Articles | Volume 19, issue 19
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-12221-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Special issue:
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-12221-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
02 Oct 2019
Research article |
| 02 Oct 2019
| 02 Oct 2019
Isotopic constraints on the atmospheric sources and formation of nitrogenous species in clouds influenced by biomass burning
Yunhua Chang
KLME & CIC-FEMD, Yale-NUIST Center on Atmospheric Environment, Nanjing University of
Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and
Prevention (LAP), Department of Environmental Science &
Engineering, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai
200433, China
KLME & CIC-FEMD, Yale-NUIST Center on Atmospheric Environment, Nanjing University of
Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
Jiarong Li
Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and
Prevention (LAP), Department of Environmental Science &
Engineering, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai
200433, China
Chongguo Tian
Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological
Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
Linlin Song
CAS Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Management, Institute of
Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
Xiaoyao Zhai
KLME & CIC-FEMD, Yale-NUIST Center on Atmospheric Environment, Nanjing University of
Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
Wenqi Zhang
KLME & CIC-FEMD, Yale-NUIST Center on Atmospheric Environment, Nanjing University of
Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
Tong Huang
KLME & CIC-FEMD, Yale-NUIST Center on Atmospheric Environment, Nanjing University of
Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
Yu-Chi Lin
KLME & CIC-FEMD, Yale-NUIST Center on Atmospheric Environment, Nanjing University of
Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
Chao Zhu
Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and
Prevention (LAP), Department of Environmental Science &
Engineering, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai
200433, China
Yunting Fang
CAS Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Management, Institute of
Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
Moritz F. Lehmann
Aquatic and Isotope Biogeochemistry, Department of Environmental
Sciences, University of Basel, Basel 4056, Switzerland
Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and
Prevention (LAP), Department of Environmental Science &
Engineering, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai
200433, China
Related authors
Haifeng Yu, Yunhua Chang, Lin Cheng, Yusen Duan, and Jianlin Hu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 5355–5369, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5355-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5355-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents long-term measurements and comprehensive analysis of carbonaceous aerosols in fine particles in Shanghai. We further estimated primary and secondary carbon levels, examining their temporal variations on interannual, monthly, seasonal, and diurnal scales. Through rigorous statistical analysis and correlation studies with meteorological parameters and pollutant concentrations, the origins, formation mechanisms, and spatial distribution patterns of secondary organic carbon were elucidated.
Yiqun Lu, Yingge Ma, Dan Dan Huang, Shengrong Lou, Sheng'ao Jing, Yaqin Gao, Hongli Wang, Yanjun Zhang, Hui Chen, Yunhua Chang, Naiqiang Yan, Jianmin Chen, Christian George, Matthieu Riva, and Cheng Huang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 3233–3245, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3233-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3233-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
N-containing oxygenated organic molecules have been identified as important precursors of aerosol particles. We used an ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometer coupled with an online sample inlet to accurately measure their molecular composition, concentration level and variation patterns. We show their formation process and influencing factors in a Chinese megacity involving various volatile organic compound precursors and atmospheric oxidants, and we highlight the influence of PM2.5 episodes.
Yunhua Chang, Yan-Lin Zhang, Sawaeng Kawichai, Qian Wang, Martin Van Damme, Lieven Clarisse, Tippawan Prapamontol, and Moritz F. Lehmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 7187–7198, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7187-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7187-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we integrated satellite constraints on atmospheric NH3 levels and fire intensity, discrete NH3 concentration measurement, and N isotopic analysis of NH3 in order to assess the regional-scale contribution of biomass burning to ambient atmospheric NH3 in the heartland of Southeast Asia. The combined approach provides a valuable cross-validation framework for source apportioning of NH3 in the lower atmosphere and will thus help to ameliorate predictions of biomass burning emissions.
Yu-Chi Lin, Shih-Chieh Hsu, Chuan-Yao Lin, Shuen-Hsin Lin, Yi-Tang Huang, Yunhua Chang, and Yan-Lin Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 13865–13879, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-13865-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-13865-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
The Asian continent is a well-known big source of airborne As in the North Pacific region. Previously, high As concentrations over the free troposphere in the region have been observed and considered contributions of industrial emissions, especially of coal-combustion. In our study, we proposed a new concept for a potential source of high As over the subtropical free troposphere, that is, BB activities over southern Asia might be an important source of airborne arsenic in the springtime.
Haifeng Yu, Yunhua Chang, Lin Cheng, Yusen Duan, and Jianlin Hu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 5355–5369, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5355-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5355-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents long-term measurements and comprehensive analysis of carbonaceous aerosols in fine particles in Shanghai. We further estimated primary and secondary carbon levels, examining their temporal variations on interannual, monthly, seasonal, and diurnal scales. Through rigorous statistical analysis and correlation studies with meteorological parameters and pollutant concentrations, the origins, formation mechanisms, and spatial distribution patterns of secondary organic carbon were elucidated.
Rongshuang Xu, Yu-Chi Lin, Siyu Bian, Feng Xie, and Yan-Lin Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-683, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-683, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This work reported the hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) level in a continental city and, for the first time, in marine atmosphere. The enhancement by aerosol ionic strength (IS) on HMS formation was quantified which first rise with increasing IS, peaking at 4 mol kg–1 before declining. Given the IS range of marine (2–6) and urban aerosol (6–20 mol kg–1) and the clearly negative correlation between humidity and IS, the moderate IS level under humid condition may notably boost ambient HMS formation.
Carolina F.M. de Carvalho, Moritz F. Lehmann, and Sarah G. Pati
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1193, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1193, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Biogeosciences (BG).
Short summary
Short summary
Using O2 stable isotope analysis, we determined the isotopic fractionation of biological O2 consumption by 10 flavin-dependent and 6 metalloenzymes. Metalloenzymes displayed a narrower range and lower values of isotopic fractionation than flavin-dependent enzymes. This work expands our understanding of the variability of oxygen isotopic fractionation at the enzyme level, improving the ability to study O2 dynamics from molecular to ecosystem scales.
Xueqin Zheng, Junwen Liu, Nima Chuduo, Bian Ba, Pengfei Yu, Phu Drolgar, Fang Cao, and Yanlin Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-164, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-164, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we present the first report on the annual variation of stable oxygen isotope anomalies (∆17O = δ17O - 0.52 × δ18O) in NO3- collected from the urban area of Lhasa , on the Tibetan Plateau, China. Using a Bayesian isotope mixture model, we found that the relative contribution of the NO3+VOC pathway to NO3- formation in spring in Lhasa was several times higher than in urban cities, highlighting the significant influence of VOC transported from outside the Tibetan Plateau.
Qianqian Gao, Guochao Chen, Xiaohui Lu, Jianmin Chen, Hongliang Zhang, and Xiaofei Wang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-596, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-596, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Numerous lakes are shrinking due to climate change and human activities, releasing pollutants from dried lakebeds as dust aerosols. The health risks remain unclear. Recently, Poyang and Dongting Lakes faced record droughts, exposing 99 % and 88 % of their areas. We show lakebed dust can raise PM10 to 637.5 μg/m³ and exceed non-carcinogenic (HQ=4.13) and Cr carcinogenic (~2.10×10⁻⁶) risk thresholds, posing growing health threats.
Guangyi Su, Julie Tolu, Clemens Glombitza, Jakob Zopfi, Moritz F. Lehmann, Mark A. Lever, and Carsten J. Schubert
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-437, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-437, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In Lake Geneva, we studied how different types of organic matter affect methane production. Despite varying sources—like algae and land-based materials, both deep and delta areas are significant methane sources and methane was mainly produced through CO2 reduction. Surprisingly, the origin of organic matter didn’t strongly influence methane production rates or pathways. Our findings highlight the need to better understand microbial processes to predict methane emissions from lakes.
Mingjie Kang, Mengying Bao, Wenhuai Song, Aduburexiati Abulimiti, Changliu Wu, Fang Cao, Sönke Szidat, and Yanlin Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 73–91, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-73-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-73-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Reports on molecular-level knowledge of high-temporal-resolution particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) on hazy days are limited. We investigated various PM2.5 species and their 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-fossil sources increased with increasing haze pollution, suggesting BB may be an important driver of haze events in winter.
Zihan Song, Leiming Zhang, Chongguo Tian, Qiang Fu, Zhenxing Shen, Renjian Zhang, Dong Liu, and Song Cui
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 13101–13113, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13101-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13101-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
A novel concept integrating crop cycle information into fire spot extraction was proposed. Spatiotemporal variations of open straw burning in Northeast China are revealed. Open straw burning in Northeast China emitted a total of 218 Tg of CO2-eq during 2001–2020. The policy of banning straw burning effectively reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Abudurexiati Abulimiti, Yanlin Zhang, Mingyuan Yu, Yihang Hong, Yu-Chi Lin, Chaman Gul, and Fang Cao
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2503, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2503, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
To improve air quality, the Chinese government implemented strict clean air actions. We explored how black carbon (BC) responded to these actions and found that the reduction in liquid fuel use was the main factor driving the decrease in BC levels. Additionally, meteorological factors also played a significant role in the long-term trends of BC. These factors should be considered in future emission reduction policies to further enhance air quality improvements.
Qun He, Zhaowen Wang, Houfeng Liu, Pengju Xu, Rongbao Duan, Caihong Xu, Jianmin Chen, and Min Wei
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 12775–12792, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12775-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12775-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Coastal environments provide an ideal setting for investigating the intermixing of terrestrial and marine aerosols. Terrestrial air mass constituted a larger number of microbes from anthropogenic and soil emissions, whereas saprophytic and gut microbes were predominant in marine samples. Mixed air masses indicated a fusion of marine and terrestrial aerosols, characterized by alterations in the ratio of pathogenic and saprophytic microbes when compared to either terrestrial or marine samples.
Xiaoyi Zhang, Wanyun Xu, Weili Lin, Gen Zhang, Jinjian Geng, Li Zhou, Huarong Zhao, Sanxue Ren, Guangsheng Zhou, Jianmin Chen, and Xiaobin Xu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 12323–12340, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12323-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12323-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Ozone (O3) deposition is a key process that removes surface O3, affecting air quality, ecosystems and climate change. We conducted O3 deposition measurement over a wheat canopy using a newly relaxed eddy accumulation flux system. Large variabilities in O3 deposition were detected, mainly determined by crop growth and modulated by various environmental factors. More O3 deposition observations over different surfaces are needed for exploring deposition mechanisms and model optimization.
Fan Zhang, Binyu Xiao, Zeyu Liu, Yan Zhang, Chongguo Tian, Rui Li, Can Wu, Yali Lei, Si Zhang, Xinyi Wan, Yubao Chen, Yong Han, Min Cui, Cheng Huang, Hongli Wang, Yingjun Chen, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8999–9017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8999-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8999-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel due to global sulfur limit regulations means large uncertainties in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. On-board tests of VOCs from nine cargo ships in China were carried out. Results showed that switching from heavy-fuel oil to diesel increased emission factor VOCs by 48 % on average, enhancing O3 and the secondary organic aerosol formation potential. Thus, implementing a global ultra-low-sulfur oil policy needs to be optimized in the near future.
Tong Sha, Siyu Yang, Qingcai Chen, Liangqing Li, Xiaoyan Ma, Yan-Lin Zhang, Zhaozhong Feng, K. Folkert Boersma, and Jun Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8441–8455, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8441-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8441-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Using an updated soil reactive nitrogen emission scheme in the Unified Inputs for Weather Research and Forecasting coupled with Chemistry (UI-WRF-Chem) model, we investigate the role of soil NO and HONO (Nr) emissions in air quality and temperature in North China. Contributions of soil Nr emissions to O3 and secondary pollutants are revealed, exceeding effects of soil NOx or HONO emission. Soil Nr emissions play an important role in mitigating O3 pollution and addressing climate change.
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.
Wenwen Ma, Rong Sun, Xiaoping Wang, Zheng Zong, Shizhen Zhao, Zeyu Sun, Chongguo Tian, Jianhui Tang, Song Cui, Jun Li, and Gan Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1509–1523, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1509-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1509-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This is the first report of long-term atmospheric PAH monitoring around the Bohai Sea. The results showed that the concentrations of PAHs in the atmosphere around the Bohai Sea decreased from June 2014 to May 2019, especially the concentrations of highly toxic PAHs. This indicates that the contributions from PAH sources changed to a certain extent in different areas, and it also led to reductions in the related health risk and medical costs following pollution prevention and control.
Qianqian Gao, Shengqiang Zhu, Kaili Zhou, Jinghao Zhai, Shaodong Chen, Qihuang Wang, Shurong Wang, Jin Han, Xiaohui Lu, Hong Chen, Liwu Zhang, Lin Wang, Zimeng Wang, Xin Yang, Qi Ying, Hongliang Zhang, Jianmin Chen, and Xiaofei Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 13049–13060, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13049-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13049-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Dust is a major source of atmospheric aerosols. Its chemical composition is often assumed to be similar to the parent soil. However, this assumption has not been rigorously verified. Dust aerosols are mainly generated by wind erosion, which may have some chemical selectivity. Mn, Cd and Pb were found to be highly enriched in fine-dust (PM2.5) aerosols. In addition, estimation of heavy metal emissions from dust generation by air quality models may have errors without using proper dust profiles.
Zeyu Sun, Zheng Zong, Yang Tan, Chongguo Tian, Zeyu Liu, Fan Zhang, Rong Sun, Yingjun Chen, Jun Li, and Gan Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 12851–12865, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-12851-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-12851-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This is the first report of ship-emitted nitrogen stable isotope composition (δ15N) of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The results showed that δ15N–NOx from ships was −18.5 ± 10.9 ‰ and increased monotonically with tightening emission regulations. The selective catalytic reduction system was the most vital factor. The temporal variation in δ15N–NOx was evaluated and can be used to select suitable δ15N–NOx for a more accurate assessment of the contribution of ship-emitted exhaust to atmospheric NOx.
Mengying Bao, Yan-Lin Zhang, Fang Cao, Yihang Hong, Yu-Chi Lin, Mingyuan Yu, Hongxing Jiang, Zhineng Cheng, Rongshuang Xu, and Xiaoying Yang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 8305–8324, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-8305-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-8305-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The interaction between the sources and molecular compositions of humic-like substances (HULIS) at Nanjing, China, was explored. Significant fossil fuel source contributions to HULIS were found in the 14C results from biomass burnng and traffic emissions. Increasing biogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA) products and anthropogenic aromatic compounds were detected in summer and winter, respectively.
Jianyan Lu, Sunling Gong, Jian Zhang, Jianmin Chen, Lei Zhang, and Chunhong Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 8021–8037, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-8021-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-8021-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
WRF/CUACE was used to assess the cloud chemistry contribution in China. Firstly, the CUACE cloud chemistry scheme was found to reproduce well the cloud processing and consumption of H2O2, O3, and SO2, as well as the increase of sulfate. Secondly, during cloud availability in December under a heavy pollution episode, sulfate production increased 60–95 % and SO2 was reduced by over 80 %. This study provides a way to analyze the phenomenon of overestimation of SO2 in many chemical transport models.
Xiangyun Zhang, Jun Li, Sanyuan Zhu, Junwen Liu, Ping Ding, Shutao Gao, Chongguo Tian, Yingjun Chen, Ping'an Peng, and Gan Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 7495–7502, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-7495-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-7495-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The results show that 14C elemental carbon (EC) was not only related to the isolation method but also to the types and proportions of the biomass sources in the sample. The hydropyrolysis (Hypy) method, which can be used to isolate a highly stable portion of ECHypy and avoid charring, is a more effective and stable approach for the matrix-independent 14C quantification of EC in aerosols, and the 13C–ECHypy and non-fossil ECHypy values of SRM1649b were –24.9 ‰ and 11 %, respectively.
Tingting Li, Jun Li, Zeyu Sun, Hongxing Jiang, Chongguo Tian, and Gan Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 6395–6407, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6395-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6395-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
N-NH4+ and N-NO3- were vital components in nitrogenous aerosols and contributed 69 % to total nitrogen in PM2.5. Coal combustion was still the most important source of urban atmospheric NO3-. However, the non-agriculture sources play an increasingly important role in NH4+ emissions.
Jinlong Ma, Shengqiang Zhu, Siyu Wang, Peng Wang, Jianmin Chen, and Hongliang Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 4311–4325, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4311-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4311-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
An updated version of the CMAQ model with biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions from MEGAN was applied to study the impacts of different land cover inputs on O3 and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in China. The estimated BVOC emissions ranged from 25.42 to 37.39 Tg using different leaf area index (LAI) and land cover (LC) inputs. Those differences further induced differences of 4.8–6.9 ppb in O3 concentrations and differences of 5.3–8.4 µg m−3 in SOA concentrations in China.
Jiao Tang, Jun Li, Shizhen Zhao, Guangcai Zhong, Yangzhi Mo, Hongxing Jiang, Bin Jiang, Yingjun Chen, Jianhui Tang, Chongguo Tian, Zheng Zong, Jabir Hussain Syed, Jianzhong Song, and Gan Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-403, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-403, 2023
Preprint archived
Short summary
Short summary
This study provides a comprehensive molecular identification of atmospheric common fluorescent components and deciphers their related formation pathways. The fluorescent components varied in molecular composition, and a dominant oxidation pathway for the formation of humic-like fluorescent components was suggested, notwithstanding their different precursor types. Our findings are expected to be helpful to further studies using the EEM-PARAFAC as a tool to study atmospheric BrC.
Yiqun Lu, Yingge Ma, Dan Dan Huang, Shengrong Lou, Sheng'ao Jing, Yaqin Gao, Hongli Wang, Yanjun Zhang, Hui Chen, Yunhua Chang, Naiqiang Yan, Jianmin Chen, Christian George, Matthieu Riva, and Cheng Huang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 3233–3245, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3233-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3233-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
N-containing oxygenated organic molecules have been identified as important precursors of aerosol particles. We used an ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometer coupled with an online sample inlet to accurately measure their molecular composition, concentration level and variation patterns. We show their formation process and influencing factors in a Chinese megacity involving various volatile organic compound precursors and atmospheric oxidants, and we highlight the influence of PM2.5 episodes.
Yu Han, Tao Wang, Rui Li, Hongbo Fu, Yusen Duan, Song Gao, Liwu Zhang, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 2877–2900, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-2877-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-2877-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Limited knowledge is available on volatile organic compound (VOC) multi-site research of different land-use types at city level. This study performed a concurrent multi-site observation campaign on the three typical land-use types of Shanghai, East China. The results showed that concentrations, sources and ozone and secondary organic aerosol formation potentials of VOCs varied with the land-use types.
Jian-yan Lu, Sunling Gong, Chun-hong Zhou, Jian Zhang, Jian-min Chen, and Lei Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2022-716, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2022-716, 2022
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
A regional online chemical weather model WRF/ CUACE was used to assess the contributions of cloud chemistry to the SO2 and sulfate levels in typical regions in China. The cloud chemistry scheme in CUACE was evaluated, and well reproduces the cloud chemistry processes. During cloud availability in a heavy pollution episode, the sulfate production increases 40–80 % and SO2 reduces over 80 %. This study provides a way to analyze the over-estimate phenomenon of SO2 in many chemical transport models.
Tao Wang, Yangyang Liu, Hanyun Cheng, Zhenzhen Wang, Hongbo Fu, Jianmin Chen, and Liwu Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 13467–13493, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-13467-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-13467-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This study compared the gas-phase, aqueous-phase, and heterogeneous SO2 oxidation pathways by combining laboratory work with a modelling study. The heterogeneous oxidation, particularly that induced by the dust surface drivers, presents positive implications for the removal of airborne SO2 and formation of sulfate aerosols. This work highlighted the atmospheric significance of heterogeneous oxidation and suggested a comparison model to evaluate the following heterogeneous laboratory research.
Hao-Ran Yu, Yan-Lin Zhang, Fang Cao, Xiao-Ying Yang, Tian Xie, Yu-Xian Zhang, and Yongwen Xue
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2022-239, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2022-239, 2022
Preprint withdrawn
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a high time resolution method for determining the δ13C values of WSOCp and WSOCg by combination of wet oxidation pretreatment and IRMS. With improvement of oxidation method and determination method, δ13C value of liquid sample with a carbon content between 0.5 to 5 μg can be determined with an accuracy of 0.6 ‰. Using this method, the δ13C value of WSOCp and WSOCg in winter of 2021 at an urban site of Nanjing were determined, which were -25.9 ± 0.7 ‰ and -29.9 ± 0.9 ‰ respectively.
Hongxing Jiang, Jun Li, Jiao Tang, Min Cui, Shizhen Zhao, Yangzhi Mo, Chongguo Tian, Xiangyun Zhang, Bin Jiang, Yuhong Liao, Yingjun Chen, and Gan Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 6919–6935, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-6919-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-6919-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We conducted field observation employing Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry to characterize the molecular composition and major formation pathways or sources of organosulfur compounds in Guangzhou, where is heavily influenced by biogenic–anthropogenic interactions and has high relative humidity and temperature. We suggested that heterogeneous reactions such as SO2 uptake and heterogeneous oxidations are important to the molecular variations of organosulfur compounds.
Jiyan Wu, Chi Yang, Chunyan Zhang, Fang Cao, Aiping Wu, and Yanlin Zhang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 2623–2633, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2623-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2623-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We introduced an online method to simultaneously determine the content of inorganic salt ions and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in PM2.5 hour by hour. We verified the accuracy and precision of the instrument. And we got the daily changes in ROS and the main sources that affect ROS. This breakthrough enables the quantitative assessment of atmospheric particulate matter ROS at the diurnal scale, providing an effective tool to study sources and environmental impacts of ROS.
Chaoyang Xue, Can Ye, Jörg Kleffmann, Chenglong Zhang, Valéry Catoire, Fengxia Bao, Abdelwahid Mellouki, Likun Xue, Jianmin Chen, Keding Lu, Yong Zhao, Hengde Liu, Zhaoxin Guo, and Yujing Mu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 3149–3167, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-3149-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-3149-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Summertime measurements of nitrous acid (HONO) and related parameters were conducted at the foot and the summit of Mt. Tai (1534 m above sea level). We proposed a rapid vertical air mass exchange between the foot and the summit level, which enhances the role of HONO in the oxidizing capacity of the upper boundary layer. Kinetics for aerosol-derived HONO sources were constrained. HONO formation from different paths was quantified and discussed.
Md. Mozammel Haque, Yanlin Zhang, Srinivas Bikkina, Meehye Lee, and Kimitaka Kawamura
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 1373–1393, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1373-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1373-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We attempt to understand the current state of East Asian organic aerosols with both the molecular marker approach and 14° C data of carbonaceous components. A significant positive correlation of nonfossil- and fossil-derived organic carbon with levoglucosan suggests the importance of biomass burning (BB) and coal combustion sources in the East Asian outflow. Thus, attribution of ambient levoglucosan levels over the western North Pacific to the impact of BB emission may cause large uncertainty.
Ahsan Mozaffar, Yan-Lin Zhang, Yu-Chi Lin, Feng Xie, Mei-Yi Fan, and Fang Cao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 18087–18099, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-18087-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-18087-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We performed a long-term investigation of ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in an industrial area in Nanjing, China. Followed by alkanes, halocarbons and aromatics were the most abundant VOC groups. Vehicle-related emissions were the major VOC sources in the study area. Aromatic and alkene VOCs were responsible for most of the atmospheric reactions.
Wei Sun, Yuzhen Fu, Guohua Zhang, Yuxiang Yang, Feng Jiang, Xiufeng Lian, Bin Jiang, Yuhong Liao, Xinhui Bi, Duohong Chen, Jianmin Chen, Xinming Wang, Jie Ou, Ping'an Peng, and Guoying Sheng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 16631–16644, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-16631-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-16631-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We sampled cloud water at a remote mountain site and investigated the molecular characteristics. CHON and CHO are dominant in cloud water. No statistical difference in the oxidation state is observed between cloud water and interstitial PM2.5. Most of the formulas are aliphatic and olefinic species. CHON, with aromatic structures and organosulfates, are abundant, especially in nighttime samples. The in-cloud and multi-phase dark reactions likely contribute significantly.
Men Xia, Xiang Peng, Weihao Wang, Chuan Yu, Zhe Wang, Yee Jun Tham, Jianmin Chen, Hui Chen, Yujing Mu, Chenglong Zhang, Pengfei Liu, Likun Xue, Xinfeng Wang, Jian Gao, Hong Li, and Tao Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 15985–16000, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-15985-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-15985-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
ClNO2 is an important precursor of chlorine radical that affects photochemistry. However, its production and impact are not well understood. Our study presents field observations of ClNO2 at three sites in northern China. These observations provide new insights into nighttime processes that produce ClNO2 and the significant impact of ClNO2 on secondary pollutions during daytime. The results improve the understanding of photochemical pollution in the lower part of the atmosphere.
Letizia Abis, Carmen Kalalian, Bastien Lunardelli, Tao Wang, Liwu Zhang, Jianmin Chen, Sébastien Perrier, Benjamin Loubet, Raluca Ciuraru, and Christian George
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 12613–12629, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-12613-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-12613-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions from rapeseed leaf litter have been investigated by means of a controlled atmospheric simulation chamber. The diversity of emitted VOCs increased also in the presence of UV light irradiation. SOA formation was observed when leaf litter was exposed to both UV light and ozone, indicating a potential contribution to particle formation or growth at local scales.
Zhenzhen Wang, Di Wu, Zhuoyu Li, Xiaona Shang, Qing Li, Xiang Li, Renjie Chen, Haidong Kan, Huiling Ouyang, Xu Tang, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 12227–12241, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-12227-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-12227-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This study firstly investigates the composition of sugars in the fine fraction of aerosol over three sites in southwest China. The result suggested no significant reduction in biomass burning emissions in southwest Yunnan Province to some extent. The result shown sheds light on the contributions of biomass burning and the characteristics of biogenic saccharides in these regions, which could be further applied to regional source apportionment models and global climate models.
Owen A. Sherwood, Samuel H. Davin, Nadine Lehmann, Carolyn Buchwald, Evan N. Edinger, Moritz F. Lehmann, and Markus Kienast
Biogeosciences, 18, 4491–4510, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4491-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4491-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Pacific water flowing eastward through the Canadian Arctic plays an important role in redistributing nutrients to the northwest Atlantic Ocean. Using samples collected from northern Baffin Bay to the southern Labrador Shelf, we show that stable isotopic ratios in seawater nitrate reflect the fraction of Pacific to Atlantic water. These results provide a new framework for interpreting patterns of nitrogen isotopic variability recorded in modern and archival organic materials in the region.
Jiao Tang, Jiaqi Wang, Guangcai Zhong, Hongxing Jiang, Yangzhi Mo, Bolong Zhang, Xiaofei Geng, Yingjun Chen, Jianhui Tang, Congguo Tian, Surat Bualert, Jun Li, and Gan Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 11337–11352, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-11337-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-11337-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This article provides a combined EEM–PARAFAC and statistical analysis method to explore how excitation–emission matrix (EEM) chromophores influence BrC light absorption in soluble organic matter. The application enables us to deduce that BrC absorption is mainly dependent on longer-emission-wavelength chromophores largely associated with biomass burning emissions. This method promotes the application of EEM spectroscopy and helps us understand the light absorption of BrC in the atmosphere.
Rui Li, Yilong Zhao, Hongbo Fu, Jianmin Chen, Meng Peng, and Chunying Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 8677–8692, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-8677-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-8677-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Based on a random forest model, the strict lockdown measures significantly decreased primary components such as Cr (−67 %) and Fe (−61 %) in PM2.5 (p < 0.01), whereas the higher relative humidity (RH) and NH3 level and the lower air temperature (T) remarkably enhanced the production of secondary aerosol including SO42− (29 %), NO3− (29 %), and NH4+ (21 %) (p < 0.05). The natural experiment suggested that the NH3 emission should be strictly controlled.
Mengying Bao, Yan-Lin Zhang, Fang Cao, Yu-Chi Lin, Yuhang Wang, Xiaoyan Liu, Wenqi Zhang, Meiyi Fan, Feng Xie, Robert Cary, Joshua Dixon, and Lihua Zhou
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 4053–4068, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-4053-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-4053-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We introduce a two-wavelength method for brown C measurements with a modified Sunset carbon analyzer. We defined the enhanced concentrations and gave the possibility of providing an indicator of brown C. Compared with the strong local sources of organic and elemental C, we found that differences in EC mainly originated from regional transport. Biomass burning emissions significantly contributed to high differences in EC concentrations during the heavy biomass burning periods.
Sigrid van Grinsven, Kirsten Oswald, Bernhard Wehrli, Corinne Jegge, Jakob Zopfi, Moritz F. Lehmann, and Carsten J. Schubert
Biogeosciences, 18, 3087–3101, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-3087-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-3087-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Lake Lovojärvi is a nutrient-rich lake with high amounts of methane at the bottom, but little near the top. Methane comes from the sediment and rises up through the water but is consumed by microorganisms along the way. They use oxygen if available, but in deeper water layers, no oxygen was present. There, nitrite, iron and humic substances were used, besides a collaboration between photosynthetic organisms and methane consumers, in which the first produced oxygen for the latter.
Jinlong Ma, Juanyong Shen, Peng Wang, Shengqiang Zhu, Yu Wang, Pengfei Wang, Gehui Wang, Jianmin Chen, and Hongliang Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 7343–7355, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7343-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7343-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Due to the reduced anthropogenic emissions during the COVID-19 lockdown, mainly from the transportation and industrial sectors, PM2.5 decreased significantly in the whole Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and its major cities. However, the contributions and relative importance of different source sectors and regions changed differently, indicating that control strategies should be adjusted accordingly for further pollution control.
Yunhua Chang, Yan-Lin Zhang, Sawaeng Kawichai, Qian Wang, Martin Van Damme, Lieven Clarisse, Tippawan Prapamontol, and Moritz F. Lehmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 7187–7198, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7187-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7187-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we integrated satellite constraints on atmospheric NH3 levels and fire intensity, discrete NH3 concentration measurement, and N isotopic analysis of NH3 in order to assess the regional-scale contribution of biomass burning to ambient atmospheric NH3 in the heartland of Southeast Asia. The combined approach provides a valuable cross-validation framework for source apportioning of NH3 in the lower atmosphere and will thus help to ameliorate predictions of biomass burning emissions.
Jianzhong Sun, Yuzhe Zhang, Guorui Zhi, Regina Hitzenberger, Wenjing Jin, Yingjun Chen, Lei Wang, Chongguo Tian, Zhengying Li, Rong Chen, Wen Xiao, Yuan Cheng, Wei Yang, Liying Yao, Yang Cao, Duo Huang, Yueyuan Qiu, Jiali Xu, Xiaofei Xia, Xin Yang, Xi Zhang, Zheng Zong, Yuchun Song, and Changdong Wu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 2329–2341, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-2329-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-2329-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Brown carbon (BrC) emission factors from household biomass fuels were measured with an integrating sphere optics approach supported by iterative calculations. A novel algorithm to directly estimate the absorption contribution of BrC relative to that of BrC + black carbon (FBrC) was proposed based purely on the absorption exponent (AAE)
(FBrC = 0.5519 lnAAE + 0.0067). The FBrC for household biomass fuels was as high as 50.8 % across the strongest solar spectral range of 350−850 nm.
Xiaona Shang, Ling Li, Xinlian Zhang, Huihui Kang, Guodong Sui, Gehui Wang, Xingnan Ye, Hang Xiao, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 1037–1045, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-1037-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-1037-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Oxidative stress can be used to evaluate not only adverse health effects but also adverse ecological effects. However, little research uses eco-toxicological assay to assess the risks posed by particle matter to non-human biomes. One important reason might be that the concentration of toxic components of atmospheric particles is far below the high detection limit of eco-toxic measurement. To solve the rapid detection problem, we extended a VACES for ecotoxicity aerosol measurement.
Yujiao Zhu, Likun Xue, Jian Gao, Jianmin Chen, Hongyong Li, Yong Zhao, Zhaoxin Guo, Tianshu Chen, Liang Wen, Penggang Zheng, Ye Shan, Xinfeng Wang, Tao Wang, Xiaohong Yao, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 1305–1323, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-1305-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-1305-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This work investigates the long-term changes in new particle formation (NPF) events under reduced SO2 emissions at the summit of Mt. Tai during seven campaigns from 2007 to 2018. We found the NPF intensity increased 2- to 3-fold in 2018 compared to 2007. In contrast, the probability of new particles growing to CCN size largely decreased. Changes to biogenic VOCs and anthropogenic emissions are proposed to explain the distinct NPF characteristics.
Qingcai Chen, Haoyao Sun, Wenhuai Song, Fang Cao, Chongguo Tian, and Yan-Lin Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 14407–14417, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-14407-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-14407-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
This study found environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are widely present in atmospheric particles of different particle sizes and exhibit significant particle size distribution characteristics. EPFR concentrations are higher in coarse particles than in fine particles in summer and vice versa in winter. The potential toxicity caused by EPFRs may also vary with particle size and season. Combustion is the most important source of EPFRs (>70 %).
Jiarong Li, Chao Zhu, Hui Chen, Defeng Zhao, Likun Xue, Xinfeng Wang, Hongyong Li, Pengfei Liu, Junfeng Liu, Chenglong Zhang, Yujing Mu, Wenjin Zhang, Luming Zhang, Hartmut Herrmann, Kai Li, Min Liu, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 13735–13751, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-13735-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-13735-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Based on a field study at Mt. Tai, China, the simultaneous variations of cloud microphysics, aerosol microphysics and their potential interactions during cloud life cycles were discussed. Results demonstrated that clouds on clean days were more susceptible to the concentrations of particle number, while clouds formed on polluted days might be more sensitive to meteorological parameters. Particles larger than 150 nm played important roles in forming cloud droplets with sizes of 5–10 μm.
Wendell W. Walters, Linlin Song, Jiajue Chai, Yunting Fang, Nadia Colombi, and Meredith G. Hastings
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 11551–11567, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-11551-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-11551-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
This article details new field observations of the nitrogen stable isotopic composition of ammonia emitted from vehicles conducted in the US and China. Vehicle emissions of ammonia may be a significant source to urban regions with important human health and environmental implications. Our measurements have indicated a consistent isotopic signature from vehicle ammonia emissions. The nitrogen isotopic composition of ammonia may be a useful tool for tracking vehicle emissions.
Tong Sha, Xiaoyan Ma, Jun Wang, Rong Tian, Jianqi Zhao, Fang Cao, and Yan-Lin Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-760, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-760, 2020
Preprint withdrawn
Short summary
Short summary
Most numerical models perform poorly on simulating the inorganic chemical components in PM2.5 (sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium (SNA)), generally underestimate sulfate but overestimate nitrate concentrations in haze events. Our work aims at investigating the role of cloud water in simulating SNA. We find that the uncertainties of cloud water can lead to model bias in simulating SNA, and can be reduced by constraining the modeled cloud water with MODIS satellite observations.
Anna-Neva Visser, Scott D. Wankel, Pascal A. Niklaus, James M. Byrne, Andreas A. Kappler, and Moritz F. Lehmann
Biogeosciences, 17, 4355–4374, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-4355-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-4355-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
This study focuses on the chemical reaction between Fe(II) and nitrite, which has been reported to produce high levels of the greenhouse gas N2O. We investigated the extent to which dead biomass and Fe(II) minerals might enhance this reaction. Here, nitrite reduction was highest when both additives were present but less pronounced if only Fe(II) minerals were added. Both reaction systems show distinct differences, rather low N2O levels, and indicated the abiotic production of N2.
Yuwei Wang, Archit Mehra, Jordan E. Krechmer, Gan Yang, Xiaoyu Hu, Yiqun Lu, Andrew Lambe, Manjula Canagaratna, Jianmin Chen, Douglas Worsnop, Hugh Coe, and Lin Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 9563–9579, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-9563-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-9563-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
A series of OH-initiated oxidation experiments of trimethylbenzene were investigated in the absence and presence of NOx. Many C9 products with 1–11 oxygen atoms and C18 products presumably formed from dimerization of C9 peroxy radicals were observed, hinting at the extensive existence of autoxidation and accretion reaction pathways. The presence of NOx would suppress the formation of highly oxygenated C18 molecules and enhance the formation of organonitrates and even dinitrate compounds.
Shengqiang Zhu, Lei Li, Shurong Wang, Mei Li, Yaxi Liu, Xiaohui Lu, Hong Chen, Lin Wang, Jianmin Chen, Zhen Zhou, Xin Yang, and Xiaofei Wang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 4111–4121, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4111-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4111-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SPAMS) is widely used to detect chemical compositions and sizes of individual aerosol particles. However, it has a major issue: the mass accuracy of high-resolution SPAMS is relatively low. Here we developed an automatic linear calibration method to greatly improve the mass accuracy of SPAMS spectra so that the elemental compositions of organic peaks, such as Cx, CxHy, CxHyOz and CxHyNO peaks, can be directly identified just based on their m / z values.
Jian Xu, Jia Chen, Na Zhao, Guochen Wang, Guangyuan Yu, Hao Li, Juntao Huo, Yanfen Lin, Qingyan Fu, Hongyu Guo, Congrui Deng, Shan-Hu Lee, Jianmin Chen, and Kan Huang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 7259–7269, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-7259-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-7259-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
This study provided evidence that gas-particle partitioning of ammonia, as opposed to ammonia concentration, plays a critical role in the haze formation. A reduction in ammonia emissions alone may not reduce air pollution effectively, at least at rural agricultural sites in China.
Manuela van Pinxteren, Khanneh Wadinga Fomba, Nadja Triesch, Christian Stolle, Oliver Wurl, Enno Bahlmann, Xianda Gong, Jens Voigtländer, Heike Wex, Tiera-Brandy Robinson, Stefan Barthel, Sebastian Zeppenfeld, Erik Hans Hoffmann, Marie Roveretto, Chunlin Li, Benoit Grosselin, Veronique Daële, Fabian Senf, Dominik van Pinxteren, Malena Manzi, Nicolás Zabalegui, Sanja Frka, Blaženka Gašparović, Ryan Pereira, Tao Li, Liang Wen, Jiarong Li, Chao Zhu, Hui Chen, Jianmin Chen, Björn Fiedler, Wolf von Tümpling, Katie Alana Read, Shalini Punjabi, Alastair Charles Lewis, James Roland Hopkins, Lucy Jane Carpenter, Ilka Peeken, Tim Rixen, Detlef Schulz-Bull, María Eugenia Monge, Abdelwahid Mellouki, Christian George, Frank Stratmann, and Hartmut Herrmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 6921–6951, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-6921-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-6921-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
An introduction to a comprehensive field campaign performed at the Cape Verde Atmospheric Observatory regarding ocean–atmosphere interactions is given. Chemical, physical, biological and meteorological techniques were applied, and measurements of bulk water, the sea surface microlayer, cloud water and ambient aerosol particles took place. Oceanic compounds were found to be transferred to atmospheric aerosol and to the cloud level; however, sea spray contributions to CCN and INPs were limited.
Xinning Wang, Xingnan Ye, Jianmin Chen, Xiaofei Wang, Xin Yang, Tzung-May Fu, Lei Zhu, and Chongxuan Liu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 6273–6290, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-6273-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-6273-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Hygroscopicity plays several key roles in determining aerosol optical properties and aging processes in the atmosphere. However, it is quite difficult to study aerosol hygroscopicity at the single-particle level. In this study, we built a comprehensive database linking hygroscopicities and mass spectra of individual particles. Based on the measured hygroscopicity–composition relations, we developed a statistical method to estimate ambient particle hygroscopicity just from their mass spectra.
Yuning Xie, Gehui Wang, Xinpei Wang, Jianmin Chen, Yubao Chen, Guiqian Tang, Lili Wang, Shuangshuang Ge, Guoyan Xue, Yuesi Wang, and Jian Gao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 5019–5033, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-5019-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-5019-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
As a result of strict emission control, nitrate-dominated PM2.5 in pollution episodes was observed in urban Beijing during the winter of 2017–2018. With the help of sufficient ammonia, particle pH could increase to near neutral (5.4) as particulate nitrate fraction increases. Further tests imply that airborne particle hygroscopicity would be enhanced at moderate RH in nitrate-dominated particles, and pH elevation will be accelerated when ammonia and particulate nitrate both increase.
Yu-Chi Lin, Yan-Lin Zhang, Mei-Yi Fan, and Mengying Bao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 3999–4011, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-3999-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-3999-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
(1) Nitrate was a dominant contributing species in water-soluble inorganic ions during the high PM2.5 events in Nanjing.
(2) Nitrate aerosols in Nanjing during the PM2.5 events were mainly produced by hydrolysis of N2O5 in preexisting aerosols under ammonium-rich regimes.
(3) Control in NOx emissions would inhibit production of nitrate aerosols since NH4NO3 formation was HNO3 limited in Nanjing.
Can Wu, Gehui Wang, Jin Li, Jianjun Li, Cong Cao, Shuangshuang Ge, Yuning Xie, Jianmin Chen, Xingru Li, Guoyan Xue, Xinpei Wang, Zhuyu Zhao, and Fang Cao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 2017–2030, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-2017-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-2017-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Brown carbon (BrC), as an important component of aerosol, has attracted wide attention in recent years, yet very limited information on size differences is available. This paper reveals that BrC presented a bimodal pattern and was mainly derived from biomass burning in an interior city of China. Our results are very helpful for readers to comprehensively understand the features of brown carbon in China.
Fan Zhang, Hai Guo, Yingjun Chen, Volker Matthias, Yan Zhang, Xin Yang, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 1549–1564, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-1549-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-1549-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Particulate matter (PM) emitted from ships has gained more attention in recent decades. Organic matter, elemental carbon, water-soluble ions and heavy metals in PM and particle numbers are the main points. However, studies of detailed chemical compositions in particles with different size ranges emitted from ships are in shortage. This study could bring new and detailed measurement data into the field of size-segregated particles from ships and be of great source emission interest.
Adeline N. Y. Cojean, Jakob Zopfi, Alan Gerster, Claudia Frey, Fabio Lepori, and Moritz F. Lehmann
Biogeosciences, 16, 4705–4718, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-4705-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-4705-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Our results demonstrate the importance of oxygen in regulating the fate of nitrogen (N) in the sediments of Lake Lugano south basin, Switzerland. Hence, our study suggests that, by changing oxygen concentration in bottom waters, the seasonal water column turnover may significantly regulate the partitioning between N removal and N recycling in surface sediments, and it is likely that a similar pattern can be expected in a wide range of environments.
Jun Zhu, Xiangao Xia, Huizheng Che, Jun Wang, Zhiyuan Cong, Tianliang Zhao, Shichang Kang, Xuelei Zhang, Xingna Yu, and Yanlin Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 14637–14656, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-14637-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-14637-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
The long-term temporal–spatial variations of the aerosol optical properties over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) based on the multiple ground-based sun photometer sites and the MODIS product are presented. Besides, the aerosol pollution and aerosol transport processes over the TP are also analyzed by the observations and models. The results in this region could help reduce the assessment uncertainties of aerosol radiative forcing and provide more information on aerosol transportation.
Zhenzhen Wang, Tao Wang, Hongbo Fu, Liwu Zhang, Mingjin Tang, Christian George, Vicki H. Grassian, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 12569–12585, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-12569-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-12569-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
This study confirmed that SO2 uptake on mineral particles could be greatly enhanced during cloud processing. The large pH fluctuations between the cloud-aerosol modes could significantly modify the microphysical properties of particles, and triggered the formation of reactive Fe particles to accelerate sulfate formation via a self-amplifying process. Results of this study could partly explain the missing source of sulfate and improve agreement between models and field observations.
Xiaoyan Liu, Yan-Lin Zhang, Yiran Peng, Lulu Xu, Chunmao Zhu, Fang Cao, Xiaoyao Zhai, M. Mozammel Haque, Chi Yang, Yunhua Chang, Tong Huang, Zufei Xu, Mengying Bao, Wenqi Zhang, Meiyi Fan, and Xuhui Lee
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 11213–11233, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11213-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11213-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Although a total ban on straw burning has been enforced in eastern China, the regionally transported biomass burning emissions remarkably impacted the chemical and optical properties of carbonaceous aerosols in Nanjing, which were quantified by a calculation based on measured data and a simulation based on a model. Results showed that regionally transported biomass burning emissions significantly contributed to the carbonaceous aerosols and impacted the solar radiation balance of the atmosphere.
Wenqi Zhang, Yan-Lin Zhang, Fang Cao, Yankun Xiang, Yuanyuan Zhang, Mengying Bao, Xiaoyan Liu, and Yu-Chi Lin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 11071–11087, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11071-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11071-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
A novel method to determine the concentration and the isotopes of WSOC in aerosols is established and applied in the analysis of a severe haze in eastern China. The results show that the studied site is affected by the photochemical aging, biomass burning and dust aerosols in different episodes during the sampling period. The analysis of WSOC and its isotopes offers a great potential to better understand the source emission, the atmospheric aging and the secondary production of WSOC.
Haoyi Yao, Wei-Li Hong, Giuliana Panieri, Simone Sauer, Marta E. Torres, Moritz F. Lehmann, Friederike Gründger, and Helge Niemann
Biogeosciences, 16, 2221–2232, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-2221-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-2221-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
How methane is transported in the sediment is important for the microbial community living on methane. Here we report an observation of a mini-fracture that facilitates the advective gas transport of methane in the sediment, compared to the diffusive fluid transport without a fracture. We found contrasting bio-geochemical signals in these different transport modes. This finding can help to fill the gap in the fracture network system in modulating methane dynamics in surface sediments.
Tao Wang, Yangyang Liu, Yue Deng, Hanyun Cheng, Yang Yang, Yiqing Feng, Muhammad Ali Tahir, Xiaozhong Fang, Xu Dong, Kejian Li, Saira Ajmal, Aziz-Ur-Rahim Bacha, Iqra Nabi, Hongbo Fu, Liwu Zhang, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2019-315, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2019-315, 2019
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
We studied the heterogeneous formation of nitrate and nitrite aerosols by in-situ laboratory tests and field observations. Sunlight becomes the protagonist under weak illumination, while a costar under strong irradiation, attributing to the balance between NO2 adsorption and the formation of photoinduced active species. Meanwhile, sunlight determines the association between atmospheric nitrate and nitrite. We hope this work offer more suggestions for modelling studies.
Md. Mozammel Haque, Kimitaka Kawamura, Dhananjay K. Deshmukh, Cao Fang, Wenhuai Song, Bao Mengying, and Yan-Lin Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 5147–5164, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-5147-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-5147-2019, 2019
Karl Espen Yttri, David Simpson, Robert Bergström, Gyula Kiss, Sönke Szidat, Darius Ceburnis, Sabine Eckhardt, Christoph Hueglin, Jacob Klenø Nøjgaard, Cinzia Perrino, Ignazio Pisso, Andre Stephan Henry Prevot, Jean-Philippe Putaud, Gerald Spindler, Milan Vana, Yan-Lin Zhang, and Wenche Aas
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 4211–4233, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4211-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4211-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Carbonaceous aerosols from natural sources were abundant regardless of season. Residential wood burning (RWB) emissions were occasionally equally as large as or larger than of fossil-fuel sources, depending on season and region. RWB emissions are poorly constrained; thus emissions inventories need improvement. Harmonizing emission factors between countries is likely the most important step to improve model calculations for biomass burning emissions and European PM2.5 concentrations in general.
Zhijian Li, Sergey A. Nizkorodov, Hong Chen, Xiaohui Lu, Xin Yang, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 1343–1356, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1343-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1343-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
In this work, we found that acrolein, the smallest α,β-unsaturated aldehyde, has the potential to form light-absorbing heterocyclic secondary organic aerosol. In the gaseous phase, acrolein can react with gaseous ammonia, forming 3-picoline. In the liquid phase, the dissolved acrolein can react with ammonium to form higher molecular-weight pyridinium compounds. All the pyridinium compounds can increase the light absorptivity of aerosol particles.
Martin Ley, Moritz F. Lehmann, Pascal A. Niklaus, and Jörg Luster
Biogeosciences, 15, 7043–7057, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-7043-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-7043-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Our laboratory study shows how microhabitat formation linked to soil aggregates, litter accumulation and plant soil interactions affects conditions under which
hot momentsof enhanced N2O emissions from floodplain soils during the drying phase after saturation occur. Larger aggregate size led to higher integrated flux rates when soil was unamended or mixed with leaf litter, whereas planting with willow significantly reduced emissions. Also, emission time patterns differed among the treatments.
Kangning Li, Xingnan Ye, Hongwei Pang, Xiaohui Lu, Hong Chen, Xiaofei Wang, Xin Yang, Jianmin Chen, and Yingjun Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 15201–15218, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-15201-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-15201-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Temporal variation in the hygroscopicity and its correlation with the mixing state of ambient BC particles were studied using a HTDMA–SP2 system. Secondary organic carbon formation and condensation of nitrates were mainly responsible for the changes of hygroscopicity of BC particles during daytime and nighttime, respectively. Different atmospheric aging processes led to the change of BC particles' mixing states, which play a fundamental role in determining their hygroscopicity.
Lei Liu, Jian Zhang, Liang Xu, Qi Yuan, Dao Huang, Jianmin Chen, Zongbo Shi, Yele Sun, Pingqing Fu, Zifa Wang, Daizhou Zhang, and Weijun Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 14681–14693, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-14681-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-14681-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Using transmission electron microscopy, we studied individual cloud droplet residual and interstitial particles collected in cloud events at Mt. Tai in the polluted North China region. We found that individual cloud droplets were an extremely complicated mixture containing abundant refractory soot (i.e., black carbon), fly ash, and metals. The complicated cloud droplets have not been reported in clean continental or marine air before.
Zhong Li, Chunlin Li, Xingnan Ye, Hongbo Fu, Lin Wang, Xin Yang, Xinke Wang, Zhuohui Zhao, Haidong Kan, Abdelwahid Mellouki, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 14445–14464, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-14445-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-14445-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Air quality over the Yangtze River is important as it may significantly influence aquatic ecosystems, public health, and coastal areas. A comprehensive 15-day cruise campaign, TEMP, was performed in the mid–lower reaches of the Yangtze River in winter of 2015. Based on the filter samples, the chemical composition of PM2.5 greatly varied or fluctuated.
Yu-Chi Lin, Shih-Chieh Hsu, Chuan-Yao Lin, Shuen-Hsin Lin, Yi-Tang Huang, Yunhua Chang, and Yan-Lin Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 13865–13879, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-13865-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-13865-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
The Asian continent is a well-known big source of airborne As in the North Pacific region. Previously, high As concentrations over the free troposphere in the region have been observed and considered contributions of industrial emissions, especially of coal-combustion. In our study, we proposed a new concept for a potential source of high As over the subtropical free troposphere, that is, BB activities over southern Asia might be an important source of airborne arsenic in the springtime.
Ying Ji, Xiaofei Qin, Bo Wang, Jian Xu, Jiandong Shen, Jianmin Chen, Kan Huang, Congrui Deng, Renchang Yan, Kaier Xu, and Tian Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 13581–13600, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-13581-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-13581-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Large-scale joint emission control measures were carried out in the Yangtze River Delta during the Hangzhou G20 Summit in 2016. The extent of secondary inorganic aerosol formation was found to be significantly enhanced under transport conditions from northern China. However, the formation of secondary organic aerosols was also greatly suppressed due to the emission control measures. Overall, it was found that regional/long-range transport could have offset part of the emission control efforts.
Yunhua Chang, Kan Huang, Mingjie Xie, Congrui Deng, Zhong Zou, Shoudong Liu, and Yanlin Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 11793–11812, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-11793-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-11793-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We continuously performed a one-year and hourly-resolved measurement of 18 atmospheric elements in PM2.5 in Shanghai megacity. Here our high time-resolution observations over a long-term period provide baseline data with high detail, which are of great use for examining acute exposure of morbidity and mortality risk in association with PM2.5 metal species in China's megacities.
Yunhua Chang, Yanlin Zhang, Chongguo Tian, Shichun Zhang, Xiaoyan Ma, Fang Cao, Xiaoyan Liu, Wenqi Zhang, Thomas Kuhn, and Moritz F. Lehmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 11647–11661, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-11647-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-11647-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We demonstrate that it is imperative that future studies, making use of isotope mixing models to gain conclusive constraints on the source partitioning of atmospheric NOx, consider this N isotope fractionation. Future assessments of NOx emissions in China (and elsewhere) should involve simultaneous δ15N and δ18O measurements of atmospheric nitrate and NOx at high spatiotemporal resolution, allowing former N-isotope-based NOx source partitioning estimates to be reevaluated more quantitatively.
Yanhong Zhu, Lingxiao Yang, Jianmin Chen, Kimitaka Kawamura, Mamiko Sato, Andreas Tilgner, Dominik van Pinxteren, Ying Chen, Likun Xue, Xinfeng Wang, Isobel J. Simpson, Hartmut Herrmann, Donald R. Blake, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 10741–10758, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10741-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10741-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Molecular distributions of dicarboxylic acids, oxocarboxylic acids and α-dicarbonyls in the free troposphere are identified, and their concentration variations between 2014 and 2006 are presented. High nighttime concentrations were probably due to precursor emissions and aqueous-phase oxidation. Biomass burning was significant, but its tracer levoglucosan in 2014 was 5 times lower than 2006 concentrations. Finally, regional emission from anthropogenic activities was identified as a major source.
Di Liu, Matthias Vonwiller, Jun Li, Junwen Liu, Sönke Szidat, Yanlin Zhang, Chongguo Tian, Yinjun Chen, Zhineng Cheng, Guangcai Zhong, Pingqing Fu, and Gan Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2018-295, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2018-295, 2018
Revised manuscript not accepted
Liwei Wang, Xinfeng Wang, Rongrong Gu, Hao Wang, Lan Yao, Liang Wen, Fanping Zhu, Weihao Wang, Likun Xue, Lingxiao Yang, Keding Lu, Jianmin Chen, Tao Wang, Yuanghang Zhang, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 4349–4359, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-4349-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-4349-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents concentrations, variation characteristics, sources and secondary formations of nitrated phenols, a major component of brown carbon, in typical seasons at four sites in northern China. The results highlight the strong influences and contributions of anthropogenic activities, in particular coal combustion and the aging processes, to the atmospheric nitrated phenols in this region.
Yan-Lin Zhang, Imad El-Haddad, Ru-Jin Huang, Kin-Fai Ho, Jun-Ji Cao, Yongming Han, Peter Zotter, Carlo Bozzetti, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, Jay G. Slowik, Gary Salazar, André S. H. Prévôt, and Sönke Szidat
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 4005–4017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-4005-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-4005-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Here we present a quantitative source apportionment of WSOC, isolated from aerosols in China using radiocarbon (14C) and offline high-resolution time of flight aerosol mass spectrometer measurements. We demonstrate a dominant contribution of non-fossil emissions to WSOC aerosols in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the fossil fraction is substantially larger in aerosols from East Asia and the east Asian pollution outflow, especially during winter, due to increasing coal combustion.
Ganglin Lv, Xiao Sui, Jianmin Chen, Rohan Jayaratne, and Abdelwahid Mellouki
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 2243–2258, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-2243-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-2243-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We conducted an investigation of new particle formation (NPF) at the summit of Mt. Tai, eastern China, based on simultaneous measurements of particle size distribution, meteorological parameters, gaseous species, mass concentration, and chemical composition of PM2.5. The general characteristics, favorable conditions, and potential precursor species of NPF events are discussed. An in-depth study of NPF on Mt. Tai is important for understanding the effect of particles on air quality.
Chongjuan Chen, Yufu Jia, Yuzhen Chen, Imran Mehmood, Yunting Fang, and Guoan Wang
Biogeosciences, 15, 369–377, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-369-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-369-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
The south slope of Tian Shan differs from the north slope in environment. The study showed that leaf δ15N, soil δ15N and △δ15Nleaf-soil on the south slope were greater than those on the north slope. The significant influential factors of leaf and soil δ15N on the south slope were different from those on the north slope. The results suggested that the south slope has higher soil N transformation rates than the north slope and relationships between leaf and soil δ15N and environment are localized.
Di Liu, Jun Li, Zhineng Cheng, Guangcai Zhong, Sanyuan Zhu, Ping Ding, Chengde Shen, Chongguo Tian, Yingjun Chen, Guorui Zhi, and Gan Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 11491–11502, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-11491-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-11491-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
To elucidate the carbon sources of air pollution, source apportionment was conducted using radiocarbon and unique molecular organic tracers during the beginning of winter 2013 in 10 Chinese cities. The results indicated that non-fossil-fuel (NF) emissions were predominant. During haze episodes, there were no dramatic changes in the carbon source or composition in the cities under study, but the contribution of primary OC from both fossil fuel and NF increased significantly.
Caihong Xu, Min Wei, Jianmin Chen, Chao Zhu, Jiarong Li, Ganglin Lv, Xianmang Xu, Lulu Zheng, Guodong Sui, Weijun Li, Bing Chen, Wenxing Wang, Qingzhu Zhang, Aijun Ding, and Abdelwahid Mellouki
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 11247–11260, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-11247-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-11247-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Fungi are ubiquitous throughout the near-surface atmosphere, where they represent an important component of primary biological aerosol particles. The diversity and composition of the fungal communities varied over the different seasons between the fine (PM2.5) and submicron (PM1) particles at the summit of Mt. Tai located in the North China Plain, China. This work may serve as an important reference for the fungal contribution to primary biological aerosol particles.
Yunhua Chang, Congrui Deng, Fang Cao, Chang Cao, Zhong Zou, Shoudong Liu, Xuhui Lee, Jun Li, Gan Zhang, and Yanlin Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 9945–9964, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9945-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9945-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
This paper presents the results from a 5-year and near-real-time measurement study of carbonaceous aerosols in PM2.5 conducted at an urban site in Shanghai. Moreover, we integrated the results from historical field measurements and satellite observations, concluding that carbonaceous aerosol pollution in Shanghai has gradually reduced since 2006. This can be largely explained by the introduction of air-cleaning measures such as controlling vehicular emissions.
Jiarong Li, Xinfeng Wang, Jianmin Chen, Chao Zhu, Weijun Li, Chengbao Li, Lu Liu, Caihong Xu, Liang Wen, Likun Xue, Wenxing Wang, Aijun Ding, and Hartmut Herrmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 9885–9896, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9885-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9885-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Cloud events at Mt. Tai were investigated for the chemical composition and size distribution of cloud droplets. An obvious rise in pH was found for elevated NH+4 during the last decade. Higher PM2.5 levels resulted in higher concentrations of water-soluble ions, smaller sizes and higher numbers of cloud droplets. The mechanism of cloud-droplet formation and the mass transfer between aerosol–gas–cloud phases were summarized to enrich the knowledge of cloud chemical and microphysical properties.
Jinghao Zhai, Xiaohui Lu, Ling Li, Qi Zhang, Ci Zhang, Hong Chen, Xin Yang, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 7481–7493, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-7481-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-7481-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
The effective density, chemical composition, and optical properties of particles produced by burning rice straw were measured. Density distribution and single-particle mass spectrometry showed the size-dependent external mixing of black carbon, organic carbon, and potassium salts in biomass burning particles. Optical measurements indicated the significant presence of brown carbon in all particles. Though freshly emitted, light absorption enhancement was observed for particles larger than 200 nm.
Yuanyuan Xie, Xingnan Ye, Zhen Ma, Ye Tao, Ruyu Wang, Ci Zhang, Xin Yang, Jianmin Chen, and Hong Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 7277–7290, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-7277-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-7277-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Urban air pollution is one of the greatest environmental concern in 21st century. In this paper, we trace temporal evolutions of aerosol hygroscopicity and effective density during a representative particulate matter episode, which provide a strong support on that severe haze pollution can be formed in highly polluted areas by the initial accumulation of gas-phase and particulate pollutants under stagnant meteorological conditions and subsequent rapid particle growth by secondary processes.
Min Cui, Yingjun Chen, Yanli Feng, Cheng Li, Junyu Zheng, Chongguo Tian, Caiqing Yan, and Mei Zheng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 6779–6795, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-6779-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-6779-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
PM emitted from diesel vehicles has a severe impact on air quality and human health. However, characteristics of PM from diesel vehicles, particularly measured under real-world condition, are scarce. In this study, 6 excavators and 5 trucks were tested to characterize constituents of PM. PM emission factor (EFPM) and compositions were affected by fuel quality, operating modes and emission standards. Moreover, EFPM and risk of carcinogenic for excavators were 1.7 and 31 fold of those for trucks.
Geshere Abdisa Gurmesa, Xiankai Lu, Per Gundersen, Yunting Fang, Qinggong Mao, Chen Hao, and Jiangming Mo
Biogeosciences, 14, 2359–2370, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-2359-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-2359-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We measured the abundance of a nitrogen (N) isotope (15N) in two subtropical forests in China to study the cycling of input N (deposition and addition). Plant leaves in both forests were 15N-depleted relative to the atmospheric standard, likely as an imprint from 15N-depleted deposition. Plant 15N changed into 15N of the added N, indicating incorporation of N into plants. Thus, interpretations of ecosystem 15N from high-N-deposition regions need to include data on the 15N deposition signature.
Min Wei, Caihong Xu, Jianmin Chen, Chao Zhu, Jiarong Li, and Ganglin Lv
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 5253–5270, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-5253-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-5253-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Bacterial communities in cloud water collected at the summit of Mt Tai from 24 July to 23 August 2014 were investigated. A highly diverse bacterial community was retrieved. Community function prediction suggested that pathways related to metabolism and disease infections were significantly correlated with the predominant genera. Potential pathogens were enriched in the polluted cloud samples, whereas the diverse ecological function groups were significant in the non-polluted samples.
Rui Li, Yunjie Hu, Ling Li, Hongbo Fu, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 5079–5093, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-5079-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-5079-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Five episodes were divided based on meteorological conditions and chemical composition. The clear episodes (EP-2 and EP-4) featured low light extinction with fewer pollutants, which are mostly externally mixed. In contrast, EP-1 and EP-5 were impacted by the industrial activities and biomass burning through the southern air mass, respectively. Soot at the fog period detected in EP-3 was mostly internally mixed with sulfates and nitrates.
Chunlin Li, Yunjie Hu, Fei Zhang, Jianmin Chen, Zhen Ma, Xingnan Ye, Xin Yang, Lin Wang, Xingfu Tang, Renhe Zhang, Mu Mu, Guihua Wang, Haidong Kan, Xinming Wang, and Abdelwahid Mellouki
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 4957–4988, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4957-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4957-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Detailed emission factors for smoke particulate species in PM2.5 and PM1.0 were derived from laboratory simulation of crop straw burning using aerosol chamber systems. Based on this, emissions for crop residue field burning in China were calculated and characterized with respect to five different burning scenarios. Moreover, health effects and health-related economic loss from smoke particle exposure were assessed; a practical emission control policy for agricultural field burning was proposed.
Jianzhong Sun, Guorui Zhi, Regina Hitzenberger, Yingjun Chen, Chongguo Tian, Yayun Zhang, Yanli Feng, Miaomiao Cheng, Yuzhe Zhang, Jing Cai, Feng Chen, Yiqin Qiu, Zhiming Jiang, Jun Li, Gan Zhang, and Yangzhi Mo
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 4769–4780, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4769-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4769-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
This paper investigates the emission factors and the light absorption properties of brown carbon (BrC) from China’s household coal burning. Seven coals of various ranks were burned in four typical stoves as both chunk and briquette styles. The optical integrating sphere (IS) method was employed to quantify BrC and black carbon (BC). We conclude that, in the scenario of current household coal burning in China, solar light absorption by BrC accounts for 26.5 % of the total absorption.
Peter Zotter, Hanna Herich, Martin Gysel, Imad El-Haddad, Yanlin Zhang, Griša Močnik, Christoph Hüglin, Urs Baltensperger, Sönke Szidat, and André S. H. Prévôt
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 4229–4249, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4229-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4229-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Most studies use a single Ångström exponent for wood burning (αWB) and traffic (αTR) emissions in the Aethalometer model, used for source apportionment of black carbon, derived from previous work. However, accurate determination of the α values is currently lacking. Comparing radiocarbon measurements (14C) with the Aehtalometer model, good agreement was found, indicating that the Aethalometer model reproduces reasonably well the 14C results using our best estimate of a single αWB and αTR.
Lea Steinle, Johanna Maltby, Tina Treude, Annette Kock, Hermann W. Bange, Nadine Engbersen, Jakob Zopfi, Moritz F. Lehmann, and Helge Niemann
Biogeosciences, 14, 1631–1645, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-1631-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-1631-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Large amounts of methane are produced in anoxic, coastal sediments, from which it can seep into the overlying water column. Aerobic oxidation of methane (MOx) mediated by methanotrophic bacteria is an important sink for methane before its evasion to the atmosphere. In a 2-year seasonal study, we investigated the spatio-temporal variability of MOx in a seasonally hypoxic coastal inlet using radiotracer-based methods. In experiments, we assessed the effect of variable oxygen concentrations on MOx.
Dongwei Liu, Weixing Zhu, Xiaobo Wang, Yuepeng Pan, Chao Wang, Dan Xi, Edith Bai, Yuesi Wang, Xingguo Han, and Yunting Fang
Biogeosciences, 14, 989–1001, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-989-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-989-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
The use of 15N natural abundance of soil ammonium and nitrate demonstrates a clear shifting contribution from abiotic to biotic controls on N cycling along a 3200 km dryland transect in northern China, with a threshold at mean annual precipitation of 100 mm. Abiotic factors were the main driver below threshold, shown by the accumulation of atmospheric N and NH3 losses. In the area above threshold, soil N cycling was controlled mainly by biological factors, e.g., plant uptake and denitrification.
Shurui Chen, Liang Xu, Yinxiao Zhang, Bing Chen, Xinfeng Wang, Xiaoye Zhang, Mei Zheng, Jianmin Chen, Wenxing Wang, Yele Sun, Pingqing Fu, Zifa Wang, and Weijun Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 1259–1270, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-1259-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-1259-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Many studies have focused on the unusually severe hazes instead of the more frequent light and moderate hazes (22–63 %) in winter in the North China Plain (NCP). The morphology, mixing state, and size of organic aerosols in the L & M hazes were characterized. We conclude that the direct emissions from residential coal stoves without any pollution controls in rural and urban outskirts contribute large amounts of primary OM particles to the regional L & M hazes in winter in the NCP.
Chen Xu, Junyan Duan, Yanyu Wang, Yifan Wang, Hailin Zhu, Xiang Li, Lingdong Kong, Qianshan He, Tiantao Cheng, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2016-968, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2016-968, 2016
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
We intensively examined the influence of polluted aerosol on cloud and precipitation on different underlying surfaces and evaluated relationship between aerosol types and physical properties of clouds under different atmospheric conditions over the YRD. Aerosol plays an important role in cloud evolution in the low layers of troposphere (below 5 km) in the case of the stable atmosphere in wintertime.The results are helpful to in-depth understanding of aerosol indirect effects in Asian.
Lei Yao, Ming-Yi Wang, Xin-Ke Wang, Yi-Jun Liu, Hang-Fei Chen, Jun Zheng, Wei Nie, Ai-Jun Ding, Fu-Hai Geng, Dong-Fang Wang, Jian-Min Chen, Douglas R. Worsnop, and Lin Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 14527–14543, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-14527-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-14527-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We present the development of a high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-CIMS) method, utilizing protonated ethanol as reagent ions to simultaneously detect atmospheric gaseous amines (C1 to C6) and amides (C1 to C6). Deployment of this ethanol HR-ToF-CIMS has been demonstrated in a field campaign in urban Shanghai, China, detecting amines (from a few pptv to hundreds of pptv) and amides (from tens of pptv to a few ppbv).
Yi Zhu, Jiping Zhang, Junxia Wang, Wenyuan Chen, Yiqun Han, Chunxiang Ye, Yingruo Li, Jun Liu, Limin Zeng, Yusheng Wu, Xinfeng Wang, Wenxing Wang, Jianmin Chen, and Tong Zhu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 12551–12565, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-12551-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-12551-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
With five repeated experiments using a mobile laboratory, we obtained the spatial distribution of major air pollutants over the surface of the North China Plain (NCP). All the pollutants were at high levels, with pollutant peak values in nearby major cities and along transport routes. With simulated wind fields, we identified the prevalent transport routes of air pollutants on different parts of the NCP, reflecting the transport of air pollution between megacities and surrounding regions.
Zheng Zong, Xiaoping Wang, Chongguo Tian, Yingjun Chen, Lin Qu, Ling Ji, Guorui Zhi, Jun Li, and Gan Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 11249–11265, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-11249-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-11249-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We explore the source apportionment of PM2.5 in North China in winter using an original combination method, and coal combustion, biomass burning and vehicle emissions are identified as the largest contributors of PM2.5, accounting for 29.6, 19.3 and 15.8 %, respectively. Biomass burning emission was highlighted in the present study because of its dominant contribution to the PM2.5 burden in the Shandong Peninsula and because it is neglected in the air pollution control program.
Lei Sun, Likun Xue, Tao Wang, Jian Gao, Aijun Ding, Owen R. Cooper, Meiyun Lin, Pengju Xu, Zhe Wang, Xinfeng Wang, Liang Wen, Yanhong Zhu, Tianshu Chen, Lingxiao Yang, Yan Wang, Jianmin Chen, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 10637–10650, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-10637-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-10637-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We compiled the available observations of surface O3 at Mt. Tai – the highest mountain in the North China Plain, and found a significant increase of O3 concenrations from 2003 to 2015. The observed O3 increase was mainly due to the increase of O3 precursors, especially VOCs. Our analysis shows that controlling NOx alone, in the absence of VOC controls, is not sufficient to reduce regional O3 levels in North China in a short period.
Chunpeng Leng, Junyan Duan, Chen Xu, Hefeng Zhang, Yifan Wang, Yanyu Wang, Xiang Li, Lingdong Kong, Jun Tao, Renjian Zhang, Tiantao Cheng, Shuping Zha, and Xingna Yu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 9221–9234, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-9221-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-9221-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Meteorological conditions, local anthropogenic emissions and aerosol properties played major roles in this historic winter haze weather formation. Aerosols the size of 600–1400 nm are mostly responsible for the impairment of atmospheric visibility. This study was performed by combining many on-line measurement techniques which were calibrated regularly to ensure reliability, and can act as a reference for forecasting and eliminating the occurrences of regional atmospheric pollutions in China.
Yan-Lin Zhang, Kimitaka Kawamura, Ping Qing Fu, Suresh K. R. Boreddy, Tomomi Watanabe, Shiro Hatakeyama, Akinori Takami, and Wei Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 6407–6419, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-6407-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-6407-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Here, based on three aircraft measurements over East Asia, we demonstrate an aqueous-phase mechanism for enhanced SOA production in the troposphere following correlation analysis of oxalic acid in tropospheric aerosols with other measured chemical variables including its precursors and its intermediate as well as biogenic-derived SOA from isoprene, monoterpenes and β-caryophyllene.
Fan Zhang, Yingjun Chen, Chongguo Tian, Diming Lou, Jun Li, Gan Zhang, and Volker Matthias
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 6319–6334, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-6319-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-6319-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, on-board tests of three offshore vessels in China have been carried out for the first time. Emission factors for gaseous species, PM, and relevant chemical components (OC, EC, metal elements, and water soluble ions) in different operating modes are given, which means a lot for estimating contributions of ships to atmosphere and calculating emission inventories of ships. Additionally, impacts of engine speed on NOx emission factors are discussed for the first time.
Xianda Gong, Ci Zhang, Hong Chen, Sergey A. Nizkorodov, Jianmin Chen, and Xin Yang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 5399–5411, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-5399-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-5399-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we used a Single Particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometer and a Single Particle Soot Photometer to investigate the chemical and physical properties of black carbon (BC) aerosols during a regional air pollution episode in urban Shanghai. BC containing particles were mainly attributed to biomass burning and traffic emissions. We observed a group of highly aged traffic emitted particles with a relatively small BC core (~ 60–80 nm) and a very thick absolute coating thickness (~ 130–300 nm).
Weili Liu, Lin Qi, Yunting Fang, and Jian Yang
Biogeosciences Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2016-91, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2016-91, 2016
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
Wildfire is a major disturbance in boreal forest ecosystem and strongly affects ecosystem N cycling. We find that even 5 years after a wildfire, isotopic signatures of soil and plant N pools are still different from those in unburned areas in a Chinese boreal forest. Our results show persistent legacy effects in the form of increased N losses following wildfires. The fire-induced increases in NH3 volatilization may greatly contribute to the increased δ15N values in plant and soil.
Yan Lyu, Tingting Xu, Xiang Li, Tiantao Cheng, Xin Yang, Xiaomin Sun, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 9, 1025–1037, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-1025-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-1025-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents the particle size distribution of PBDEs in the atmosphere of a megacity and evaluates the contribution of size-fractionated PBDEs' deposition in the human respiratory tract.
Yan Lv, Xiang Li, Ting Ting Xu, Tian Tao Cheng, Xin Yang, Jian Min Chen, Yoshiteru Iinuma, and Hartmut Herrmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 2971–2983, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2971-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2971-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
The study focused on size-resolved PAHs in urban aerosols at a megacity Shanghai site. The results provide us with a mechanistic understanding of the particle size distribution of PAHs and their transport in the human respiratory system; this can help develop better source control strategies.
Junwen Liu, Jun Li, Di Liu, Ping Ding, Chengde Shen, Yangzhi Mo, Xinming Wang, Chunling Luo, Zhineng Cheng, Sönke Szidat, Yanlin Zhang, Yingjun Chen, and Gan Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 2985–2996, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2985-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2985-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Many Chinese cities now are suffering the high loadings of fine particular matters, which can bring a lot of negative impacts on air quality, human health, and the climate system. The Chinese government generally focuses on the control of the emissions from vehicles and industry. Our results evidently show that the burning of biomass materials such as wood and agricultural residues can lead to the urban air pollution in China. The characteristic of haze covering China is distinct from regions.
Xin Ke Wang, Stéphanie Rossignol, Ye Ma, Lei Yao, Ming Yi Wang, Jian Min Chen, Christian George, and Lin Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 2285–2298, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2285-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2285-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
PM2.5 filter samples have been collected in three megacities at the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River: Wuhan, Nanjing, and Shanghai. The samples were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry, which allowed for detection of about 200 formulas of particulate organosulfates, including dozens of formulas of nitrooxy-organosulfates, with various numbers of isomers for each tentatively determined formula at each location.
T. Liu, X. Wang, Q. Hu, W. Deng, Y. Zhang, X. Ding, X. Fu, F. Bernard, Z. Zhang, S. Lü, Q. He, X. Bi, J. Chen, Y. Sun, J. Yu, P. Peng, G. Sheng, and J. Fu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 675–689, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-675-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-675-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
The formation of SOA and sulfate aerosols from the photooxidation of gasoline vehicle exhaust (GVE) when mixing with SO2 was investigated in a smog chamber. We found that the presence of GVE enhanced the conversion of SO2 to sulfate predominantly through reactions with stabilized Criegee intermediates. On the other hand, the elevated particle acidity enhanced the SOA production from GVE. This study indicated that SO2 and GVE could enhance each other in forming secondary aerosols.
K. R. Daellenbach, C. Bozzetti, A. Křepelová, F. Canonaco, R. Wolf, P. Zotter, P. Fermo, M. Crippa, J. G. Slowik, Y. Sosedova, Y. Zhang, R.-J. Huang, L. Poulain, S. Szidat, U. Baltensperger, I. El Haddad, and A. S. H. Prévôt
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 9, 23–39, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-23-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-23-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we developed an offline technique using the AMS for the characterization of the chemical fingerprints of aerosols collected on quartz filters, and evaluated the suitability of the organic mass spectral data for source apportionment. This technique may be used to enhance the AMS capabilities in measuring size-fractionated, spatially resolved long-term data sets.
S. D. Wankel, C. Buchwald, W. Ziebis, C. B. Wenk, and M. F. Lehmann
Biogeosciences, 12, 7483–7502, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-7483-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-7483-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
In the sediments underlying the global oligotrophic ocean, low levels of microbial activity persist, despite low input of organic matter from surface ocean productivity. Using measured nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of porewater nitrate we estimate the magnitude and extent of microbial nitrogen cycling. We find evidence for the overlap of both denitrification as well as autotrophic pathways such as nitrification and nitrogen fixation, pointing to a relatively large role for subsurface autotrophy.
G. O. Mouteva, S. M. Fahrni, G. M. Santos, J. T. Randerson, Y.-L. Zhang, S. Szidat, and C. I. Czimczik
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 8, 3729–3743, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-3729-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-3729-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
We describe a stepwise uncertainty analysis of 14C measurements of organic (OC) and elemental (EC) carbon fractions of aerosols. Using the Swiss_4S thermal-optical protocol with a newly established trapping setup, we show that we can efficiently isolate and trap each carbon fraction and perform 14C analysis of ultra-small OC and EC samples with high accuracy and low 14C blanks. Our study presents a first step towards the development of a common protocol for OC and EC 14C measurements.
T. Liu, X. Wang, W. Deng, Q. Hu, X. Ding, Y. Zhang, Q. He, Z. Zhang, S. Lü, X. Bi, J. Chen, and J. Yu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 9049–9062, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-9049-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-9049-2015, 2015
S. Xiao, M. Y. Wang, L. Yao, M. Kulmala, B. Zhou, X. Yang, J. M. Chen, D. F. Wang, Q. Y. Fu, D. R. Worsnop, and L. Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 1769–1781, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-1769-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-1769-2015, 2015
Y.-L. Zhang, R.-J. Huang, I. El Haddad, K.-F. Ho, J.-J. Cao, Y. Han, P. Zotter, C. Bozzetti, K. R. Daellenbach, F. Canonaco, J. G. Slowik, G. Salazar, M. Schwikowski, J. Schnelle-Kreis, G. Abbaszade, R. Zimmermann, U. Baltensperger, A. S. H. Prévôt, and S. Szidat
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 1299–1312, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-1299-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-1299-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Source apportionment of fine carbonaceous aerosols using radiocarbon and other organic markers measurements during 2013 winter haze episodes was conducted at four megacities in China. Our results demonstrate that fossil emissions predominate EC with a mean contribution of 75±8%, whereas non-fossil sources account for 55±10% of OC; and the increment of TC on heavily polluted days was mainly driven by the increase of secondary OC from both fossil-fuel and non-fossil emissions.
P. Zotter, V. G. Ciobanu, Y. L. Zhang, I. El-Haddad, M. Macchia, K. R. Daellenbach, G. A. Salazar, R.-J. Huang, L. Wacker, C. Hueglin, A. Piazzalunga, P. Fermo, M. Schwikowski, U. Baltensperger, S. Szidat, and A. S. H. Prévôt
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 13551–13570, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-13551-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-13551-2014, 2014
C. Leng, Q. Zhang, D. Zhang, C. Xu, T. Cheng, R. Zhang, J. Tao, J. Chen, S. Zha, Y. Zhang, X. Li, L. Kong, and W. Gao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 12499–12512, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-12499-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-12499-2014, 2014
C. Leng, Q. Zhang, J. Tao, H. Zhang, D. Zhang, C. Xu, X. Li, L. Kong, T. Cheng, R. Zhang, X. Yang, J. Chen, L. Qiao, S. Lou, H. Wang, and C. Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 11353–11365, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-11353-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-11353-2014, 2014
L. D. Kong, X. Zhao, Z. Y. Sun, Y. W. Yang, H. B. Fu, S. C. Zhang, T. T. Cheng, X. Yang, L. Wang, and J. M. Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 9451–9467, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-9451-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-9451-2014, 2014
C. V. Freymond, C. B. Wenk, C. H. Frame, and M. F. Lehmann
Biogeosciences, 10, 8373–8383, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-8373-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-8373-2013, 2013
M. Alkhatib, P. A. del Giorgio, Y. Gelinas, and M. F. Lehmann
Biogeosciences, 10, 7609–7622, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-7609-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-7609-2013, 2013
Y. Huang, L. Li, J. Li, X. Wang, H. Chen, J. Chen, X. Yang, D. S. Gross, H. Wang, L. Qiao, and C. Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 3931–3944, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-3931-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-3931-2013, 2013
R. Zurbrügg, S. Suter, M. F. Lehmann, B. Wehrli, and D. B. Senn
Biogeosciences, 10, 23–38, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-23-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-23-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Subject: Aerosols | Research Activity: Field Measurements | Altitude Range: Troposphere | Science Focus: Chemistry (chemical composition and reactions)
Molecular characterization of organic aerosols in urban and forested areas of Paris using high-resolution mass spectrometry
Measurement report: Wintertime aerosol characterization at an urban traffic site in Helsinki, Finland
Source apportionment and ecotoxicity of PM2.5 pollution events in a major Southern Hemisphere megacity: influence of a biofuel-impacted fleet and biomass burning
Marine organic aerosol at Mace Head: effects from phytoplankton and source region variability
Measurement report: Sources and meteorology influencing highly time-resolved PM2.5 trace elements at three urban sites in the extremely polluted Indo-Gangetic Plain in India
Formation of highly absorptive secondary brown carbon through nighttime multiphase chemistry of biomass burning emissions
Measurement report: Vertically resolved atmospheric properties observed over the Southern Great Plains with the ArcticShark uncrewed aerial system
Technical note: Towards a stronger observational support for haze pollution control by interpreting carbonaceous aerosol results derived from different measurement approaches
Non-biogenic sources are an important but overlooked contributor to aerosol isoprene-derived organosulfates during winter in northern China
The critical role of aqueous-phase processes in aromatic-derived nitrogen-containing organic aerosol formation in cities with different energy consumption patterns
Characterization of atmospheric water-soluble brown carbon in the Athabasca oil sands region, Canada
Sensitivity of aerosol and cloud properties to coupling strength of marine boundary layer clouds over the northwest Atlantic
Measurement Report: Molecular composition, sources, and evolution of atmospheric organic aerosols in a basin city in China
Burning conditions and transportation pathways determine biomass-burning aerosol properties in the Ascension Island marine boundary layer
Observations of high-time-resolution and size-resolved aerosol chemical composition and microphysics in the central Arctic: implications for climate-relevant particle properties
Measurement report: Brown carbon aerosol in rural Germany – sources, chemistry, and diurnal variations
Particle flux-gradient relationships in the high Arctic: Emission and deposition patterns across three surface types
Climatology of aerosol pH and its controlling factors at the Melpitz continental background site in central Europe
Multiple eco-regions contribute to the seasonal cycle of Antarctic aerosol size distributions
Seasonal investigation of ultrafine-particle organic composition in an eastern Amazonian rainforest
Characterizing lead-rich particles in Beijing's atmosphere following coal-to-gas conversion: Insights from single particle aerosol mass spectrometry
High-resolution analyses of concentrations and sizes of refractory black carbon particles deposited in northwestern Greenland over the past 350 years – Part 2: Seasonal and temporal trends in refractory black carbon originated from fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning
Direct measurement of N2O5 heterogeneous uptake coefficients on atmospheric aerosols in southwestern China and evaluation of current parameterizations
Measurement report: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in particulate matter (PM10) from activated sludge aeration
Significant role of biomass burning in heavy haze formation in Nanjing, a megacity in China: molecular-level insights from intensive PM2.5 sampling on winter hazy days
Widespread trace bromine and iodine in remote tropospheric non-sea-salt aerosols
Significant contributions of biomass burning to PM2.5-bound aromatic compounds: insights from field observations and quantum chemical calculations
A 60-year atmospheric nitrate isotope record from a Southeast Greenland ice core with minimal post-depositional alteration
Iron isotopes reveal significant aerosol dissolution over the Pacific Ocean
Formation and chemical evolution of secondary organic aerosol in two different environments: a dual-chamber study
Complementary aerosol mass spectrometry elucidates sources of wintertime sub-micron particle pollution in Fairbanks, Alaska, during ALPACA 2022
Enrichment of organic nitrogen in fog residuals observed in the Italian Po Valley
Technical note: Quantified organic aerosol subsaturated hygroscopicity by a simple optical scatter monitor system through field measurements
Measurement report: Oxidation potential of water-soluble aerosol components in the south and north of Beijing
Enhanced daytime secondary aerosol formation driven by gas–particle partitioning in downwind urban plumes
Technical note: Reconstructing surface missing aerosol elemental carbon data in long-term series with ensemble learning
Understanding the mechanism and importance of brown carbon bleaching across the visible spectrum in biomass burning plumes from the WE-CAN campaign
Influence of terrestrial and marine air mass on the constituents and intermixing of bioaerosols over a coastal atmosphere
A multi-site passive approach to studying the emissions and evolution of smoke from prescribed fires
The annual cycle and sources of relevant aerosol precursor vapors in the central Arctic during the MOSAiC expedition
Enhanced emission of intermediate/semi-volatile organic matters in both gas and particle phases from ship exhausts with low-sulfur fuels
Advances in characterization of black carbon particles and their associated coatings using the soot particle aerosol mass spectrometer in Singapore, a complex city environment
Measurement report: Crustal materials play an increasing role in elevating particle pH: Insights from 12-year records in a typical inland city of China
African dust transported to Barbados in the Wintertime Lacks Indicators of Chemical Aging
Opinion: How will advances in aerosol science inform our understanding of the health impacts of outdoor particulate pollution?
Machine Learning Assisted Chemical Characterization and Optical Properties of Atmospheric Brown Carbon in Nanjing, China
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
Diana L. Pereira, Chiara Giorio, Aline Gratien, Alexander Zherebker, Gael Noyalet, Servanne Chevaillier, Stéphanie Alage, Elie Almarj, Antonin Bergé, Thomas Bertin, Mathieu Cazaunau, Patrice Coll, Ludovico Di Antonio, Sergio Harb, Johannes Heuser, Cécile Gaimoz, Oscar Guillemant, Brigitte Language, Olivier Lauret, Camilo Macias, Franck Maisonneuve, Bénédicte Picquet-Varrault, Raquel Torres, Sylvain Triquet, Pascal Zapf, Lelia Hawkins, Drew Pronovost, Sydney Riley, Pierre-Marie Flaud, Emilie Perraudin, Pauline Pouyes, Eric Villenave, Alexandre Albinet, Olivier Favez, Robin Aujay-Plouzeau, Vincent Michoud, Christopher Cantrell, Manuela Cirtog, Claudia Di Biagio, Jean-François Doussin, and Paola Formenti
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4885–4905, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4885-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4885-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In order to study aerosols in environments influenced by anthropogenic and biogenic emissions, we performed analyses of samples collected during the ACROSS (Atmospheric Chemistry Of the Suburban Forest) campaign in summer 2022 in the greater Paris area. After analysis of the chemical composition by means of total carbon determination and high-resolution mass spectrometry, this work highlights the influence of anthropogenic inputs on the chemical composition of both urban and forested areas.
Kimmo Teinilä, Sanna Saarikoski, Henna Lintusaari, Teemu Lepistö, Petteri Marjanen, Minna Aurela, Heidi Hellén, Toni Tykkä, Markus Lampimäki, Janne Lampilahti, Luis Barreira, Timo Mäkelä, Leena Kangas, Juha Hatakka, Sami Harni, Joel Kuula, Jarkko V. Niemi, Harri Portin, Jaakko Yli-Ojanperä, Ville Niemelä, Milja Jäppi, Katrianne Lehtipalo, Joonas Vanhanen, Liisa Pirjola, Hanna E. Manninen, Tuukka Petäjä, Topi Rönkkö, and Hilkka Timonen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4907–4928, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4907-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4907-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Physical and chemical properties of particulate matter and concentrations of trace gases were measured in a street canyon in Helsinki, Finland, and an urban background site in January–February 2022 to investigate the effect of wintertime conditions on pollutants. State-of-the-art instruments and a mobile laboratory were used, and the measurement data were analysed further with modelling tools like positive matrix factorization and the Pollution Detection Algorithm.
Guilherme Martins Pereira, Leonardo Yoshiaki Kamigauti, Rubens Fabio Pereira, Djacinto Monteiro dos Santos, Thayná da Silva Santos, José Vinicius Martins, Célia Alves, Cátia Gonçalves, Ismael Casotti Rienda, Nora Kováts, Thiago Nogueira, Luciana Rizzo, Paulo Artaxo, Regina Maura de Miranda, Marcia Akemi Yamasoe, Edmilson Dias de Freitas, Pérola de Castro Vasconcellos, and Maria de Fatima Andrade
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4587–4616, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4587-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4587-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The chemical composition of fine particulate matter was studied in the megacity of São Paulo (Brazil) during a polluted period. Vehicular-related sources remain relevant; however, a high contribution of biomass burning was observed and correlated with sample ecotoxicity. Emerging biomass burning sources, such as forest fires and sugarcane-bagasse-based power plants, highlight the need for additional control measures alongside stricter rules concerning vehicular emissions.
Emmanuel Chevassus, Kirsten N. Fossum, Darius Ceburnis, Lu Lei, Chunshui Lin, Wei Xu, Colin O'Dowd, and Jurgita Ovadnevaite
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4107–4129, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4107-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4107-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents the first source apportionment of organic aerosol at Mace Head via high-resolution mass spectrometry. Introducing transfer entropy as a novel method reveals that aged organic aerosol originates from both open-ocean ozonolysis and local peat-burning oxidation. Methanesulfonic acid and organic sea spray both mirror phytoplankton activity, with the former closely tied to coccolithophore blooms and the latter linked to diatoms, chlorophytes, and cyanobacteria.
Ashutosh K. Shukla, Sachchida N. Tripathi, Shamitaksha Talukdar, Vishnu Murari, Sreenivas Gaddamidi, Manousos-Ioannis Manousakas, Vipul Lalchandani, Kuldeep Dixit, Vinayak M. Ruge, Peeyush Khare, Mayank Kumar, Vikram Singh, Neeraj Rastogi, Suresh Tiwari, Atul K. Srivastava, Dilip Ganguly, Kaspar Rudolf Daellenbach, and André S. H. Prévôt
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3765–3784, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3765-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3765-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our study delves into the elemental composition of aerosols at three sites across the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), revealing distinct patterns during pollution episodes. We found significant increases in chlorine (Cl)-rich and solid fuel combustion (SFC) sources, indicating dynamic emission sources, agricultural burning impacts, and meteorological influences. Surges in Cl-rich particles during cold periods highlight their role in particle growth under high-relative-humidity conditions.
Ye Kuang, Biao Luo, Shan Huang, Junwen Liu, Weiwei Hu, Yuwen Peng, Duohong Chen, Dingli Yue, Wanyun Xu, Bin Yuan, and Min Shao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3737–3752, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3737-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3737-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This research reveals the potential importance of nighttime NO3 radical chemistry and aerosol water in the rapid formation of secondary brown carbon from diluted biomass burning emissions. The findings enhance our understanding of nighttime biomass burning evolution and its implications for climate and regional air quality, especially regarding interactions with background aerosol water and water-rich fogs and clouds.
Fan Mei, Qi Zhang, Damao Zhang, Jerome D. Fast, Gourihar Kulkarni, Mikhail S. Pekour, Christopher R. Niedek, Susanne Glienke, Israel Silber, Beat Schmid, Jason M. Tomlinson, Hardeep S. Mehta, Xena Mansoura, Zezhen Cheng, Gregory W. Vandergrift, Nurun Nahar Lata, Swarup China, and Zihua Zhu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3425–3444, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3425-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3425-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study highlights the unique capability of the ArcticShark, an uncrewed aerial system, in measuring vertically resolved atmospheric properties. Data from 32 research flights in 2023 reveal seasonal patterns and correlations with conventional measurements. The consistency and complementarity of in situ and remote sensing methods are highlighted. The study demonstrates the ArcticShark’s versatility in bridging data gaps and improving the understanding of vertical atmospheric structures.
Yuan Cheng, Ying-jie Zhong, Zhi-qing Zhang, Xu-bing Cao, and Jiu-meng Liu
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-537, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-537, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
As an emerging hotspot of atmospheric sciences, Northeast China is distinct due to the frigid winter and the strong emissions from agricultural fires. Based on field campaigns conducted in Harbin, we successively identified the analytical method that could lead to proper results of organic and elemental carbon. Our results are believed to be a support for future efforts on exploration of the PM2.5 sources in Northeast China, which are essential for further improving the regional air quality.
Ting Yang, Yu Xu, Yu-Chen Wang, Yi-Jia Ma, Hong-Wei Xiao, Hao Xiao, and Hua-Yun Xiao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2967–2978, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2967-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2967-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Previous measurement–model comparisons of atmospheric isoprene levels showed a significant unidentified source of isoprene in some northern Chinese cities during winter. Here, the first combination of large-scale observations and field combustion experiments provides novel insights into biomass burning emissions as a significant source of isoprene-derived organosulfates during winter in northern cities of China.
Yi-Jia Ma, Yu Xu, Ting Yang, Lin Gui, Hong-Wei Xiao, Hao Xiao, and Hua-Yun Xiao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2763–2780, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2763-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2763-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The abundance, potential precursors, and main formation mechanisms of nitrogen-containing organic compounds (NOCs) in PM2.5 during winter were compared among cities with different energy consumption patterns. The aerosol NOC pollution during winter in China is closely associated with the intensity of precursor emissions and the aqueous-phase processes. Our results highlight the importance of emission reduction strategies in controlling aerosol NOCs pollution during winter in China.
Dane Blanchard, Mark Gordon, Duc Huy Dang, Paul Andrew Makar, and Julian Aherne
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2423–2442, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2423-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2423-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study offers the first known evaluation of water-soluble brown carbon aerosols in the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR), Canada. Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis of aerosol samples from five regional sites (collected during the summer of 2021) identified oil sands operations as a measurable brown carbon source. Industrial aerosol emissions were unlikely to impact regional radiative forcing. These findings show that fluorescence spectroscopy can be used to monitor brown carbon in the AOSR.
Kira Zeider, Kayla McCauley, Sanja Dmitrovic, Leong Wai Siu, Yonghoon Choi, Ewan C. Crosbie, Joshua P. DiGangi, Glenn S. Diskin, Simon Kirschler, John B. Nowak, Michael A. Shook, Kenneth L. Thornhill, Christiane Voigt, Edward L. Winstead, Luke D. Ziemba, Paquita Zuidema, and Armin Sorooshian
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2407–2422, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2407-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2407-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In situ aircraft data collected over the northwest Atlantic Ocean are utilized to compare aerosol conditions and turbulence between near-surface and below-cloud-base altitudes for different regimes of coupling strength between those two levels, along with how cloud microphysical properties vary across those regimes. Stronger coupling yields more homogenous aerosol structure vertically along with higher cloud drop concentrations and sea salt influence in clouds.
Junke Zhang, Xinyi Fu, Chunying Chen, Yunfei Su, Siyu Liu, Luyao Chen, Yubao Chen, Gehui Wang, and Andre S. H. Prevot
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-92, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-92, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The 125 organic aerosol (OA) compounds in PM2.5 in winter in Chengdu were measured at the molecular level. OA was dominated by fatty acids, phthalate esters, and anhydrosugars, and were deeply influenced by anthropogenic sources. As pollution worsens: secondary inorganic species and secondary organic carbon (OC) dominated the increase in PM2.5; fatty acids and anhydrosugars dominated the increase in OA; and the contribution of secondary formation and biomass burning to OC increased markedly.
Amie Dobracki, Ernie R. Lewis, Arthur J. Sedlacek III, Tyler Tatro, Maria A. Zawadowicz, and Paquita Zuidema
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2333–2363, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2333-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2333-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Biomass-burning aerosol is commonly present in the marine boundary layer over the southeast Atlantic Ocean between June and October. Our research indicates that burning conditions, aerosol transport pathways, and prolonged oxidation processes (heterogeneous and aqueous phases) determine the chemical, microphysical, and optical properties of the boundary layer aerosol. Notably, we find that the aerosol optical properties can be estimated from the chemical properties alone.
Benjamin Heutte, Nora Bergner, Hélène Angot, Jakob B. Pernov, Lubna Dada, Jessica A. Mirrielees, Ivo Beck, Andrea Baccarini, Matthew Boyer, Jessie M. Creamean, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, Imad El Haddad, Markus M. Frey, Silvia Henning, Tiia Laurila, Vaios Moschos, Tuukka Petäjä, Kerri A. Pratt, Lauriane L. J. Quéléver, Matthew D. Shupe, Paul Zieger, Tuija Jokinen, and Julia Schmale
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2207–2241, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2207-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2207-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Limited aerosol measurements in the central Arctic hinder our understanding of aerosol–climate interactions in the region. Our year-long observations of aerosol physicochemical properties during the MOSAiC expedition reveal strong seasonal variations in aerosol chemical composition, where the short-term variability is heavily affected by storms in the Arctic. Local wind-generated particles are shown to be an important source of cloud seeds, especially in autumn.
Feng Jiang, Harald Saathoff, Uzoamaka Ezenobi, Junwei Song, Hengheng Zhang, Linyu Gao, and Thomas Leisner
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 1917–1930, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1917-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1917-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The chemical composition of brown carbon in the particle and gas phase was determined by mass spectrometry. BrC in the gas phase was mainly controlled by secondary formation and particle-to-gas partitioning. BrC in the particle phase was mainly from secondary formation. This work helps to get a better understanding of diurnal variations and the sources of brown carbon aerosol at a rural location in central Europe.
Theresa Mathes, Heather Guy, John Prytherch, Julia Kojoj, Ian Brooks, Sonja Murto, Paul Zieger, Birgit Wehner, Michael Tjernström, and Andreas Held
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-183, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-183, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The Arctic is warming faster than the global average and aerosol-cloud-sea-ice interactions are crucial for studying its climate system. During the ARTofMELT Expedition 2023, particle and sensible heat fluxes were measured over multiple surfaces. Wide lead surfaces acted as particle sources with the strongest sensible heat fluxes, while closed ice surfaces acted as a particle sink. This study improves methods to measure these interactions, enhancing our understanding of Arctic climate processes.
Vikram Pratap, Christopher J. Hennigan, Bastian Stieger, Andreas Tilgner, Laurent Poulain, Dominik van Pinxteren, Gerald Spindler, and Hartmut Herrmann
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-457, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-457, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In this work, we characterize trends in aerosol pH and its controlling factors over the period of 2010 – 2019 at the Melpitz research station in eastern Germany. We find strong trends in aerosol pH and major inorganic species in response to changing emissions. We conduct a detailed thermodynamic analysis of the aerosol system and discuss implications for controlling PM2.5 in the region.
James Brean, David C. S. Beddows, Eija Asmi, Aki 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, Rolf Weller, Giselle L. Marincovich, Gabriela C. Mulena, Roy M. Harrison, and Manuel Dall'Osto
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 1145–1162, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1145-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1145-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our results emphasise how understanding the geographical variation in surface types across the Antarctic is key to understanding secondary aerosol sources.
Adam E. Thomas, Hayley S. Glicker, Alex B. Guenther, Roger Seco, Oscar Vega Bustillos, Julio Tota, Rodrigo A. F. Souza, and James N. Smith
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 959–977, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-959-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-959-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We present measurements of the organic composition of ultrafine particles collected from the eastern Amazon, an understudied region that is subjected to increasing human influence. We find that while isoprene chemistry is likely significant for ultrafine-particle growth throughout the year, compounds related to other sources, such as biological-spore emissions and biomass burning, exhibit striking seasonal differences, implying extensive variation in regional ultrafine-particle sources.
Xiufeng Lian, Yongjiang Xu, Fengxian Liu, Long Peng, Xiaodong Hu, Guigang Tang, Xu Dao, Hui Guo, Liwei Wang, Bo Huang, Chunlei Cheng, Lei Li, Guohua Zhang, Xinhui Bi, Xiaofei Wang, Zhen Zhou, and Mei Li
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3469, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3469, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we analyzed the mixing state and atmospheric chemical processes of Pb-rich single particles in Beijing. Then, we focused on analyzing the differences in Pb-rich particles between the heating period and non-heating period, as well as the formation mechanism of lead nitrate after coal-to-gas conversion. Our results highlighted the improvement of coal-to-gas conversion on Pb in the particulate.
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, Moe Kadota, Akane Tsushima, Naoko Nagatsuka, and Teruo Aoki
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 657–683, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-657-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-657-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Monthly ice core records spanning 350 years from Greenland show trends in refractory black carbon (rBC) concentrations and sizes. rBC levels have increased since the 1870s due to the inflow of anthropogenic rBC, with larger diameters than those from biomass burning (BB) rBC. High summer BB rBC peaks may reduce the ice sheet albedo, but BB rBC showed no increase until the early 2000s. These results are vital for validating aerosol and climate models.
Jiayin Li, Tianyu Zhai, Xiaorui Chen, Haichao Wang, Shuyang Xie, Shiyi Chen, Chunmeng Li, Huabin Dong, and Keding Lu
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3804, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3804, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We directly measured the dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) uptake coefficient which critical impact the NOx fate and particulate nitrate formation in a typical highland city, Kunming, in China. We found the performance of current γ(N2O5) parameterizations showed deviations with the varying aerosol liquid water content (ALWC). Such differences would lead to biased estimation on particulate nitrate production potential. Our findings suggest the directions for future studies.
Jishnu Pandamkulangara Kizhakkethil, Zongbo Shi, Anna Bogush, and Ivan Kourtchev
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3952, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3952, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Pollution with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) received attention due to their environmental persistence and bioaccumulation. PM10 collected above a scaled-down activated sludge tank treating domestic sewage for a population >10,000 people in the UK were analysed for a range of short-, medium- and long-chain PFAS. Eight PFAS were detected in the PM10. Our results suggest that wastewater treatment processes i.e. activated sludge aeration could aerosolise PFAS into airborne PM.
Mingjie Kang, Mengying Bao, Wenhuai Song, Aduburexiati Abulimiti, Changliu Wu, Fang Cao, Sönke Szidat, and Yanlin Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 73–91, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-73-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-73-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Reports on molecular-level knowledge of high-temporal-resolution particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) on hazy days are limited. We investigated various PM2.5 species and their 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-fossil sources increased with increasing haze pollution, suggesting BB may be an important driver of haze events in winter.
Gregory P. Schill, Karl D. Froyd, Daniel M. Murphy, Christina J. Williamson, Charles A. Brock, Tomás Sherwen, Mat J. Evans, Eric A. Ray, Eric C. Apel, Rebecca S. Hornbrook, Alan J. Hills, Jeff Peischl, Thomas B. Ryerson, Chelsea R. Thompson, Ilann Bourgeois, Donald R. Blake, Joshua P. DiGangi, and Glenn S. Diskin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 45–71, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-45-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-45-2025, 2025
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.
Yanqin Ren, Zhenhai Wu, Fang Bi, Hong Li, Haijie Zhang, Junling Li, Rui Gao, Fangyun Long, Zhengyang Liu, Yuanyuan Ji, and Gehui Wang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3678, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3678, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The daily concentrations of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs), and nitrated phenols (NPs) in PM2.5 were all increased during the heating season. Biomass burning was identified to be the primary source of these aromatic compounds, particularly for PAHs. Phenol and nitrobenzene are two main primary precursors for 4NP, with phenol showing lower reaction barriers. P-Cresol was identified as the primary precursor for the formation of 4-methyl-5-nitrocatechol.
Zhao Wei, Shohei Hattori, Asuka Tsuruta, Zhuang Jiang, Sakiko Ishino, Koji Fujita, Sumito Matoba, Lei Geng, Alexis Lamothe, Ryu Uemura, Naohiro Yoshida, Joel Savarino, and Yoshinori Iizuka
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3937, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3937, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Nitrate isotope records in ice cores reveal changes in NOₓ emissions, atmospheric acidity, and oxidation chemistry driven by human activity. However, nitrate in snow can be altered by UV-driven post-depositional processes, making snow accumulation rates critical for preserving these records. This study examines nitrate isotopes in an SE-Dome ice core, where high snow accumulation minimizes these effects, providing a reliable archive of atmospheric nitrogen cycling.
Capucine Camin, François Lacan, Catherine Pradoux, Marie Labatut, Anne Johansen, and James W. Murray
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3777, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3777, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This manuscript presents the chemical composition of aerosols (> 1µm) over the Equatorial and Tropical Pacific Ocean, presenting the first measurements of iron isotopes in aerosols from this region. Iron concentrations and isotopes were determined using a Neptune MC-ICPMS. Our data analysis reveals that a significant portion of the aerosols undergo dissolution and removal during atmospheric transport. These findings contribute to original conclusions about the chemistry and physics of aerosols.
Andreas Aktypis, Dontavious J. Sippial, Christina N. Vasilakopoulou, Angeliki Matrali, Christos Kaltsonoudis, Andrea Simonati, Marco Paglione, Matteo Rinaldi, Stefano Decesari, and Spyros N. Pandis
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 13769–13791, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13769-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13769-2024, 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 organic aerosol (SOA). In the Po Valley, the system reacts rapidly, forming large amounts of SOA, while in Pertouli the SOA formation chemistry appears to have been practically terminated before the beginning of most experiments, so there is little additional SOA formation potential left.
Amna Ijaz, Brice Temime-Roussel, Benjamin Chazeau, Sarah Albertin, Stephen R. Arnold, Brice Barrett, Slimane Bekki, Natalie Brett, Meeta Cesler-Maloney, Elsa Dieudonne, Kayane K. Dingilian, Javier G. Fochesatto, Jingqiu Mao, Allison Moon, Joel Savarino, William Simpson, Rodney J. Weber, Kathy S. Law, and Barbara D'Anna
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3789, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3789, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Fairbanks is among the most polluted cities with the highest particulate matter (PM) levels in the US during winters. Highly time-resolved measurements of the sub-micron PM elucidated residential heating with wood and oil and hydrocarbon-like organics from traffic, as well as sulphur-containing organic aerosol, to be the key pollution sources. Remarkable differences existed between complementary instruments, warranting the deployment of multiple tools at sites with wide-ranging influences.
Fredrik Mattsson, Almuth Neuberger, Liine Heikkinen, Yvette Gramlich, Marco Paglione, Matteo Rinaldi, Stefano Decesari, Paul Zieger, Ilona Riipinen, and Claudia Mohr
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3629, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3629, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigated aerosol-cloud interactions, focusing on organic nitrogen (ON) formation in the aqueous phase. Measurements were conducted in wintertime Italian Po Valley, using aerosol mass spectrometry. The fog was enriched in more hygroscopic inorganic compounds and ON, containing e.g. imidazoles. The formation of imidazole by aerosol-fog interactions could be confirmed for the first time in atmospheric observations. Findings highlight the role of fog in nitrogen aerosol formation.
Jie Zhang, Tianyu Zhu, Alexandra Catena, Yaowei Li, Margaret J. Schwab, Pengfei Liu, Akua Asa-Awuku, and James Schwab
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 13445–13456, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13445-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13445-2024, 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), when the aerosol chemical composition is already known.
Wei Yuan, Ru-Jin Huang, Chao Luo, Lu Yang, Wenjuan Cao, Jie Guo, and Huinan Yang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 13219–13230, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13219-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13219-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We characterized water-soluble oxidative potential (OP) levels in wintertime PM2.5 in the south and north of Beijing. Our results show that the volume-normalized dithiothreitol (DTTv) in the north was comparable to that in the south, while the mass-normalized dithiothreitol (DTTm) in the north was almost twice that in the south. Traffic-related emissions and biomass burning were the main sources of DTTv in the south, and traffic-related emissions contributed the most to DTTv in the north.
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, Baoling Liang, Qibin Sun, Jun Zhao, Duohong Chen, Jiaren Sun, Zhiyong Yang, and Min Shao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 13065–13079, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13065-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13065-2024, 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. A 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.
Qingxiao Meng, Yunjiang Zhang, Sheng Zhong, Jie Fang, Lili Tang, Yongcai Rao, Minfeng Zhou, Jian Qiu, Xiaofeng Xu, Jean-Eudes Petit, Olivier Favez, and Xinlei Ge
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2776, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2776, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a new method to reconstruct missing elemental carbon (EC) data in four Chinese cities from 2013 to 2023. Using machine learning, we accurately filled data gaps and introduced a new approach to analyze EC trends. Our findings reveal a significant decline in EC due to stricter pollution controls, though this slowed after 2020. This study provides a versatile framework for addressing data gaps and supports strategies to reduce urban air pollution and its climate impacts.
Yingjie Shen, Rudra P. Pokhrel, Amy P. Sullivan, Ezra J. T. Levin, Lauren A. Garofalo, Delphine K. Farmer, Wade Permar, Lu Hu, Darin W. Toohey, Teresa Campos, Emily V. Fischer, and Shane M. Murphy
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 12881–12901, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12881-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12881-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The magnitude and evolution of brown carbon (BrC) absorption remain unclear, with uncertainty in climate models. Data from the WE-CAN airborne experiment show that model parameterizations overestimate the mass absorption cross section (MAC) of BrC. Observed decreases in BrC absorption with chemical markers are due to decreasing organic aerosol (OA) mass rather than a decreasing BrC MAC, which is currently implemented in models. Water-soluble BrC contributes 23 % of total absorption at 660 nm.
Qun He, Zhaowen Wang, Houfeng Liu, Pengju Xu, Rongbao Duan, Caihong Xu, Jianmin Chen, and Min Wei
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 12775–12792, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12775-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12775-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Coastal environments provide an ideal setting for investigating the intermixing of terrestrial and marine aerosols. Terrestrial air mass constituted a larger number of microbes from anthropogenic and soil emissions, whereas saprophytic and gut microbes were predominant in marine samples. Mixed air masses indicated a fusion of marine and terrestrial aerosols, characterized by alterations in the ratio of pathogenic and saprophytic microbes when compared to either terrestrial or marine samples.
Rime El Asmar, Zongrun Li, David J. Tanner, Yongtao Hu, Susan O'Neill, L. Gregory Huey, M. Talat Odman, and Rodney J. Weber
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 12749–12773, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12749-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12749-2024, 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 2 different years, we characterize emissions and evolutions of up to 8 h of PM2.5 mass, black carbon (BC), and brown carbon (BrC) in smoke from burning of forested lands in the southeastern USA.
Matthew Boyer, Diego Aliaga, Lauriane L. J. Quéléver, Silvia Bucci, Hélène Angot, Lubna Dada, Benjamin Heutte, Lisa Beck, Marina Duetsch, Andreas Stohl, Ivo Beck, Tiia Laurila, Nina Sarnela, Roseline C. Thakur, Branka Miljevic, Markku Kulmala, Tuukka Petäjä, Mikko Sipilä, Julia Schmale, and Tuija Jokinen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 12595–12621, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12595-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12595-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We analyze the seasonal cycle and sources of gases that are relevant for the formation of aerosol particles in the central Arctic. Since theses gases can form new particles, they can influence Arctic climate. We show that the sources of these gases are associated with changes in the Arctic environment during the year, especially with respect to sea ice. Therefore, the concentration of these gases will likely change in the future as the Arctic continues to warm.
Binyu Xiao, Fan Zhang, Zeyu Liu, Yan Zhang, Rui Li, Can Wu, Xinyi Wan, Yi Wang, Yubao Chen, Yong Han, Min Cui, Libo Zhang, Yingjun Chen, and Gehui Wang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3433, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3433, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Intermediate/semi-volatile organic compounds in both gas and particle phases from ship exhausts are enhanced due to the switch of fuels from low-sulfur to ultra-low-sulfur. The findings indicate that optimization is necessary for the forthcoming global implementation of an ultra-low-sulfur oil policy. Besides, we find that organic diagnostic markers of hopanes, in conjunction with the ratio of octadecanoic to tetradecanoic could be considered as potential tracers for HFO exhausts.
Mutian Ma, Laura-Hélèna Rivellini, Yichen Zong, Markus Kraft, Liya E. Yu, and Alex King Yin Lee
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3240, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3240, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This work advances our understanding of emission and atmospheric evolution of black carbon (BC) particles in Singapore, a complex urban environment impacted by multiple local and regional combustion sources, based on the improved source apportionment analysis of real-time aerosol mass spectrometry measurement.
Hongyu Zhang, Shenbo Wang, Zhangsen Dong, Xiao Li, and Ruiqin Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2869, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2869, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
To address this, 12-year observational data in Zhengzhou were investigated and revealed that the resuspension of surrounding soil dust determined the rebound of crustal material concentrations after 2019, further elevating the particle pH. Therefore, the future ammonia reduction policies in North China may not lead to a rapid increase in particle acidity buffering by the crustal materials, but it is necessary to consider synergistic control with dust sources.
Haley M. Royer, Michael T. Sheridan, Hope E. Elliott, Nurun Nahar Lata, Zezhen Cheng, Swarup China, Zihua Zhu, Andrew P. Ault, and Cassandra J. Gaston
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3288, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3288, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Saharan dust transported across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, South America, and North America is hypothesized to undergo chemical processing by inorganic and organic acids that enhances cloud droplet formation, nutrient availability, and reflectivity of. In this study, chemical analysis performed on African dust deposited over Barbados shows that acid tracers are found mostly on sea salt and smoke particles, rather than dust, indicating that dust particles undergo minimal chemical processing.
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.
Yu Huang, Xingru Li, Dan Dan Huang, Ruoyuan Lei, Binhuang Zhou, Yunjiang Zhang, and Xinlei Ge
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2757, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2757, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This work performed a comprehensive investigation on the chemical and optical properties of the brown carbon in PM2.5 samples collected in Nanjing, China. In particular, we used the machine learning approach to identify a list of key BrC species, which can be a good reference for future studies. Our findings extend the understanding on BrC properties and are valuable to the assessment of its impact on air quality and radiative forcing.
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.
Cited articles
Alexander, B., Hastings, M. G., Allman, D. J., Dachs, J., Thornton, J. A.,
and Kunasek, S. A.: Quantifying atmospheric nitrate formation pathways based
on a global model of the oxygen isotopic composition (Δ17O) of
atmospheric nitrate, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 9, 5043–5056,
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-9-5043-2009, 2009.
Anenberg, S. C., Miller, J., Minjares, R., Du, L., Henze, D. K., Lacey, F.,
Malley, C. S., Emberson, L., Franco, V., Klimont, Z., and Heyes, C.: Impacts and
mitigation of excess diesel-related NOx emissions in 11 major vehicle
markets, Nature, 545, 467–471, 2017.
Balasubramanian, S., Koloutsou-Vakakis, S., McFarland, D. M., and Rood, M. J.:
Reconsidering emissions of ammonia from chemical fertilizer usage in Midwest
USA, J. Geophys. Res., 120, 6232–6246, 2015.
Benkovitz, C. M., Scholtz M. T., Pacyna J., Tarrasón L., Dignon J.,
Voldner E. C., Spiro P. A., Logan J. A., and Graedel T. E.: Global gridded
inventories of anthropogenic emissions of sulfur and nitrogen, J. Geophys.
Res., 101, 29239–29253, https://doi.org/10.1029/96JD00126, 1996.
Boone, E. J., Laskin, A., Laskin, J., Wirth, C., Shepson, P. B., Stirm, B.
H., and Pratt, K. A.: Aqueous processing of atmospheric organic particles in
cloud water collected via aircraft sampling, Environ. Sci. Technol., 49,
8523–8530, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5b01639, 2015.
Bouwman, A., Lee, D., Asman, W., Dentener, F., Van Der Hoek, K., and
Olivier, J.: A global high-resolution emission inventory for ammonia, Global
Biogeochem. Cy., 11, 561–587, https://doi.org/10.1029/97GB02266, 1997.
Cao, F., Zhang, S. C., Kawamura, K., and Zhang, Y. L.: Inorganic markers,
carbonaceous components and stable carbon isotope from biomass burning
aerosols in Northeast China, Sci. Total Environ., 572, 1244–1251,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.09.099, 2016, 2016.
Cao, F., Zhang, S. C., Kawamura, K., Liu, X., Yang, C., Xu, Z., Fan, M.,
Zhang, W., Bao, M., Chang, Y., Song, W., Liu, S., Lee, X., Li, J., Zhang,
G., and Zhang, Y. L.: Chemical characteristics of dicarboxylic acids and
related organic compounds in PM2.5 during biomass-burning and
non-biomass-burning seasons at a rural site of Northeast China, Environ.
Pollut., 231, 654–662, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.08.045, 2017.
Chang, Y. H., Liu, X., Deng, C., Dore, A. J., and Zhuang, G.: Source
apportionment of atmospheric ammonia before, during, and after the 2014 APEC
summit in Beijing using stable nitrogen isotope signatures, Atmos. Chem.
Phys., 16, 11635–11647, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-11635-2016, 2016.
Chang, Y. H., Zhang, Y., Tian, C., Zhang, S., Ma, X., Cao, F., Liu, X.,
Zhang, W., Kuhn, T., and Lehmann, M. F.: Nitrogen isotope fractionation
during gas-to-particle conversion of NOx to
Chellman, N. J., Hastings, M. G., and McConnell, J. R.: Increased nitrate and decreased
Chen, J. M., Li, C., Ristovski, Z., Milic, A., Gu, Y., Islam, M. S., Wang,
S., Hao, J., Zhang, H., He, C., Guo, H., Fu, H., Miljevic, B., Morawska, L.,
Thai, P., Lam, Y. F., Pereira, G., Ding, A., Huang, X., and Dumka, U. C.: A
review of biomass burning: Emissions and impacts on air quality, health and
climate in China, Sci. Total Environ., 579, 1000–1034,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.11.025, 2017.
Chen, Y. C., Christensen, M. W., Stephens, G. L., and Seinfeld, J. H.:
Satellite-based estimate of global aerosol-cloud radiative forcing by marine
warm clouds, Nat. Geosci., 7, 643, https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo2214, 2014.
Crutzen, P. J. and Andreae, M. O.: Biomass burning in the tropics: Impact
on atmospheric chemistry and biogeochemical cycles, Science, 250,
1669–1678, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.250.4988.1669, 1990.
Demoz, B. B., Collett, J. L., and Daube, B. C.: On the Caltech active strand
cloudwater collectors, Atmos. Res., 41, 47–62,
https://doi.org/10.1016/0169-8095(95)00044-5, 1996.
Deng, Y., Li, Y., and Li, L.: Experimental investigation of nitrogen
isotopic effects associated with ammonia degassing at 0–70 ∘C,
Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac., 226, 182–191,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2018.02.007, 2018.
Desyaterik, Y., Sun, Y., Shen, X., Lee, T., Wang, X., Wang, T., and Collett,
J. L.: Speciation of “brown” carbon in cloud water impacted by
agricultural biomass burning in eastern China, J. Geophys. Res., 118,
7389–7399, https://doi.org/10.1002/jgrd.50561, 2013.
Duncan, B. N., Lamsal, L. N., Thompson, A. M., Yoshida, Y., Lu, Z., Streets,
D. G., Hurwitz, M. M., and Pickering, K. E.: A space-based, high-resolution view
of notable changes in urban NOx pollution around the world (2005–2014),
J. Geophys. Res., 121, 976–996, 2016.
Elliott, E., Kendall, C., Wankel, S. D., Burns, D., Boyer, E., Harlin, K.,
Bain, D., and Butler, T.: Nitrogen isotopes as indicators of NOx source
contributions to atmospheric nitrate deposition across the Midwestern and
northeastern United States, Environ. Sci. Technol., 41, 7661–7667,
https://doi.org/10.1021/es070898t, 2007.
Elliott, E. M., Kendall, C., Boyer, E. W., Burns, D. A., Lear, G. G.,
Golden, H. E., Harlin, K., Bytnerowicz, A., Butler, T. J., and Glatz, R.:
Dual nitrate isotopes in dry deposition: Utility for partitioning NOx
source contributions to landscape nitrogen deposition, J. Geophys. Res.,
114, G04020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008jg000889, 2009.
Fang, Y. T., Koba, K., Wang, X. M., Wen, D. Z., Li, J., Takebayashi, Y.,
Liu, X. Y., and Yoh, M.: Anthropogenic imprints on nitrogen and oxygen
isotopic composition of precipitation nitrate in a nitrogen-polluted city in
southern China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 1313–1325,
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-1313-2011, 2011.
Felix, J. D. and Elliott, E. M.: The agricultural history of human-nitrogen
interactions as recorded in ice core
Felix, J. D., Elliott, E. M., and Shaw, S. L.: Nitrogen isotopic composition
of coal-fired power plant NOx: Influence of emission controls and
implications for global emission inventories, Environ. Sci. Technol., 46,
3528–3535, https://doi.org/10.1021/es203355v, 2012.
Felix, J. D., Elliott, E. M., Gish, T. J., McConnell, L. L., and Shaw, S.
L.: Characterizing the isotopic composition of atmospheric ammonia emission
sources using passive samplers and a combined oxidation-bacterial
denitrifier approach, Rapid Commun. Mass Sp., 27, 2239–2246,
https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.6679, 2013.
Felix, J. D., Elliott, E. M., Avery, G. B., Kieber, R. J., Mead, R. N.,
Willey, J. D., and Mullaugh, K. M.: Isotopic composition of nitrate in
sequential Hurricane Irene precipitation samples: Implications for changing
NOx sources, Atmos. Environ., 106, 191–195,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2015.01.075, 2015.
Fenech, C., Rock, L., Nolan, K., Tobin, J., and Morrissey, A.: The potential
for a suite of isotope and chemical markers to differentiate sources of
nitrate contamination: a review, Water Res., 46, 2023–2041,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2012.01.044, 2012.
Fibiger, D. L. and Hastings, M. G.: First measurements of the nitrogen
isotopic composition of NOx from biomass burning, Environ. Sci.
Technol., 50, 11569–11574, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6b03510, 2016.
Fomba, K. W., van Pinxteren, D., Müller, K., Iinuma, Y., Lee, T., Collett Jr., J. L., and Herrmann, H.: Trace metal characterization of aerosol particles and cloud water during HCCT 2010, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 8751–8765, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-8751-2015, 2015.
Gioda, A., Reyes-Rodríguez, G. J., Santos-Figueroa, G., Collett, J. L.,
Decesari, S., Ramos, M. D. C. K. V., Bezerra Netto, H. J. C., de Aquino
Neto, F. R., and Mayol-Bracero, O. L.: Speciation of water-soluble
inorganic, organic, and total nitrogen in a background marine environment:
Cloud water, rainwater, and aerosol particles, J. Geophys. Res., 116, D05203,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2010JD015010, 2011.
Hastings, M., Sigman, D. M., and Lipschultz, F.: Isotopic evidence for
source changes of nitrate in rain at Bermuda, J. Geophys. Res., 108, 4790,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2003JD003789, 2003.
Hastings, M., Jarvis, J., and Steig, E.: Anthropogenic impacts on nitrogen
isotopes of ice-core nitrate, Science, 324, 1288,
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1170510, 2009.
Hastings, M., Casciotti, K. L., and Elliott, E. M.: Stable isotopes as
tracers of anthropogenic nitrogen sources, deposition, and impacts,
Elements, 9, 339–344, https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.9.5.339, 2013.
Heald, C. L., Collett Jr., J. L., Lee, T., Benedict, K. B., Schwandner, F. M., Li, Y., Clarisse, L., Hurtmans, D. R., Van Damme, M., Clerbaux, C., Coheur, P.-F., Philip, S., Martin, R. V., and Pye, H. O. T.: Atmospheric ammonia and particulate inorganic nitrogen over the United States, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 12, 10295–10312, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-12-10295-2012, 2012.
Heaton, T. H. E., Spiro, B., and Robertson, S. M. C.: Potential canopy
influences on the isotopic composition of nitrogen and sulphur in
atmospheric deposition, Oecologia, 109, 600–607,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s004420050122, 1997.
Herrmann, H., Schaefer, T., Tilgner, A., Styler, S. A., Weller, C., Teich,
M., and Otto, T.: Tropospheric aqueous-phase chemistry: Kinetics,
mechanisms, and its coupling to a changing gas phase, Chem. Rev., 115,
4259–4334, https://doi.org/10.1021/cr500447k, 2015.
Hoffmann, D., Tilgner, A., Iinuma, Y., and Herrmann, H.: Atmospheric
stability of levoglucosan: A detailed laboratory and modeling study,
Environ. Sci. Technol., 44, 694–699, https://doi.org/10.1021/es902476f,
2010.
Huang, C., Chen, C. H., Li, L., Cheng, Z., Wang, H. L., Huang, H. Y., Streets, D. G., Wang, Y. J., Zhang, G. F., and Chen, Y. R.: Emission inventory of anthropogenic air pollutants and VOC species in the Yangtze River Delta region, China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 4105–4120, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-4105-2011, 2011.
Jaegle, L., Steinberger, L., Martin, R. V., and Chance, K.: Global partitioning
of NOx sources using satellite observations: Relative roles of fossil
fuel combustion, biomass burning and soil emissions, Faraday Discus., 130,
407–423, 2005.
Kang, Y., Liu, M., Song, Y., Huang, X., Yao, H., Cai, X., Zhang, H., Kang, L., Liu, X., Yan, X., He, H., Zhang, Q., Shao, M., and Zhu, T.: High-resolution ammonia emissions inventories in China from 1980 to 2012, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 2043–2058, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2043-2016, 2016.
Kawashima, H. and Kurahashi, T.: Inorganic ion and nitrogen isotopic
compositions of atmospheric aerosols at Yurihonjo, Japan: Implications for
nitrogen sources, Atmos. Environ., 45, 6309–6316,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2011.08.057, 2011.
Kim, I. N., Lee, K., Gruber, N., Karl, D. M., Bullister, J. L., Yang, S.,
and Kim, T. W.: Increasing anthropogenic nitrogen in the North Pacific
Ocean, Science, 346, 1102–1106, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1258396,
2014.
Kundu, S., Kawamura, K., and Lee, M.: Seasonal variation of the
concentrations of nitrogenous species and their nitrogen isotopic ratios in
aerosols at Gosan, Jeju Island: Implications for atmospheric processing and
source changes of aerosols, J. Geophys. Res., 115, D20305,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2009JD013323, 2010.
Lamsal, L. N., Martin, R. V., Padmanabhan, A., van Donkelaar, A., Zhang, Q.,
Sioris, C. E., Chance, K., Kurosu, T. P., and Newchurch, M. J.: Application of
satellite observations for timely updates to global anthropogenic NOx
emission inventories, Geophys. Res. Lett., 38, L05810,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2010GL046476, 2011.
Lance, S., Barth, M., and Carlton, A.: Multiphase chemistry: Experimental
design for coordinated measurement and modeling studies of cloud processing
at a mountaintop, B. Am. Meteorol. Soc., 98, ES163–ES167,
https://doi.org/10.1175/bams-d-17-0015.1, 2017.
Leng, Q., Cui, J., Zhou, F., Du, K., Zhang, L., Fu, C., Liu, Y., Wang, H.,
Shi, G., Gao, M., Yang, F., and He, D.: Wet-only deposition of atmospheric
inorganic nitrogen and associated isotopic characteristics in a typical
mountain area, southwestern China, Sci. Total Environ., 616, 55–63,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.240, 2018.
Levy, H., Moxim, W. J., and Kasibhatla, P. S.: A global three-dimensional
time-dependent lightning source of tropospheric NOx, J. Geophys. Res.,
101, 22911–22922, 1996.
Li, J., Wang, X., Chen, J., Zhu, C., Li, W., Li, C., Liu, L., Xu, C., Wen, L., Xue, L., Wang, W., Ding, A., and Herrmann, H.: Chemical composition and droplet size distribution of cloud at the summit of Mount Tai, China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 9885–9896, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9885-2017, 2017.
Li, L., Lollar, B. S., Li, H., Wortmann, U. G., and Lacrampe-Couloume, G.:
Ammonium stability and nitrogen isotope fractionations for
NH3(aq)-NH3(gas) systems at 20–70 ∘C and pH of 2-13:
Applications to habitability and nitrogen cycling in low-temperature
hydrothermal systems, Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac., 84, 280–296,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2012.01.040, 2012.
Li, Q., Jiang, J., Cai, S., Zhou, W., Wang, S., Duan, L., and Hao, J.:
Gaseous ammonia emissions from coal and biomass combustion in household
stoves with different combustion efficiencies, Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett.,
3, 98–103, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.6b00013, 2016a.
Li, T., Wang, Y., Mao, H., Wang, S., Talbot, R. W., Zhou, Y., Wang, Z., Nie,
X., and Qie, G.: Insights on chemistry of mercury species in clouds over
Northern China: Complexation and adsorption, Environ. Sci. Technol., 52,
5125–5134, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.7b06669, 2018.
Li, Y., Schichtel, B. A., Walker, J. T., Schwede, D. B., Chen, X., Lehmann,
C. M. B., Puchalski, M. A., Gay, D. A., and Collett, J. L.: Increasing
importance of deposition of reduced nitrogen in the United States, P. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA, 113, 5874–5879, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1525736113, 2016b.
Lin, C. T., Jickells, T. D., Baker, A. R., Marca, A., and Johnson, M. T.:
Aerosol isotopic ammonium signatures over the remote Atlantic Ocean, Atmos.
Environ., 133, 165–169, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2016.03.020,
2016.
Lin, Q., Zhang, G., Peng, L., Bi, X., Wang, X., Brechtel, F. J., Li, M., Chen, D., Peng, P., Sheng, G., and Zhou, Z.: In situ chemical composition measurement of individual cloud residue particles at a mountain site, southern China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 8473–8488, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8473-2017, 2017.
Liu, D., Fang, Y., Tu, Y., and Pan, Y.: Chemical method for nitrogen
isotopic analysis of ammonium at natural abundance, Anal. Chem., 86,
3787–3792, https://doi.org/10.1021/ac403756u, 2014.
Liu, X., Zhang, Y., Han, W., Tang, A., Shen, J., Cui, Z., Vitousek, P.,
Erisman, J. W., Goulding, K., Christie, P., Fangmeier, A., and Zhang, F.:
Enhanced nitrogen deposition over China, Nature, 494, 459–462,
https://doi.org/10.1038/nature11917, 2013.
Liu, L., Zhang, J., Xu, L., Yuan, Q., Huang, D., Chen, J., Shi, Z., Sun, Y., Fu, P., Wang, Z., Zhang, D., and Li, W.: Cloud scavenging of anthropogenic refractory particles at a mountain site in North China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 14681–14693, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-14681-2018, 2018.
Lobert, J. M., Scharffe, D. H., Hao, W. M., and Crutzen, P. J.: Importance
of biomass burning in the atmospheric budgets of nitrogen-containing gases.
Nature, 346, 552, https://doi.org/10.1038/346552a0, 1990.
McIlvin, M. R. and Altabet, M. A.: Chemical conversion of nitrate and
nitrite to nitrous oxide for nitrogen and oxygen isotopic analysis in
freshwater and seawater, Anal. Chem., 77, 5589–5595,
https://doi.org/10.1021/ac050528s, 2005.
Michalski, G., Bockheim, J. G., Kendall, C., and Thiemens, M.: Isotopic
composition of Antarctic Dry Valley nitrate: Implications for NOy
sources and cycling in Antarctica, Geophys. Res. Lett., 32, L13817,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2004GL022121, 2005.
Michalski, G., Bhattacharya, S., and Mase, F.: Oxygen isotope dynamics of
atmospheric nitrate and its precursor molecules (Chapter 30), in: Handbook of Environmental Isotope Geochemistry, edited by: Baskaran, M., Advances in Isotope
Geochemistry, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-10637-8_30,
Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg, 2011.
Miyazaki, K., Eskes, H., Sudo, K., Boersma, K. F., Bowman, K., and Kanaya, Y.: Decadal changes in global surface NOx emissions from multi-constituent satellite data assimilation, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 807–837, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-807-2017, 2017.
Morin, S., Savarino, J., Frey, M. M., Yan, N., Bekki, S., Bottenheim, J. W.,
and Martins, J. M.: Tracing the origin and fate of NOx in the Arctic
atmosphere using stable isotopes in nitrate. Science, 322, 730–732,
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1161910, 2008.
Morino, Y., Kondo, Y., Takegawa, N., Miyazaki, Y., Kita, K., Komazaki, Y.,
Fukuda, M., Miyakawa, T., Moteki, N., and Worsnop, D. R.: Partitioning of
HNO3 and particulate nitrate over Tokyo: Effect of vertical mixing, J.
Geophys. Res., 111, D15215, https://doi.org/10.1029/2005JD006887, 2006.
Norris, J. R., Allen, R. J., Evan, A. T., Zelinka, M. D., O'Dell, C. W., and
Klein, S. A.: Evidence for climate change in the satellite cloud record.
Nature, 536, 72, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature18273, 2016.
Okin, G. S., Baker, A. R., Tegen, I., Mahowald, N. M., Dentener, F. J.,
Duce, R. A., Galloway, J. N., Hunter, K., Kanakidou, M., Kubilay, N.,
Prospero, J. M., Sarin, M., Surapipith, V., Uematsu, M., and Zhu, T.:
Impacts of atmospheric nutrient deposition on marine productivity: Roles of
nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron. Global Biogeochem. Cy., 25, GB2022,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2010GB003858, 2011.
Olivier, J., Bouwman, A., Van der Hoek, K., and Berdowski, J.: Global air
emission inventories for anthropogenic sources of NOx, NH3 and
N2O in 1990, Environ. Pollut., 102, 135–148,
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-043201-4.50024-1, 1998.
Park, Y., Park, K., Kim, H., Yu, S., Noh, S., Kim, M., Kim, J., Ahn, J.,
Lee, M., Seok, K., and Kim, Y.: Characterizing isotopic compositions of
TC-C,
Paulot, F. and Jacob, D. J.: Hidden cost of US agricultural exports:
particulate matter from ammonia emissions, Environ. Sci. Technol., 48,
903–908, 2014.
Price, C., Penner, J., and Prather, M.: NOx from lightning: 1. Global
distribution based on lightning physics, J. Geophys. Res., 102, 5929–5941,
1997.
Proemse, B. C., Mayer, B., Chow, J. C., and Watson, J. G.: Isotopic
characterization of nitrate, ammonium and sulfate in stack PM2.5
emissions in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region, Alberta, Canada, Atmos.
Environ., 60, 555–563, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2012.06.046, 2012.
Ravishankara, A. R.: Heterogeneous and multiphase chemistry in the
troposphere, Science, 276, 1058–1065,
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.276.5315.1058, 1997.
Reche, C., Viana, M., Pandolfi, M., Alastuey, A., Moreno, T., Amato, F.,
Ripoll, A., and Querol, X.: Urban NH3 levels and sources in a Mediterranean
environment, Atmos. Environ., 57, 153–164, 2012.
Reis, S., Pinder, R. W., Zhang, M., Lijie, G., and Sutton, M. A.: Reactive nitrogen in atmospheric emission inventories, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 9, 7657–7677, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-9-7657-2009, 2009.
Richter, A., Burrows, J. P., Nuss, H., Granier, C., and Niemeier, U.: Increase
in tropospheric nitrogen dioxide over China observed from space, Nature,
437, 129–132, 2005.
Sang, X. F., Gensch, I., Kammer, B., Khan, A., Kleist, E., Laumer, W.,
Schlag, P., Schmitt, S. H., Wildt, J., Zhao, R., Mungall, E. L., Abbatt, J.
P. D., and Kiendler-Scharr, A.: Chemical stability of levoglucosan: an
isotopic perspective, Geophys. Res. Lett., 43, 5419–5424,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2016GL069179, 2016.
Savard, M. M., Cole, A. S., Vet, R., and Smirnoff, A.: The Δ17O and δ18O values of atmospheric nitrates simultaneously collected downwind of anthropogenic sources – implications for polluted air masses, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 10373–10389, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10373-2018, 2018.
Schlesinger, W. and Hartley, A.: A global budget for atmospheric NH3,
Biogeochem., 15, 191–211, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00002936, 1992.
Schurman, M. I., Boris, A., Desyaterik, Y., and Collett, J. L.: Aqueous
secondary organic aerosol formation in ambient cloud water photo-oxidations,
Aerosol Air Qual. Res., 18, 15–25,
https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2017.01.0029, 2018.
Seinfeld, J. and Pandis, S. N.: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From air
pollution to climate change, John Wiley and Sons, 2012.
Seinfeld, J. H., Bretherton, C., Carslaw, K. S., Coe, H., DeMott, P. J.,
Dunlea, E. J., Feingold, G., Ghan, S., Guenther, A. B., Kahn, R., Kraucunas,
I., Kreidenweis, S. M., Molina, M. J., Nenes, A., Penner, J. E., Prather, K.
A., Ramanathan, V., Ramaswamy, V., Rasch, P. J., Ravishankara, A. R.,
Rosenfeld, D., Stephens, G., and Wood, R.: Improving our fundamental
understanding of the role of aerosol-cloud interactions in the climate
system, P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 113, 5781–5790,
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1514043113, 2016.
Slade, J. H., Shiraiwa, M., Arangio, A., Su, H., Pöschl, U., Wang, J.,
and Knopf, D. A.: Cloud droplet activation through oxidation of organic
aerosol influenced by temperature and particle phase state, Geophys. Res.
Lett., 44, 1583–1591, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016GL072424, 2017.
Smirnoff, A., Savard, M. M., Vet, R., and Simard, M. C.: Nitrogen and triple
oxygen isotopes in near-road air samples using chemical conversion and
thermal decomposition, Rapid Commun. Mass Sp., 26, 2791–2804,
https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.6406, 2012.
Souri, A. H., Choi, Y., Jeon, W., Kochanski, A. K., Diao, L., Mandel, J.,
Bhave, P. V., and Pan, S.: Quantifying the impact of biomass burning
emissions on major inorganic aerosols and their precursors in the U.S, J.
Geophys. Res., 122, 12, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JD026788, 2017.
Suarez-Bertoa, R., Zardini, A. A., and Astorga, C.: Ammonia exhaust emissions
from spark ignition vehicles over the New European Driving Cycle, Atmos.
Environ., 97, 43–53, 2014.
Teng, X., Hu, Q., Zhang, L., Qi, J., Shi, J., Xie, H., Gao, H., and Yao, X.:
Identification of major sources of atmospheric NH3 in an urban
environment in Northern China during wintertime, Environ. Sci. Technol., 51,
6839–6848, 2017.
Tu, Y., Fang, Y., Liu, D., and Pan, Y.: Modifications to the azide method
for nitrate isotope analysis, Rapid Commun. Mass Sp., 30, 1213–1222,
https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.7551, 2016.
van Pinxteren, D., Fomba, K. W., Mertes, S., Müller, K., Spindler, G., Schneider, J., Lee, T., Collett, J. L., and Herrmann, H.: Cloud water composition during HCCT-2010: Scavenging efficiencies, solute concentrations, and droplet size dependence of inorganic ions and dissolved organic carbon, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 3185–3205, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-3185-2016, 2016.
Vega, C., Mårtensson, M., Wideqvist, U., Kaiser, J., Zieger, P., and
StrÖm, J.: Composition, isotopic fingerprint and source attribution of
nitrate deposition from rain and fog at a Sub-Arctic Mountain site in
Central Sweden (Mt Åreskutan), Tellus B, 71, 1445379,
https://doi.org/10.1080/16000889.2018.1559398, 2019.
Voigt, A. and Shaw, T. A.: Circulation response to warming shaped by
radiative changes of clouds and water vapour, Nat. Geosci., 8, 102–106,
https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo2345, 2015.
Walters, W. W. and Michalski, G.: Theoretical calculation of nitrogen
isotope equilibrium exchange fractionation factors for various NOy
molecules, Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac., 164, 284–297,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2015.05.029, 2015.
Walters, W. W., Simonini, D. S., and Michalski, G.: Nitrogen isotope
exchange between NO and NO2 and its implications for δ15N
variations in tropospheric NOx and atmospheric nitrate, Geophys. Res.
Lett., 43, 440–448, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015gl066438, 2016.
Wang, Y. L., Liu, X. Y., Song, W., Yang, W., Han, B., Dou, X. Y., Zhao, X.
D., Song, Z. L., Liu, C. Q., and Bai, Z. P.: Source appointment of nitrogen
in PM2.5 based on bulk δ15N signatures and a Bayesian
isotope mixing model, Tellus B, 69, 1299672,
https://doi.org/10.1080/16000889.2017.1299672, 2017a.
Wang, Z., Wang, W., Tham, Y. J., Li, Q., Wang, H., Wen, L., Wang, X., and Wang, T.: Fast heterogeneous N2O5 uptake and ClNO2 production in power plant and industrial plumes observed in the nocturnal residual layer over the North China Plain, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 12361–12378, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-12361-2017, 2017b.
Weathers, K. C. and Likens, G. E.: Clouds in Southern Chile: An important
source of nitrogen to nitrogen-limited ecosystems?, Environ. Sci. Technol.,
31, 210–213, https://doi.org/10.1021/es9603416, 1997.
Yang, J.-Y. T., Hsu, S.-C., Dai, M. H., Hsiao, S. S.-Y., and Kao, S.-J.: Isotopic composition of water-soluble nitrate in bulk atmospheric deposition at Dongsha Island: sources and implications of external N supply to the northern South China Sea, Biogeosciences, 11, 1833–1846, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-1833-2014, 2014.
Yeatman, S., Spokes, L., Dennis, P., and Jickells, T.: Comparisons of
aerosol nitrogen isotopic composition at two polluted coastal sites, Atmos.
Environ., 35, 1307–1320, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1352-2310(00)00408-8,
2001.
Yienger, J. J. and Levy, H.: Empirical model of global soil-biogenic
NOx emissions, J. Geophys. Res., 100, 11447–11464, 1995.
Zhang, C., Geng, X., Wang, H., Zhou, L., and Wang, B.: Emission factor for
atmospheric ammonia from a typical municipal wastewater treatment plant in
South China, Environ. Pollut., 220, 963–970, 2017.
Zhang, L., Chen, Y., Zhao, Y., Henze, D. K., Zhu, L., Song, Y., Paulot, F., Liu, X., Pan, Y., Lin, Y., and Huang, B.: Agricultural ammonia emissions in China: reconciling bottom-up and top-down estimates, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 339–355, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-339-2018, 2018.
Zhang, Y. L., and Cao, F.: Is it time to tackle PM2.5 air pollutions in
China from biomass-burning emissions?, Environ. Pollut., 202, 217–219,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2015.02.005, 2015.
Zhang, Y., Zheng, L. X., Liu, X. J., Jickells, T., Cape, J. N., Goulding,
K., Fangmeier, A., and Zhang, F. S.: Evidence for organic N deposition and
its anthropogenic sources in China, Atmos. Environ., 42, 1035–1041,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2007.12.015, 2008.
Zhang, Y., Dore, A. J., Ma, L., Liu, X. J., Ma, W. Q., Cape, J. N., and
Zhang, F. S.: Agricultural ammonia emissions inventory and spatial
distribution in the North China Plain, Environ. Pollut., 158, 490–501,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2007.12.015, 2010.
Zhao, Y., Zhang, J., and Nielsen, C. P.: The effects of recent control policies on trends in emissions of anthropogenic atmospheric pollutants and CO2 in China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 487–508, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-487-2013, 2013.
Zheng, X. D., Liu, X. Y., Song, W., Sun, X. C., and Liu, C. Q.: Nitrogen
isotope variations of ammonium across rain events: Implications for
different scavenging between ammonia and particulate ammonium, Environ.
Pollut., 239, 392–398, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.04.015, 2018.
Zong, Z., Wang, X., Tian, C., Chen, Y., Fang, Y., Zhang, F., Li, C., Sun,
J., Li, J., and Zhang, G.: First assessment of NOx sources at a
regional background site in North China using isotopic analysis linked with
modeling, Environ. Sci. Technol., 51, 5923–5931,
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6b06316, 2017.
Short summary
The present work underscores the value of cloud water dissolved inorganic nitrogen isotopes as carriers of quantitative information on regional NOx and NH3 emissions. It sheds light on the origin and production pathways of nitrogenous species in clouds and emphasizes the importance of biomass-burning-derived nitrogenous species as cloud condensation nuclei in China’s troposphere. Moreover, it highlights the rapid evolution of NOx emissions in China.
The present work underscores the value of cloud water dissolved inorganic nitrogen isotopes as...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint