A.: Relationships between submicrometer particulate air pollution and air mass history in Beijing, China, 2004–2006, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 8, 6155–6168, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-8-6155-2008,2008.
Wang, Z. B., Hu, M., Yue, D. L., Zheng, J., Zhang, R. Y., Wiedensohler, A., Wu, Z. J., Nieminen, T., and Boy, M.: Evaluation on the role of sulfuric acid in the mechanisms of new particle formation for Beijing case, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 12663–12671, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-12663-2011, 2011.
Wang, Z. B., Hu, M., Yue, D. L., He, L. Y., Huang, X. F., Yang, Q., Zheng, J., Zhang, R. Y., and Zhang, Y. H.: New particle formation in the presence of a strong biomass burning episode at a downwind rural site in PRD, China, Tellus B, 65, https://doi.org/10.3402/tellusb.v65i0.19965, 2013a.
Wang, Z. B., Hu, M., Wu, Z. J., Yue, D. L., He, L. Y., Huang, X. F., Liu, X. G., and Wiedensohler, A.: Long-term measurements of particle number size distributions and the relationships with air mass history and source apportionment in the summer of Beijing, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 10159—10170, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-10159-2013, 2013b.
Wang, Z. B., Hu, M., Sun, J. Y., Wu, Z. J., Yue, D. L., Shen, X. J., Zhang, Y. M., Pei, X. Y., Cheng, Y. F., and Wiedensohler, A.: Characteristics of regional new particle formation in urban and regional background environments in the North China Plain, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 12495–12506, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-12495-2013, 2013c.
Wang, Z., Wu, Z., Yue, D., Shang, D., Guo, S., Sun, J., Ding, A., Wang, L., Jiang, J., Guo, H., Gao, J., Cheung, H. C., Morawska, L., Keywood, M., and Hu, M.: New particle formation in China: Current knowledge and further directions, Sci. Total Environ., 577, 258–266, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.177, 2017.
Weber, R. J., Marti, J. J., McMurry, P. H., Eisele, F. L., Tanner, D. J., and Jefferson, A.: Measurements of new particle formation and ultrafine particle growth rates at a clean continental site, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 102, 4375–4385, https://doi.org/10.1029/96jd03656, 1997.
Wu, Z., Hu, M., Liu, S., Wehner, B., Bauer, S., Maßling, A., Wiedensohler, A., Petäjä, T., Dal Maso, M., and Kulmala, M.: New particle formation in Beijing, China, Statistical analysis of a 1-year data set, J. Geophys. Res., 112, D09209, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006jd007406, 2007. v
Xiao, S., Wang, M. Y., Yao, L., Kulmala, M., Zhou, B., Yang, X., Chen, J. M., Wang, D. F., Fu, Q. Y., Worsnop, D. R., and Wang, L.: Strong atmospheric new particle formation in winter in urban Shanghai, China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 1769–1781, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-1769-2015, 2015.
Yue, D. L., Hu, M., Zhang, R. Y., Wang, Z. B., Zheng, J., Wu, Z. J., Wiedensohler, A., He, L. Y., Huang, X. F., and Zhu, T.: The roles of sulfuric acid in new particle formation and growth in the mega-city of Beijing, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 4953–4960, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-10-4953-2010, 2010.
Zhang, R., Khalizov, A., Wang, L., Hu, M., and Xu, W.: Nucleation and Growth of Nanoparticles in the Atmosphere, Chem. Rev., 112, 1957–2011, https://doi.org/10.1021/cr2001756, 2012.
Zheng, J., Khalizov, A., Wang, L., and Zhang, R.: Atmospheric pressure-ion drift chemical ionization mass spectrometry for detection of trace gas species, Anal. Chem., 82, 7302–7308, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2014.05.024, 2010.
Zheng, J., Hu, M., Zhang, R., Yue, D., Wang, Z., Guo, S., Li, X., Bohn, B., Shao, M., He, L., Huang, X., Wiedensohler, A., and Zhu, T.: Measurements of gaseous H2SO4 by AP-ID-CIMS during CAREBeijing 2008 Campaign, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 7755–7765, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-7755-2011, 2011.
Zheng, J., Ma, Y., Chen, M., Zhang, Q., Wang, L., Khalizov, A. F., Yao, L., Wang, Z., Wang, X., and Chen, L.: Measurement of atmospheric amines and ammonia using the high resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometry, Atmos. Environ., 102, 249–259, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2014.12.002, 2015a.
Zheng, J., Yang, D., Ma, Y., Chen, M., Cheng, J., Li, S., and Wang, M.: Development of a new corona discharge based ion source for high resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer to measure gaseous H2SO4 and aerosol sulfate, Atmos. Environ., 119, 167–173, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2015.08.028, 2015b.
Short summary
The governing factors for new particle formation (NPF) events in Beijing were analyzed. The roles of gaseous precursors and aerosol surface area were illustrated. It appears that the abundance of gaseous precursors in Beijing is high enough to have nucleation; however, it is aerosol surface area that determines the occurrence of NPF events in Beijing. Aerosol loading thresholds (in the form of aerosol surface area and PM2.5 concentration) for predicting NPF days in Beijing were suggested.
The governing factors for new particle formation (NPF) events in Beijing were analyzed. The...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint