Articles | Volume 20, issue 17
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-10513-2020
© Author(s) 2020. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-10513-2020
© Author(s) 2020. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
The impact of traffic on air quality in Ireland: insights from the simultaneous kerbside and suburban monitoring of submicron aerosols
Chunshui Lin
School of Physics, Ryan Institute's Centre for Climate and Air
Pollution Studies, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 CF50 Galway, Ireland
State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology and Key
Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics, Institute of Earth Environment,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 710061 Xi'an, China
Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, 710061 Xi'an, China
Darius Ceburnis
School of Physics, Ryan Institute's Centre for Climate and Air
Pollution Studies, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 CF50 Galway, Ireland
School of Physics, Ryan Institute's Centre for Climate and Air
Pollution Studies, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 CF50 Galway, Ireland
State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology and Key
Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics, Institute of Earth Environment,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 710061 Xi'an, China
Eimear Heffernan
School of Chemistry and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, T23 XE10 Cork, Ireland
Stig Hellebust
School of Chemistry and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, T23 XE10 Cork, Ireland
John Gallagher
Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering,
Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
Ru-Jin Huang
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
School of Physics, Ryan Institute's Centre for Climate and Air
Pollution Studies, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 CF50 Galway, Ireland
State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology and Key
Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics, Institute of Earth Environment,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 710061 Xi'an, China
Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, 710061 Xi'an, China
Colin O'Dowd
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
School of Physics, Ryan Institute's Centre for Climate and Air
Pollution Studies, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 CF50 Galway, Ireland
Jurgita Ovadnevaite
School of Physics, Ryan Institute's Centre for Climate and Air
Pollution Studies, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 CF50 Galway, Ireland
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EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1756, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1756, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
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Home heating is a major driver of air pollution across Europe, yet pollution trends and mitigation responses remain limited. PM1 observations from 2016–2023 in a temperate European city influenced by continental pollution reveal changing sources and composition. Major pollution contributors were identified, shaping clear seasonal patterns. Air quality has improved with reduced heating emissions and regional precursors reductions, while secondary organic aerosols show increasing importance.
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Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 2635–2647, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-2635-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-2635-2026, 2026
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Since China's 2013 Clean Air Act cut PM2.5 by over half, winter haze in the North China Plain persists partly due to secondary organic aerosols now dominating primary organic aerosol, requiring urgent regional cooperation to address model-underestimated chemical transformations and cross-border pollution.
Baihua Chen, Lu Lei, Emmanuel Chevassus, Wei Xu, Ling Zhen, Haobin Zhong, Lin Wang, Chunshui Lin, Ru-Jin Huang, Darius Ceburnis, Colin O'Dowd, and Jurgita Ovadnevaite
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 14205–14219, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-14205-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-14205-2025, 2025
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This study uses machine learning to separate marine primary organic aerosol (POA) and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from 1 decade of high-resolution data. POA averages 51 % of marine organic aerosols annually, peaking at 63 % in summer. A support vector regression model, validated via fuzzy clustering and Monte Carlo simulations, identifies seasonal patterns of POA linked to biological activity. We found diverse impacts of marine POA and SOA on the aerosol hygroscopicity and mixing state.
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
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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.
Mingxue Li, Men Xia, Chunshui Lin, Yifan Jiang, Weihang Sun, Yurun Wang, Yingnan Zhang, Maoxia He, and Tao Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3753–3764, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3753-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3753-2025, 2025
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Our field campaigns observed a strong diel pattern of chloroacetic acid as well as a strong correlation between its level and that of reactive chlorine species at a coastal site. Using quantum chemical calculations and box model simulation with an updated Master Chemical Mechanism, we found that the formation pathway of chloroacetic acid involved multiphase processes. Our study enhances understanding of atmospheric organic chlorine chemistry and emphasizes the importance of multiphase reactions.
Kirsten N. Fossum, Chunshui Lin, Niall O'Sullivan, Lu Lei, Stig Hellebust, Darius Ceburnis, Aqeel Afzal, Anja Tremper, David Green, Srishti Jain, Steigvilė Byčenkienė, Colin O'Dowd, John Wenger, and Jurgita Ovadnevaite
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 10815–10831, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10815-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10815-2024, 2024
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The chemical composition and sources of submicron aerosol in the Dublin Port area were investigated over a month-long campaign. Two distinct types of ship emissions were identified and characterised: sulfate-rich plumes from the use of heavy fuel oil with scrubbers and organic-rich plumes from the use of low-sulfur fuels. The latter were more frequent, emitting double the particle number and having a typical V / Ni ratio for ship emission.
Jing Duan, Ru-Jin Huang, Ying Wang, Wei Xu, Haobin Zhong, Chunshui Lin, Wei Huang, Yifang Gu, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Darius Ceburnis, and Colin O'Dowd
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7687–7698, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7687-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7687-2024, 2024
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The chemical composition of atmospheric particles has shown significant changes in recent years. We investigated the potential effects of changes in inorganics on aerosol water uptake and, thus, secondary organic aerosol formation in wintertime haze based on the size-resolved measurements of non-refractory fine particulate matter (NR-PM2.5) in Xi’an, northwestern China. We highlight the key role of aerosol water as a medium to link inorganics and organics in their multiphase processes.
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Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 5419–5433, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5419-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5419-2023, 2023
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Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) can be produced by various pathways, but its formation mechanisms are unclear. Observations were conducted in the North China Plain during a highly oxidizing atmosphere in summer. We found that fast photochemistry dominated SOA formation during daytime. Two types of aqueous-phase chemistry (nocturnal and daytime processing) take place at high relative humidity. The potential transformation from primary organic aerosol (POA) to SOA was also an important pathway.
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Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 3595–3607, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3595-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3595-2023, 2023
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Marta Via, Gang Chen, Francesco Canonaco, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, Benjamin Chazeau, Hasna Chebaicheb, Jianhui Jiang, Hannes Keernik, Chunshui Lin, Nicolas Marchand, Cristina Marin, Colin O'Dowd, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Jean-Eudes Petit, Michael Pikridas, Véronique Riffault, Jean Sciare, Jay G. Slowik, Leïla Simon, Jeni Vasilescu, Yunjiang Zhang, Olivier Favez, André S. H. Prévôt, Andrés Alastuey, and María Cruz Minguillón
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 5479–5495, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-5479-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-5479-2022, 2022
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Jing Duan, Ru-Jin Huang, Yifang Gu, Chunshui Lin, Haobin Zhong, Wei Xu, Quan Liu, Yan You, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Darius Ceburnis, Thorsten Hoffmann, and Colin O'Dowd
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 10139–10153, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10139-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10139-2022, 2022
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To investigate the physico-chemical properties of aerosol transported from major pollution regions in China, observations were conducted ~200 m above the ground at the junction location of the two key pollution areas. We found that the formation efficiency, oxidation state and production rate of secondary aerosol were different in the transport sectors from different pollution regions, and they were largely enhanced by the regional long-distance transport.
Youwei Hong, Xinbei Xu, Dan Liao, Taotao Liu, Xiaoting Ji, Ke Xu, Chunyang Liao, Ting Wang, Chunshui Lin, and Jinsheng Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 7827–7841, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-7827-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-7827-2022, 2022
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Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) simulation remains uncertain, due to the unknown SOA formation mechanisms. Aerosol samples with a 4 h time resolution were collected, along with online measurements of aerosol chemical compositions and meteorological parameters. We found that anthropogenic emissions, atmospheric oxidation capacity and halogen chemistry have significant effects on the formation of biogenic SOA (BSOA). The findings of this study are helpful to better explore the missed SOA sources.
Chunshui Lin, Darius Ceburnis, Anna Trubetskaya, Wei Xu, William Smith, Stig Hellebust, John Wenger, Colin O'Dowd, and Jurgita Ovadnevaite
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 6905–6916, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-6905-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-6905-2021, 2021
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Source apportionment of solid-fuel-burning emissions can be complicated by the use of different fuels, stoves, and burning conditions. Here, the organic aerosol mass spectra produced from burning a range of solid fuels in several stoves were compared. This study accounts for the source variability and provides better constraints on the primary factor contributions to the ambient organic aerosol estimations, holding significant implications for public health and policymakers.
Wenche Aas, Thérèse Salameh, Robert Wegener, Heidi Hellén, Jean-Luc Jaffrezo, Pontus Roldin, Elisabeth Alonso-Blanco, Andres Alastuey, Crist Amelynck, Jgor Arduini, Benjamin Bergmans, Marie Bertrand, Agnes Borbon, Efstratios Bourtsoukidis, Laetitia Bouvier, David Butterfield, Iris Buxbaum, Darius Ceburnis, Anja Claude, Augustin Colette, Aurélie Colomb, Sophie Darfeuil, James Dernie, Maximilien Desservettaz, Elías Díaz-Ramiro, Marvin Dufresne, René Dubus, Mario Duval, Marie Dury, Anna Font, Kirsten N. Fossum, Evelyn Freney, Gotzon Gangoiti, Yao Ge, Maria Carmen Gomez, Francisco J. Gómez-Moreno, Marie Gohy, Valérie Gros, Paul Hamer, Bryan Hellack, Hartmut Herrmann, Robert Holla, Adéla Holubová, Niels R. Jensen, Tuija Jokinen, Matthew Jones, Uwe Käfer, Lukas Kesper, Dieter Klemp, Dagmar Kubistin, Angela Marinoni, Martina Mazzini, Vy Ngoc Thuy Dinh, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Tuukka Petäjä, Miguel Portillo-Estrada, Jitka Přívozníková, Jean-Philippe Putaud, Stefan Reimann, Laura Renzi, Veronique Riffault, Stuart Ritchie, Chris Robins, Begoña Artíñano Rodríguez de Torres, Laurent Poulain, Julian Rüdiger, Agnieszka Sanocka, Estibaliz Saez de Camara Oleaga, Niels Schoon, Roger Seco, Ivan Simmons, Leïla Simon, David Simpson, Sverre Solberg, Emmanuel Tison, August Thomasson, Svetlana Tsyro, Marsailidh Twigg, Toni Tykkä, Bert Verreyken, Ågot Watne, Katie Williams, Ana Maria Yáñez-Serrano, Karen Yeung, Ilona Ylivinkka, and Karl Espen Yttri
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 8717–8751, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-8717-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-8717-2026, 2026
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A one-week intensive measurement campaign during the 2022 European heatwave included monitoring of ozone, volatile organic compounds, aerosol chemical composition, and organic tracers to investigate air pollution sources. Results showed that emissions from vegetation and human activities contributed to peaks in ozone and secondary organic aerosol particles. Differences between measurements and model simulations underline the need for better characterization of sources and formation pathways.
Emmanuel Chevassus, Vaios Moschos, Kirsten N. Fossum, Lu Lei, Liz Coleman, Dagmar B. Stengel, Vignesh Prabhu, Wei Xu, Darius Ceburnis, Colin O'Dowd, and Jurgita Ovadnevaite
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-2745, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-2745, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
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The ocean is a major source of tiny airborne particles that can influence clouds and climate, but their biological controls remain poorly understood. Here, one year of measurements at Mace Head, Ireland, was combined with ocean biology and air transport data. Sea spray particle formation was found to depend on plankton community, small marine animals, and the combined effects of season, wind, waves and temperature. These results call for mesocosm experiments to better represent sea spray.
Stefanos Papagiannis, Manousos I. Manousakas, Dimitrios F. Anagnostopoulos, Michael Pikridas, Rima Baalbaki, Jean Sciare, Niall O'Sullivan, Stig Hellebust, John Wenger, Kirsten N. Fossum, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Anja Tremper, David Green, Konstantinos Eleftheriadis, and Evangelia Diapouli
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 19, 3491–3509, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-3491-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-3491-2026, 2026
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We compared near real-time and benchtop XRF spectrometers measuring trace elements in airborne particles across three European cities. Results show filter material dictates accuracy: Teflon yielded strong inter-instrument agreement, while quartz caused systematic attenuation errors for light elements. Because empirical corrections left residual biases, using optimal substrates—preferably Teflon—is essential for accurately tracking pollution sources.
Nikhil Korhale, Tabish Ansari, Tim Butler, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Emmanuel Chevassus, Darius Ceburnis, Damien Martin, Colin D. O'Dowd, and Liz Coleman
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 6557–6577, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-6557-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-6557-2026, 2026
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We investigate the distribution and trends of surface ozone and its precursors over Ireland using advanced modelling to determine the drivers of ozone. Trajectory analysis is used to trace the origins of air masses, revealing the impact of transboundary pollution and atmospheric transport. The rising trend has been observed at urban sites over the past two decades, but without a similar trend at coastal sites. Coastal areas consistently show higher ozone levels than rural and urban areas.
Max Gräfnings, Yuanyuan Luo, Jian Zhao, Claudia L. Cara-Ortega, Kirsten N. Fossum, Frans Graeffe, Lu Lei, Dagmar B. Stengel, Roseline C. Thakur, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Mikael Ehn, and Camilla Gustafsson
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-2159, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-2159, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Biogeosciences (BG).
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Biogenic volatile organic compounds emitted by Earth’s ecosystems have profound climate impacts, but emissions from marine benthic sources are poorly quantified. We quantified BVOC emission rates from three macrophytes across two contrasting marine regions and found highly diverse emission profiles with substantial intra‑ and interspecific variability. Our results underscore the need for more high-quality data, so that macrophyte emissions can eventually be integrated into marine BVOC budgets.
Lu Lei, Wei Xu, Chunshui Lin, Kirsten N. Fossum, Darius Ceburnis, John Gallagher, Colin D'Dowd, and Jurgita Ovadnevaite
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1756, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1756, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
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Home heating is a major driver of air pollution across Europe, yet pollution trends and mitigation responses remain limited. PM1 observations from 2016–2023 in a temperate European city influenced by continental pollution reveal changing sources and composition. Major pollution contributors were identified, shaping clear seasonal patterns. Air quality has improved with reduced heating emissions and regional precursors reductions, while secondary organic aerosols show increasing importance.
Jingye Ren, Songjian Zou, Honghao Xu, Guiquan Liu, Zhe Wang, Anran Zhang, Chuanfeng Zhao, Min Hu, Dongjie Shang, Lizi Tang, Ru-Jin Huang, Yele Sun, and Fang Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1347, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1347, 2026
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In this study, a new framework of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) prediction in polluted region has been developed and it achieves well prediction of hourly-to-yearly scale across North China Plain. The study reveals the machine learning model can largely reduce the uncertainty in simulating cloud radiative forcing, illustrating the high sensitivity of climate forcing to changes in CCN. This improvement of our new model would be helpful to aerosols climate effect assessment in models.
Jing Duan, Ting Wang, Ru-Jin Huang, Jingye Ren, Haobin Zhong, Wei Xu, Chunshui Lin, Yanan Zhan, Huabin Huang, and Yongjie Li
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1855, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1855, 2026
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This study combines explainable machine learning with thermodynamic modeling to quantitatively assess how meteorological conditions and chemical composition jointly contribute to aerosol pH variation in an ammonia-rich urban atmosphere. The analysis highlights regime-dependent interactions, threshold behaviors, and sample-specific variability, providing a data-driven framework for interpreting aerosol acidity under diverse environmental conditions.
Peng Yao, Rupert Holzinger, Beatriz Sayuri Oyama, Agne Masalaite, Dipayan Paul, Haiyan Ni, Hanne Noto, Dušan Materić, Maria de Fátima Andrade, Ru-Jin Huang, and Ulrike Dusek
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 5005–5018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-5005-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-5005-2026, 2026
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We identify a previously unrecognized class of synthetic organic compounds, large molecular methylsiloxanes, in ambient aerosols across diverse environments in three countries. These compounds are present at substantial levels, primarily originating from traffic emissions related to engine lubrication. Their high abundance and significant daily human exposure suggest potential, yet still poorly understood, implications for both health and climate.
Liyuan Zhou, Zhancong Liang, Wei Xu, Ru-Jin Huang, Patrick K. H. Lee, and Chak K. Chan
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1555, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1555, 2026
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Indoor combustion sources are an important but still poorly understood cause of indoor particle pollution. Using chamber experiments, we studied a widely used incense-burning practice and found that it produces ultrafine-rich particles with strong oxidative activity. We also showed that the burning material, ignition charcoal, and ozone exposure affect how these particles form and change. This work highlights the important role of indoor combustion sources in shaping indoor particle pollution.
Jingye Ren, Wei Xu, Ru-Jin Huang, Fang Zhang, Ying Wang, Lu Chen, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Darius Ceburnis, Colin O'Dowd, and Yele Sun
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 2985–3000, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-2985-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-2985-2026, 2026
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Impact of mixing state on cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) was incorporated in limited modeling with simplified assumption. This study derived a mixing state index from hygroscopicity and systematically investigated the covariation between the mixing state and CCN activity in inland and coastal air. We propose a practical approach for estimating critical diameter from mixing state index, applicable when the aerosol particles are not highly aged.
Sabine Lüchtrath, Sven Klemer, Florian Fröhlich, Darius Ceburnis, Dominik van Pinxteren, Hartmut Herrmann, Wolfgang Frenzel, and Andreas Held
Aerosol Research, 4, 81–101, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-4-81-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-4-81-2026, 2026
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The first online instrument for the speciation of water‑soluble iron in ambient aerosols is presented. The system combines flow injection analysis with spectrophotometric detection using a liquid waveguide capillary cell. Sensitive iron speciation will help to better describe tropospheric aqueous-phase reactions driven by soluble iron, e.g. hydroxyl radical formation through Fenton chemistry. In first measurements in Berlin, ambient water-soluble-iron concentrations reached up to 47 ng m-3.
Chunshui Lin, Ru-Jin Huang, Jing Duan, Jing Qu, Jiahua Liu, Yi Liu, Yan Luo, Wei Huang, Wei Xu, Yanan Zhan, Zhitao Liu, Sihan Liu, Qingshuang Zhang, Quan Liu, Zirui Liu, Shengrong Lou, Huinan Yang, Dan Dan Huang, Cheng Huang, and Hongli Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 2635–2647, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-2635-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-2635-2026, 2026
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Since China's 2013 Clean Air Act cut PM2.5 by over half, winter haze in the North China Plain persists partly due to secondary organic aerosols now dominating primary organic aerosol, requiring urgent regional cooperation to address model-underestimated chemical transformations and cross-border pollution.
Yujue Wang, Yizhe Yi, Wei Xu, Yiwen Zhang, Shubin Li, Hong-Hai Zhang, Mingliang Gu, Shibo Yan, Jialei Zhu, Chao Zhang, Jinhui Shi, Yang Gao, Xiaohong Yao, and Huiwang Gao
Biogeosciences, 23, 77–93, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-77-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-77-2026, 2026
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Marine organic aerosols remain poorly quantified, which limits our understanding on the climate regulation of marine aerosols. Based on shipboard cruises over the Pacific Ocean, we proposed an observation-based parameterization approach to estimate the primary and secondary marine organic aerosols using sea surface chlorophyll a and sea salts in marine aerosols. The results highlight that the spatial distribution of marine organic aerosols was driven by the marine biological activities.
Aino Ovaska, Elio Rauth, Daniel Holmberg, Paulo Artaxo, John Backman, Benjamin Bergmans, Don Collins, Marco Aurélio Franco, Shahzad Gani, Roy M. Harrison, Rakesh K. Hooda, Tareq Hussein, Antti-Pekka Hyvärinen, Kerneels Jaars, Adam Kristensson, Markku Kulmala, Lauri Laakso, Ari Laaksonen, Nikolaos Mihalopoulos, Colin O'Dowd, Jakub Ondracek, Tuukka Petäjä, Kristina Plauškaitė, Mira Pöhlker, Ximeng Qi, Peter Tunved, Ville Vakkari, Alfred Wiedensohler, Kai Puolamäki, Tuomo Nieminen, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Victoria A. Sinclair, and Pauli Paasonen
Aerosol Research, 3, 589–618, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-589-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-589-2025, 2025
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We trained machine learning models to estimate the number of aerosol particles large enough to form clouds and generated daily estimates for the entire globe. The models performed well in many continental regions but struggled in remote and marine areas. Still, this approach offers a way to quantify these particles in areas that lack direct measurements, helping us understand their influence on clouds and climate on a global scale.
Baihua Chen, Lu Lei, Emmanuel Chevassus, Wei Xu, Ling Zhen, Haobin Zhong, Lin Wang, Chunshui Lin, Ru-Jin Huang, Darius Ceburnis, Colin O'Dowd, and Jurgita Ovadnevaite
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 14205–14219, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-14205-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-14205-2025, 2025
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This study uses machine learning to separate marine primary organic aerosol (POA) and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from 1 decade of high-resolution data. POA averages 51 % of marine organic aerosols annually, peaking at 63 % in summer. A support vector regression model, validated via fuzzy clustering and Monte Carlo simulations, identifies seasonal patterns of POA linked to biological activity. We found diverse impacts of marine POA and SOA on the aerosol hygroscopicity and mixing state.
Jingye Ren, Songjian Zou, Honghao Xu, Guiquan Liu, Zhe Wang, Anran Zhang, Chuanfeng Zhao, Min Hu, Dongjie Shang, Lizi Tang, Ru-Jin Huang, Yele Sun, and Fang Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1483, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1483, 2025
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In this study, a new framework of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) prediction in polluted region has been developed and it achieves well prediction of hourly-to-yearly scale across North China Plain. The study reveals a significant long-term decreasing trend of CCN concentration at typical supersaturations due to a rapid reduction in aerosol concentrations from 2014 to 2018. This improvement of our new model would be helpful to aerosols climate effect assessment in models.
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
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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.
Mingxue Li, Men Xia, Chunshui Lin, Yifan Jiang, Weihang Sun, Yurun Wang, Yingnan Zhang, Maoxia He, and Tao Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3753–3764, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3753-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3753-2025, 2025
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Our field campaigns observed a strong diel pattern of chloroacetic acid as well as a strong correlation between its level and that of reactive chlorine species at a coastal site. Using quantum chemical calculations and box model simulation with an updated Master Chemical Mechanism, we found that the formation pathway of chloroacetic acid involved multiphase processes. Our study enhances understanding of atmospheric organic chlorine chemistry and emphasizes the importance of multiphase reactions.
Tiantian Wang, Jun Zhang, Houssni Lamkaddam, Kun Li, Ka Yuen Cheung, Lisa Kattner, Erlend Gammelsæter, Michael Bauer, Zachary C. J. Decker, Deepika Bhattu, Rujin Huang, Rob L. Modini, Jay G. Slowik, Imad El Haddad, Andre S. H. Prevot, and David M. Bell
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2707–2724, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2707-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2707-2025, 2025
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Our study analyzes real-time emissions of organic vapors from solid fuel combustion. Using the mass spectrometer, we tested various fuels, finding higher emission factors for organic vapors from wood burning. Intermediate-volatility organic compounds constituted a significant fraction of emissions in solid fuel combustion. Statistical tests identified unique potential markers. Our insights benefit air quality, climate, and health, aiding accurate emission assessments.
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
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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.
Kirsten N. Fossum, Chunshui Lin, Niall O'Sullivan, Lu Lei, Stig Hellebust, Darius Ceburnis, Aqeel Afzal, Anja Tremper, David Green, Srishti Jain, Steigvilė Byčenkienė, Colin O'Dowd, John Wenger, and Jurgita Ovadnevaite
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 10815–10831, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10815-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10815-2024, 2024
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The chemical composition and sources of submicron aerosol in the Dublin Port area were investigated over a month-long campaign. Two distinct types of ship emissions were identified and characterised: sulfate-rich plumes from the use of heavy fuel oil with scrubbers and organic-rich plumes from the use of low-sulfur fuels. The latter were more frequent, emitting double the particle number and having a typical V / Ni ratio for ship emission.
Rósín Byrne, John C. Wenger, and Stig Hellebust
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 5129–5146, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-5129-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-5129-2024, 2024
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This study presents the concentration similarity index (CSI) for a quantitative and robust comparison of PM2.5 measurements within air quality sensor networks. Developed and tested on two Irish sensor networks, the CSI revealed real spatial variations in PM2.5 and enables assessment of the representativeness of regulatory monitoring locations. It underscores the impact of solid fuel combustion on PM2.5 and highlights the importance of wintertime data for accurate exposure assessments.
Xinya Liu, Diego Alves Gouveia, Bas Henzing, Arnoud Apituley, Arjan Hensen, Danielle van Dinther, Rujin Huang, and Ulrike Dusek
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9597–9614, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9597-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9597-2024, 2024
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The vertical distribution of aerosol optical properties is important for their effect on climate. This is usually measured by lidar, which has limitations, most notably the assumption of a lidar ratio. Our study shows that routine surface-level aerosol measurements are able to predict this lidar ratio reasonably well within the lower layers of the atmosphere and thus provide a relatively simple and cost-effective method to improve lidar measurements.
Jing Duan, Ru-Jin Huang, Ying Wang, Wei Xu, Haobin Zhong, Chunshui Lin, Wei Huang, Yifang Gu, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Darius Ceburnis, and Colin O'Dowd
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7687–7698, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7687-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7687-2024, 2024
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The chemical composition of atmospheric particles has shown significant changes in recent years. We investigated the potential effects of changes in inorganics on aerosol water uptake and, thus, secondary organic aerosol formation in wintertime haze based on the size-resolved measurements of non-refractory fine particulate matter (NR-PM2.5) in Xi’an, northwestern China. We highlight the key role of aerosol water as a medium to link inorganics and organics in their multiphase processes.
Karam Mansour, Stefano Decesari, Darius Ceburnis, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Lynn M. Russell, Marco Paglione, Laurent Poulain, Shan Huang, Colin O'Dowd, and Matteo Rinaldi
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 16, 2717–2740, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-16-2717-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-16-2717-2024, 2024
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We propose and evaluate machine learning predictive algorithms to model freshly formed biogenic methanesulfonic acid and sulfate concentrations. The long-term constructed dataset covers the North Atlantic at an unprecedented resolution. The improved parameterization of biogenic sulfur aerosols at regional scales is essential for determining their radiative forcing, which could help further understand marine-aerosol–cloud interactions and reduce uncertainties in climate models
Xinya Liu, Bas Henzing, Arjan Hensen, Jan Mulder, Peng Yao, Danielle van Dinther, Jerry van Bronckhorst, Rujin Huang, and Ulrike Dusek
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3405–3420, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3405-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3405-2024, 2024
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We evaluated the time-of-flight aerosol chemical speciation monitor (TOF-ACSM) following the implementation of the PM2.5 aerodynamic lens and a capture vaporizer (CV). The results showed that it significantly improved the accuracy and precision of ACSM in the field observations. The paper elucidates the measurement outcomes of various instruments and provides an analysis of their biases. This comprehensive evaluation is expected to benefit the ACSM community and other aerosol field measurements.
Feifan Yan, Hang Su, Yafang Cheng, Rujin Huang, Hong Liao, Ting Yang, Yuanyuan Zhu, Shaoqing Zhang, Lifang Sheng, Wenbin Kou, Xinran Zeng, Shengnan Xiang, Xiaohong Yao, Huiwang Gao, and Yang Gao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 2365–2376, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2365-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2365-2024, 2024
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PM2.5 pollution is a major air quality issue deteriorating human health, and previous studies mostly focus on regions like the North China Plain and Yangtze River Delta. However, the characteristics of PM2.5 concentrations between these two regions are studied less often. Focusing on the transport corridor region, we identify an interesting seesaw transport phenomenon with stagnant weather conditions, conducive to PM2.5 accumulation over this region, resulting in large health effects.
Shuzheng Guo, Chunxiang Ye, Weili Lin, Yi Chen, Limin Zeng, Xuena Yu, Jinhui Cui, Chong Zhang, Jing Duan, Haobin Zhong, Rujin Huang, Xuguang Chi, Wei Nie, and Aijun Ding
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-262, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-262, 2024
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@Tibet field campaigns 2021 discovered surprisingly high levels and activity contributions of oxygenated volatile organic compounds on the southeast of the Tibetan Plateau, which suggests that OVOCs may play a larger role in the chemical reactions that occur in high-altitude regions than previously thought.
Yuquan Gong, Ru-Jin Huang, Lu Yang, Ting Wang, Wei Yuan, Wei Xu, Wenjuan Cao, Yang Wang, and Yongjie Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15197–15207, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15197-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15197-2023, 2023
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This study reveals the large day–night differences in brown carbon (BrC) chromophore composition, which was not known previously. The results provide insights into the effects of atmospheric processes and emissions on BrC composition.
Jiyeon Park, Hyojin Kang, Yeontae Gim, Eunho Jang, Ki-Tae Park, Sangjong Park, Chang Hoon Jung, Darius Ceburnis, Colin O'Dowd, and Young Jun Yoon
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 13625–13646, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13625-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13625-2023, 2023
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We measured the number size distribution of 2.5–300 nm particles and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) number concentrations at King Sejong Station on the Antarctic Peninsula continuously from 1 January to 31 December 2018. During the pristine and clean periods, 97 new particle formation (NPF) events were detected. For 83 of these, CCN concentrations increased by 2 %–268 % (median 44 %) following 1 to 36 h (median 8 h) after NPF events.
Yifang Gu, Ru-Jin Huang, Jing Duan, Wei Xu, Chunshui Lin, Haobin Zhong, Ying Wang, Haiyan Ni, Quan Liu, Ruiguang Xu, Litao Wang, and Yong Jie Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 5419–5433, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5419-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5419-2023, 2023
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Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) can be produced by various pathways, but its formation mechanisms are unclear. Observations were conducted in the North China Plain during a highly oxidizing atmosphere in summer. We found that fast photochemistry dominated SOA formation during daytime. Two types of aqueous-phase chemistry (nocturnal and daytime processing) take place at high relative humidity. The potential transformation from primary organic aerosol (POA) to SOA was also an important pathway.
Chunshui Lin, Ru-Jin Huang, Haobin Zhong, Jing Duan, Zixi Wang, Wei Huang, and Wei Xu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 3595–3607, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3595-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3595-2023, 2023
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The complex interaction between O3 and PM2.5, coupled with the topology of the Fenwei Plain and the evolution of the boundary layer height, highlights the challenges in further reducing particulate pollution in winter despite years of efforts to reduce emissions. Through scenario analysis in a chemical box model constrained by observation, we show the co-benefits of reducing NOx and VOCs simultaneously in reducing ozone and SOA.
Huanhuan Zhang, Rui Li, Chengpeng Huang, Xiaofei Li, Shuwei Dong, Fu Wang, Tingting Li, Yizhu Chen, Guohua Zhang, Yan Ren, Qingcai Chen, Ru-jin Huang, Siyu Chen, Tao Xue, Xinming Wang, and Mingjin Tang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 3543–3559, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3543-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3543-2023, 2023
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This work investigated the seasonal variation of aerosol Fe solubility for coarse and fine particles in Xi’an, a megacity in northwestern China severely affected by anthropogenic emission and desert dust aerosol. In addition, we discussed in depth what controlled aerosol Fe solubility at different seasons for coarse and fine particles.
Ville Leinonen, Harri Kokkola, Taina Yli-Juuti, Tero Mielonen, Thomas Kühn, Tuomo Nieminen, Simo Heikkinen, Tuuli Miinalainen, Tommi Bergman, Ken Carslaw, Stefano Decesari, Markus Fiebig, Tareq Hussein, Niku Kivekäs, Radovan Krejci, Markku Kulmala, Ari Leskinen, Andreas Massling, Nikos Mihalopoulos, Jane P. Mulcahy, Steffen M. Noe, Twan van Noije, Fiona M. O'Connor, Colin O'Dowd, Dirk Olivie, Jakob B. Pernov, Tuukka Petäjä, Øyvind Seland, Michael Schulz, Catherine E. Scott, Henrik Skov, Erik Swietlicki, Thomas Tuch, Alfred Wiedensohler, Annele Virtanen, and Santtu Mikkonen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 12873–12905, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-12873-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-12873-2022, 2022
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We provide the first extensive comparison of detailed aerosol size distribution trends between in situ observations from Europe and five different earth system models. We investigated aerosol modes (nucleation, Aitken, and accumulation) separately and were able to show the differences between measured and modeled trends and especially their seasonal patterns. The differences in model results are likely due to complex effects of several processes instead of certain specific model features.
Meng Wang, Yusen Duan, Wei Xu, Qiyuan Wang, Zhuozhi Zhang, Qi Yuan, Xinwei Li, Shuwen Han, Haijie Tong, Juntao Huo, Jia Chen, Shan Gao, Zhongbiao Wu, Long Cui, Yu Huang, Guangli Xiu, Junji Cao, Qingyan Fu, and Shun-cheng Lee
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 12789–12802, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-12789-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-12789-2022, 2022
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In this study, we report the long-term measurement of organic carbon (OC) and elementary carbon (EC) in PM2.5 with hourly time resolution conducted at a regional site in Shanghai from 2016 to 2020. The results from this study provide critical information about the long-term trend of carbonaceous aerosol, in particular secondary OC, in one of the largest megacities in the world and are helpful for developing pollution control measures from a long-term planning perspective.
Marta Via, Gang Chen, Francesco Canonaco, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, Benjamin Chazeau, Hasna Chebaicheb, Jianhui Jiang, Hannes Keernik, Chunshui Lin, Nicolas Marchand, Cristina Marin, Colin O'Dowd, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Jean-Eudes Petit, Michael Pikridas, Véronique Riffault, Jean Sciare, Jay G. Slowik, Leïla Simon, Jeni Vasilescu, Yunjiang Zhang, Olivier Favez, André S. H. Prévôt, Andrés Alastuey, and María Cruz Minguillón
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 5479–5495, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-5479-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-5479-2022, 2022
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This work presents the differences resulting from two techniques (rolling and seasonal) of the positive matrix factorisation model that can be run for organic aerosol source apportionment. The current state of the art suggests that the rolling technique is more accurate, but no proof of its effectiveness has been provided yet. This paper tackles this issue in the context of a synthetic dataset and a multi-site real-world comparison.
Jing Duan, Ru-Jin Huang, Yifang Gu, Chunshui Lin, Haobin Zhong, Wei Xu, Quan Liu, Yan You, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Darius Ceburnis, Thorsten Hoffmann, and Colin O'Dowd
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 10139–10153, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10139-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10139-2022, 2022
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Biomass-burning-influenced oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA-BB), formed from the photochemical oxidation and aging of biomass burning OA (BBOA), was resolved in urban Xi’an. The aqueous-phase processed oxygenated OA (aq-OOA) concentration was more dependent on secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA) content and aerosol liquid water content (ALWC). The increased aq-OOA contribution during SIA-enhanced periods likely reflects OA evolution due to the addition of alcohol or peroxide groups
Haobin Zhong, Ru-Jin Huang, Chunshui Lin, Wei Xu, Jing Duan, Yifang Gu, Wei Huang, Haiyan Ni, Chongshu Zhu, Yan You, Yunfei Wu, Renjian Zhang, Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Darius Ceburnis, and Colin D. O'Dowd
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 9513–9524, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-9513-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-9513-2022, 2022
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To investigate the physico-chemical properties of aerosol transported from major pollution regions in China, observations were conducted ~200 m above the ground at the junction location of the two key pollution areas. We found that the formation efficiency, oxidation state and production rate of secondary aerosol were different in the transport sectors from different pollution regions, and they were largely enhanced by the regional long-distance transport.
Youwei Hong, Xinbei Xu, Dan Liao, Taotao Liu, Xiaoting Ji, Ke Xu, Chunyang Liao, Ting Wang, Chunshui Lin, and Jinsheng Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 7827–7841, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-7827-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-7827-2022, 2022
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Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) simulation remains uncertain, due to the unknown SOA formation mechanisms. Aerosol samples with a 4 h time resolution were collected, along with online measurements of aerosol chemical compositions and meteorological parameters. We found that anthropogenic emissions, atmospheric oxidation capacity and halogen chemistry have significant effects on the formation of biogenic SOA (BSOA). The findings of this study are helpful to better explore the missed SOA sources.
Chunshui Lin, Darius Ceburnis, Anna Trubetskaya, Wei Xu, William Smith, Stig Hellebust, John Wenger, Colin O'Dowd, and Jurgita Ovadnevaite
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 6905–6916, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-6905-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-6905-2021, 2021
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Source apportionment of solid-fuel-burning emissions can be complicated by the use of different fuels, stoves, and burning conditions. Here, the organic aerosol mass spectra produced from burning a range of solid fuels in several stoves were compared. This study accounts for the source variability and provides better constraints on the primary factor contributions to the ambient organic aerosol estimations, holding significant implications for public health and policymakers.
Gloria Titos, María A. Burgos, Paul Zieger, Lucas Alados-Arboledas, Urs Baltensperger, Anne Jefferson, James Sherman, Ernest Weingartner, Bas Henzing, Krista Luoma, Colin O'Dowd, Alfred Wiedensohler, and Elisabeth Andrews
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 13031–13050, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-13031-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-13031-2021, 2021
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This paper investigates the impact of water uptake on aerosol optical properties, in particular the aerosol light-scattering coefficient. Although in situ measurements are performed at low relative humidity (typically at
RH < 40 %), to address the climatic impact of aerosol particles it is necessary to take into account the effect that water uptake may have on the aerosol optical properties.
Yandong Tong, Veronika Pospisilova, Lu Qi, Jing Duan, Yifang Gu, Varun Kumar, Pragati Rai, Giulia Stefenelli, Liwei Wang, Ying Wang, Haobin Zhong, Urs Baltensperger, Junji Cao, Ru-Jin Huang, André S. H. Prévôt, and Jay G. Slowik
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 9859–9886, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-9859-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-9859-2021, 2021
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We investigate SOA sources and formation processes by a field deployment of the EESI-TOF-MS and L-TOF AMS in Beijing in late autumn and early winter. Our study shows that the sources and processes giving rise to haze events in Beijing are variable and seasonally dependent: (1) in the heating season, SOA formation is driven by oxidation of aromatics from solid fuel combustion; and (2) under high-NOx and RH conditions, aqueous-phase chemistry can be a major contributor to SOA formation.
Cited articles
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Short summary
Chemical composition and sources of submicron aerosols (PM1) were simultaneously investigated at a kerbside site in the Dublin city center and at a residential site in suburban Dublin (~5 km apart) during both a nonheating and a heating period in 2018. This study highlights the temporal and spatial variability of sources within the Dublin city center and the need for additional aerosol characterization studies to improve targeted mitigation solutions for a greater impact on urban air quality.
Chemical composition and sources of submicron aerosols (PM1) were simultaneously investigated at...
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