Articles | Volume 20, issue 8
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-5019-2020
© Author(s) 2020. 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-20-5019-2020
© Author(s) 2020. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
28 Apr 2020
Research article |
| 28 Apr 2020
| 28 Apr 2020
Nitrate-dominated PM2.5 and elevation of particle pH observed in urban Beijing during the winter of 2017
Yuning Xie
Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of
Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University,
Shanghai 200241, China
Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of
Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University,
Shanghai 200241, China
Institute of Eco-Chongming, 3663 N. Zhongshan Rd., Shanghai 200062,
China
Xinpei Wang
Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of
Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University,
Shanghai 200241, China
Jianmin Chen
Institute of Eco-Chongming, 3663 N. Zhongshan Rd., Shanghai 200062,
China
Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Fudan University,
Shanghai 200438, China
Yubao Chen
Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of
Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University,
Shanghai 200241, China
Guiqian Tang
State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and
Atmospheric Chemistry, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
Lili Wang
State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and
Atmospheric Chemistry, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
Shuangshuang Ge
Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of
Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University,
Shanghai 200241, China
Guoyan Xue
Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of
Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University,
Shanghai 200241, China
Yuesi Wang
State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and
Atmospheric Chemistry, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
Jian Gao
Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100000,
China
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Shijie Liu, Xinbei Xu, Si Zhang, Rongjie Li, Zheng Li, Can Wu, Rui Li, Guiqin Zhang, and Gehui Wang
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We conducted α-pinene photooxidation experiments in an atmospheric chamber at different NOx concentrations. The increased distribution coefficient of the oxidation products between the aerosol and gas phases with NOx was responsible for the increased SOA yields with NOx under low-NOx conditions. We also found the fraction of SOA made up of nitrogen-containing organic compounds (NOCs) increased with NOx.
Rui Li, Yining Gao, Lijia Zhang, Yubing Shen, Tianzhao Xu, Wenwen Sun, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7623–7636, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7623-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7623-2024, 2024
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A three-stage model was developed to obtain the global maps of reactive nitrogen components during 2000–2100. The results implied that cross-validation R2 values of four species showed satisfactory performance (R2 > 0.55). Most reactive nitrogen components, except NH3, in China showed increases during 2000–2013. In the future scenarios, SSP3-7.0 (traditional-energy scenario) and SSP1-2.6 (carbon neutrality scenario) showed the highest and lowest reactive nitrogen component concentrations.
Yanqin Ren, Zhenhai Wu, Yuanyuan Ji, Fang Bi, Junling Li, Haijie Zhang, Hao Zhang, Hong Li, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6525–6538, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6525-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6525-2024, 2024
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Junke Zhang, Yunfei Su, Chunying Chen, Wenkai Guo, Qinwen Tan, Miao Feng, Danlin Song, Tao Jiang, Qiang Chen, Yuan Li, Wei Li, Yizhi Wang, Xiaojuan Huang, Lin Han, Wanqing Wu, and Gehui Wang
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Jiaqi Wang, Jian Gao, Fei Che, Xin Yang, Yuanqin Yang, Lei Liu, Yan Xiang, and Haisheng Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14715–14733, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14715-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14715-2023, 2023
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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
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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.
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
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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.
Hang Liu, Xiaole Pan, Shandong Lei, Yuting Zhang, Aodong Du, Weijie Yao, Guiqian Tang, Tao Wang, Jinyuan Xin, Jie Li, Yele Sun, Junji Cao, and Zifa Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 7225–7239, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-7225-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-7225-2023, 2023
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We provide the average vertical profiles of black carbon (BC) concentration, size distribution and coating thickness at different times of the day in an urban area based on 112 vertical profiles. In addition, it is found that BC in the residual layer generally has a thicker coating, higher absorption enhancement and hygroscopicity than on the surface. Such aged BC could enter into the boundary layer and influence the BC properties in the early morning.
Yanqin Ren, Gehui Wang, Jie Wei, Jun Tao, Zhisheng Zhang, and Hong Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 6835–6848, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6835-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6835-2023, 2023
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Nine quantified nitrated aromatic compounds (NACs) in PM2.5 were examined at the peak of Mt. Wuyi. They manifested a significant rise in overall abundance in the winter and autumn. The transport of contaminants had a significant impact on NACs. Under low-NOx conditions, the formation of NACs was comparatively sensitive to NO2, suggesting that NACs would become significant in the aerosol characteristics when nitrate concentrations decreased as a result of emission reduction measures.
Rui Li, Yining Gao, Yubao Chen, Meng Peng, Weidong Zhao, Gehui Wang, and Jiming Hao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 4709–4726, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4709-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4709-2023, 2023
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A random forest model was used to isolate the effects of emission and meteorology to trace elements in PM2.5 in Tangshan. The results suggested that control measures facilitated decreases of Ga, Co, Pb, Zn, and As, due to the strict implementation of coal-to-gas strategies and optimisation of industrial structure and layout. However, the deweathered levels of Ca, Cr, and Fe only displayed minor decreases, indicating that ferrous metal smelting and vehicle emission controls should be enhanced.
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
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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.
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
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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
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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.
Can Wu, Cong Cao, Jianjun Li, Shaojun Lv, Jin Li, Xiaodi Liu, Si Zhang, Shijie Liu, Fan Zhang, Jingjing Meng, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 15621–15635, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-15621-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-15621-2022, 2022
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Over the past decade, the relative abundance of NH4NO3 in aerosol has been enhanced in most urban areas of China, which profoundly affects the PM2.5 pollution episodes. Our work finds that fine-particle nitrate and ammonium exhibited distinct, different physicochemical behaviors in the aerosol aging process.
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
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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
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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.
Benjamin Foreback, Lubna Dada, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, Chao Yan, Lili Wang, Biwu Chu, Ying Zhou, Tom V. Kokkonen, Mona Kurppa, Rosaria E. Pileci, Yonghong Wang, Tommy Chan, Juha Kangasluoma, Lin Zhuohui, Yishou Guo, Chang Li, Rima Baalbaki, Joni Kujansuu, Xiaolong Fan, Zemin Feng, Pekka Rantala, Shahzad Gani, Federico Bianchi, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Tuukka Petäjä, Markku Kulmala, Yongchun Liu, and Pauli Paasonen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 11089–11104, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11089-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11089-2022, 2022
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This study analyzed air quality in Beijing during the Chinese New Year over 7 years, including data from a new in-depth measurement station. This is one of few studies to look at long-term impacts, including the outcome of firework restrictions starting in 2018. Results show that firework pollution has gone down since 2016, indicating a positive result from the restrictions. Results of this study may be useful in making future decisions about the use of fireworks to improve air quality.
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
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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.
Shijie Liu, Dandan Huang, Yiqian Wang, Si Zhang, Xiaodi Liu, Can Wu, Wei Du, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 17759–17773, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17759-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17759-2021, 2021
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A series of chamber experiments was performed to probe the individual and common effects of NH3 and NOx on toluene secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation through OH photooxidation. The synergetic effects of NH3 and NOx on the toluene SOA concentration and optical absorption were observed. The higher-volatility products formed in the presence of NOx could precipitate into the particle phase when NH3 was added. The formation pathways of N-containing OAs through NOx or NH3 are also discussed.
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
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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
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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.
Zirui Zhang, Wenfei Zhu, Min Hu, Kefan Liu, Hui Wang, Rongzhi Tang, Ruizhe Shen, Ying Yu, Rui Tan, Kai Song, Yuanju Li, Wenbin Zhang, Zhou Zhang, Hongming Xu, Shijin Shuai, Shuangde Li, Yunfa Chen, Jiayun Li, Yuesi Wang, and Song Guo
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 15221–15237, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-15221-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-15221-2021, 2021
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We comprehensively investigated the mass growth potential, oxidation degree, formation pathway, and mass spectra features of typical urban-lifestyle secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) including vehicle SOAs and cooking SOAs. The mass spectra we acquired could provide necessary references to estimate the mass fractions of vehicle and cooking SOAs in the atmosphere, which would greatly decrease the uncertainty in air quality evaluation and health risk assessment in urban areas.
Quan Liu, Dantong Liu, Yangzhou Wu, Kai Bi, Wenkang Gao, Ping Tian, Delong Zhao, Siyuan Li, Chenjie Yu, Guiqian Tang, Yunfei Wu, Kang Hu, Shuo Ding, Qian Gao, Fei Wang, Shaofei Kong, Hui He, Mengyu Huang, and Deping Ding
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 14749–14760, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-14749-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-14749-2021, 2021
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Through simultaneous online measurements of detailed aerosol compositions at both surface and surface-influenced mountain sites, the evolution of aerosol composition during daytime vertical transport was investigated. The results show that, from surface to the top of the planetary boundary layer, the oxidation state of organic aerosol had been significantly enhanced due to evaporation and further oxidation of these evaporated gases.
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
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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.
Zhuohui Lin, Yonghong Wang, Feixue Zheng, Ying Zhou, Yishuo Guo, Zemin Feng, Chang Li, Yusheng Zhang, Simo Hakala, Tommy Chan, Chao Yan, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, Biwu Chu, Lubna Dada, Juha Kangasluoma, Lei Yao, Xiaolong Fan, Wei Du, Jing Cai, Runlong Cai, Tom V. Kokkonen, Putian Zhou, Lili Wang, Tuukka Petäjä, Federico Bianchi, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Yongchun Liu, and Markku Kulmala
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 12173–12187, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-12173-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-12173-2021, 2021
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We find that ammonium nitrate and aerosol water content contributed most during low mixing layer height conditions; this may further trigger enhanced formation of sulfate and organic aerosol via heterogeneous reactions. The results of this study contribute towards a more detailed understanding of the aerosol–chemistry–radiation–boundary layer feedback that is likely to be responsible for explosive aerosol mass growth events in urban Beijing.
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
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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.
Zhaobin Sun, Xiujuan Zhao, Ziming Li, Guiqian Tang, and Shiguang Miao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 8863–8882, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-8863-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-8863-2021, 2021
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Different weather types will shape significantly different structures of the pollution boundary layer. The findings of this study allow us to understand the inherent difference among heavy pollution boundary layers; in addition, they reveal the formation mechanism of haze pollution from an integrated synoptic-scale and boundary layer structure perspective.
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
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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.
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
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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.
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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.
As a result of strict emission control, nitrate-dominated PM2.5 in pollution episodes was...
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