Articles | Volume 21, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-5635-2021
© Author(s) 2021. 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-21-5635-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
14 Apr 2021
Research article |
| 14 Apr 2021
| 14 Apr 2021
Where there is smoke there is mercury: Assessing boreal forest fire mercury emissions using aircraft and highlighting uncertainties associated with upscaling emissions estimates
David S. McLagan
Air Quality Research Division (ARQD), Environment and Climate Change
Canada, 4905 Dufferin St, North York, ON M3H 5T4, Canada
Dept. Environmental Geochemistry, Institute for Geoecology, Technical
University of Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
Geoff W. Stupple
Air Quality Research Division (ARQD), Environment and Climate Change
Canada, 4905 Dufferin St, North York, ON M3H 5T4, Canada
Andrea Darlington
Air Quality Research Division (ARQD), Environment and Climate Change
Canada, 4905 Dufferin St, North York, ON M3H 5T4, Canada
Katherine Hayden
Air Quality Research Division (ARQD), Environment and Climate Change
Canada, 4905 Dufferin St, North York, ON M3H 5T4, Canada
Alexandra Steffen
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Air Quality Research Division (ARQD), Environment and Climate Change
Canada, 4905 Dufferin St, North York, ON M3H 5T4, Canada
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Paul A. Makar, Ayodeji Akingunola, Julian Aherne, Amanda S. Cole, Yayne-abeba Aklilu, Junhua Zhang, Isaac Wong, Katherine Hayden, Shao-Meng Li, Jane Kirk, Ken Scott, Michael D. Moran, Alain Robichaud, Hazel Cathcart, Pegah Baratzedah, Balbir Pabla, Philip Cheung, Qiong Zheng, and Dean S. Jeffries
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Ayodeji Akingunola, Paul A. Makar, Junhua Zhang, Andrea Darlington, Shao-Meng Li, Mark Gordon, Michael D. Moran, and Qiong Zheng
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Sabour Baray, Andrea Darlington, Mark Gordon, Katherine L. Hayden, Amy Leithead, Shao-Meng Li, Peter S. K. Liu, Richard L. Mittermeier, Samar G. Moussa, Jason O'Brien, Ralph Staebler, Mengistu Wolde, Doug Worthy, and Robert McLaren
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David S. McLagan, Carl P. J. Mitchell, Alexandra Steffen, Hayley Hung, Cecilia Shin, Geoff W. Stupple, Mark L. Olson, Winston T. Luke, Paul Kelley, Dean Howard, Grant C. Edwards, Peter F. Nelson, Hang Xiao, Guey-Rong Sheu, Annekatrin Dreyer, Haiyong Huang, Batual Abdul Hussain, Ying D. Lei, Ilana Tavshunsky, and Frank Wania
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 5905–5919, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-5905-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-5905-2018, 2018
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David S. McLagan, Carl P. J. Mitchell, Haiyong Huang, Batual Abdul Hussain, Ying Duan Lei, and Frank Wania
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 10, 3651–3660, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-3651-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-3651-2017, 2017
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John Liggio, Samar G. Moussa, Jeremy Wentzell, Andrea Darlington, Peter Liu, Amy Leithead, Katherine Hayden, Jason O'Brien, Richard L. Mittermeier, Ralf Staebler, Mengistu Wolde, and Shao-Meng Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 8411–8427, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8411-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8411-2017, 2017
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Hélène Angot, Ashu Dastoor, Francesco De Simone, Katarina Gårdfeldt, Christian N. Gencarelli, Ian M. Hedgecock, Sarka Langer, Olivier Magand, Michelle N. Mastromonaco, Claus Nordstrøm, Katrine A. Pfaffhuber, Nicola Pirrone, Andrei Ryjkov, Noelle E. Selin, Henrik Skov, Shaojie Song, Francesca Sprovieri, Alexandra Steffen, Kenjiro Toyota, Oleg Travnikov, Xin Yang, and Aurélien Dommergue
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 10735–10763, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-10735-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-10735-2016, 2016
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This is a synthesis of the atmospheric mercury (Hg) monitoring data available in recent years (2011–2015) in the Arctic and in Antarctica along with a comparison of these observations with numerical simulations using four cutting-edge global models. Based on this comparison, we discuss whether the processes that affect atmospheric Hg seasonality and interannual variability are appropriately represented in the models, and identify remaining research gaps.
David S. McLagan, Maxwell E. E. Mazur, Carl P. J. Mitchell, and Frank Wania
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 3061–3076, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-3061-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-3061-2016, 2016
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A. Steffen, J. Bottenheim, A. Cole, R. Ebinghaus, G. Lawson, and W. R. Leaitch
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 2219–2231, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-2219-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-2219-2014, 2014
A. Steffen, J. Bottenheim, A. Cole, T. A. Douglas, R. Ebinghaus, U. Friess, S. Netcheva, S. Nghiem, H. Sihler, and R. Staebler
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 7007–7021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-7007-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-7007-2013, 2013
T. Berg, K. A. Pfaffhuber, A. S. Cole, O. Engelsen, and A. Steffen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 6575–6586, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-6575-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-6575-2013, 2013
G. Kos, A. Ryzhkov, A. Dastoor, J. Narayan, A. Steffen, P. A. Ariya, and L. Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 4839–4863, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-4839-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-4839-2013, 2013
A. S. Cole, A. Steffen, K. A. Pfaffhuber, T. Berg, M. Pilote, L. Poissant, R. Tordon, and H. Hung
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 1535–1545, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-1535-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-1535-2013, 2013
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Subject: Gases | Research Activity: Field Measurements | Altitude Range: Troposphere | Science Focus: Chemistry (chemical composition and reactions)
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Influences of downward transport and photochemistry on surface ozone over East Antarctica during austral summer: in situ observations and model simulations
Iodine oxoacids and their roles in sub-3 nm particle growth in polluted urban environments
Measurement Report: Elevated excess-NH3 can promote the redox reaction to produce HONO: Insights from the COVID-19 pandemic
Intensive photochemical oxidation in the marine atmosphere: evidence from direct radical measurements
Diurnal variations in oxygen and nitrogen isotopes of atmospheric nitrogen dioxide and nitrate: implications for tracing NOx oxidation pathways and emission sources
Measurement report: Method for evaluating CO2 emissions from a cement plant using atmospheric δ(O2 ∕ N2) and CO2 measurements and its implication for future detection of CO2 capture signals
Aircraft-based mass balance estimate of methane emissions from offshore gas facilities in the southern North Sea
Parameterizations of US wildfire and prescribed fire emission ratios and emission factors based on FIREX-AQ aircraft measurements
Measurement report: Atmospheric nitrate radical chemistry in the South China Sea influenced by the urban outflow of the Pearl River Delta
Measurement report: Vertical and temporal variability of near-surface ozone production rate and sensitivity in an urban area in Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, China
The interhemispheric gradient of SF6 in the upper troposphere
Weather regimes and the related atmospheric composition at a Pyrenean observatory characterized by hierarchical clustering of a 5-year data set
Concentration and source changes of HONO during the COVID-19 lockdown in Beijing
Characteristics and sources of VOCs and the O3-NOx-VOCs relationships in the central plain city, China
Tropospheric bromine monoxide vertical profiles retrieved across the Alaskan Arctic in springtime
Source apportionment of methane emissions from the Upper Silesian Coal Basin using isotopic signatures
Measurement report: Exchange fluxes of HONO over agricultural fields in the North China Plain
HONO chemistry at a suburban site during the EXPLORE-YRD campaign in 2018: formation mechanisms and impacts on O3 production
Evaluation of modelled climatologies of O3, CO, water vapour and NOy in the upper troposphere–lower stratosphere using regular in situ observations by passenger aircraft
Photochemical ageing of aerosols contributes significantly to the production of atmospheric formic acid
Nitrous acid budgets in the coastal atmosphere: potential daytime marine sources
Undetected biogenic volatile organic compounds from Norway spruce drive total ozone reactivity measurements
Quantification of fossil fuel CO2 from combined CO, δ13CO2 and Δ14CO2 observations
Radical chemistry and ozone production at a UK coastal receptor site
Sources and long-term variability of carbon monoxide at Mount Kenya and in Nairobi
Measurement report: Airborne measurements of NOx fluxes over Los Angeles during the RECAP-CA 2021 campaign
Arianna Peron, Martin Graus, Marcus Striednig, Christian Lamprecht, Georg Wohlfahrt, and Thomas Karl
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7063–7083, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7063-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7063-2024, 2024
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The anthropogenic fraction of non-methane volatile organic compound (NMVOC) emissions associated with biogenic sources (e.g., terpenes) is investigated based on eddy covariance observations. The anthropogenic fraction of terpene emissions is strongly dependent on season. When analyzing volatile chemical product (VCP) emissions in urban environments, we caution that observations from short-term campaigns might over-/underestimate their significance depending on local and seasonal circumstances.
Sihang Wang, Bin Yuan, Xianjun He, Ru Cui, Xin Song, Yubin Chen, Caihong Wu, Chaomin Wang, Yibo Huangfu, Xiao-Bing Li, Boguang Wang, and Min Shao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7101–7121, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7101-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7101-2024, 2024
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Emissions of reactive organic gases from industrial volatile chemical product sources are measured. There are large differences among these industrial sources. We show that oxygenated species account for significant contributions to reactive organic gas emissions, especially for industrial sources utilizing water-borne chemicals.
Qing Yang, Xiao-Bing Li, Bin Yuan, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Yibo Huangfu, Lei Yang, Xianjun He, Jipeng Qi, and Min Shao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6865–6882, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6865-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6865-2024, 2024
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Online vertical gradient measurements of formic and isocyanic acids were made based on a 320 m tower in a megacity. Vertical variations and sources of the two acids were analyzed in this study. We find that formic and isocyanic acids exhibited positive vertical gradients and were mainly contributed by photochemical formations. The formation of formic and isocyanic acids was also significantly enhanced in urban regions aloft.
Junwei Song, Harald Saathoff, Feng Jiang, Linyu Gao, Hengheng Zhang, and Thomas Leisner
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6699–6717, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6699-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6699-2024, 2024
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This study presents concurrent online measurements of organic gas and particles (VOCs and OA) at a forested site in summer. Both VOCs and OA were largely contributed by oxygenated organic compounds. Semi-volatile oxygenated OA and organic nitrate formed from monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes contributed significantly to nighttime particle growth. The results help us to understand the causes of nighttime particle growth regularly observed in summer in central European rural forested environments.
Xin Yang, Kimberly Strong, Alison S. Criscitiello, Marta Santos-Garcia, Kristof Bognar, Xiaoyi Zhao, Pierre Fogal, Kaley A. Walker, Sara M. Morris, and Peter Effertz
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 5863–5886, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5863-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5863-2024, 2024
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This study uses snow samples collected from a Canadian high Arctic site, Eureka, to demonstrate that surface snow in early spring is a net sink of atmospheric bromine and nitrogen. Surface snow bromide and nitrate are significantly correlated, indicating the oxidation of reactive nitrogen is accelerated by reactive bromine. In addition, we show evidence that snow photochemical release of reactive bromine is very weak, and its emission flux is much smaller than the deposition flux of bromide.
Rebecca M. Garland, Katye E. Altieri, Laura Dawidowski, Laura Gallardo, Aderiana Mbandi, Nestor Y. Rojas, and N'datchoh E. Touré
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 5757–5764, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5757-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5757-2024, 2024
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This opinion piece focuses on two geographical areas in the Global South where the authors are based that are underrepresented in atmospheric science. This opinion provides context on common challenges and constraints, with suggestions on how the community can address these. The focus is on the strengths of atmospheric science research in these regions. It is these strengths, we believe, that highlight the critical role of Global South researchers in the future of atmospheric science research.
Patrick Dewald, Tobias Seubert, Simone T. Andersen, Gunther N. T. E. Türk, Jan Schuladen, Max R. McGillen, Cyrielle Denjean, Jean-Claude Etienne, Olivier Garrouste, Marina Jamar, Sergio Harb, Manuela Cirtog, Vincent Michoud, Mathieu Cazaunau, Antonin Bergé, Christopher Cantrell, Sebastien Dusanter, Bénédicte Picquet-Varrault, Alexandre Kukui, Chaoyang Xue, Abdelwahid Mellouki, Jos Lelieveld, and John N. Crowley
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1223, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1223, 2024
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In scope of a field campaign in a suburban forest near Paris in the summer of 2022, we measured the reactivity of the nitrate radical (NO3) towards biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs, e.g. monoterpenes) mainly below, but also above the canopy. NO3 reactivity was highest during nights with strong temperature inversions and decreased strongly with height. Reactions with BVOCs were the main removal process of NO3 throughout the diel cycle below the canopy.
Heidi Hellén, Rostislav Kouznetsov, Kaisa Kraft, Jukka Seppälä, Mika Vestenius, Jukka-Pekka Jalkanen, Lauri Laakso, and Hannele Hakola
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 4717–4731, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4717-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4717-2024, 2024
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Mixing ratios of C2-C5 NMHCs and methanethiol were measured on an island in the Baltic Sea using an in situ gas chromatograph. Shipping emissions were found to be an important source of ethene, ethyne, propene, and benzene. High summertime mixing ratios of methanethiol and dependence of mixing ratios on seawater temperature and height indicated the biogenic origin to possibly be phytoplankton or macroalgae. These emissions may have a strong impact on SO2 production and new particle formation.
Eleanor J. Derry, Tyler Elgiar, Taylor Y. Wilmot, Nicholas W. Hoch, Noah S. Hirshorn, Peter Weiss-Penzias, Christopher F. Lee, John C. Lin, A. Gannet Hallar, Rainer Volkamer, Seth N. Lyman, and Lynne E. Gratz
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1046, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1046, 2024
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Mercury (Hg) is a globally-distributed neurotoxic pollutant. Atmospheric deposition is the main source of Hg to ecosystems. However, measurement biases hinder understanding of the origins and abundance of the more bioavailable oxidized form. We used an improved, calibrated measurement system to study air mass composition and transport of atmospheric Hg at a remote mountaintop site in the central U.S. Oxidized Hg originated upwind in the low to mid-free troposphere under clean, dry conditions.
Matthew M. Coggon, Chelsea E. Stockwell, Lu Xu, Jeff Peischl, Jessica B. Gilman, Aaron Lamplugh, Henry J. Bowman, Kenneth Aikin, Colin Harkins, Qindan Zhu, Rebecca H. Schwantes, Jian He, Meng Li, Karl Seltzer, Brian McDonald, and Carsten Warneke
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 4289–4304, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4289-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4289-2024, 2024
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Residential and commercial cooking emits pollutants that degrade air quality. Here, ambient observations show that cooking is an important contributor to anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted in Las Vegas, NV. These emissions are not fully presented in air quality models, and more work may be needed to quantify emissions from important sources, such as commercial restaurants.
Fabien Paulot, Gabrielle Pétron, Andrew M. Crotwell, and Matteo B. Bertagni
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 4217–4229, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4217-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4217-2024, 2024
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New data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show that hydrogen (H2) concentrations increased from 2010 to 2019, which is consistent with the simulated increase in H2 photochemical production (mainly from methane). But this cannot be reconciled with the expected decrease (increase) in H2 anthropogenic emissions (soil deposition) in the same period. This shows gaps in our knowledge of the H2 biogeochemical cycle that must be resolved to quantify the impact of higher H2 usage.
Wenjie Wang, Bin Yuan, Hang Su, Yafang Cheng, Jipeng Qi, Sihang Wang, Wei Song, Xinming Wang, Chaoyang Xue, Chaoqun Ma, Fengxia Bao, Hongli Wang, Shengrong Lou, and Min Shao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 4017–4027, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4017-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4017-2024, 2024
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This study investigates the important role of unmeasured volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ozone formation. Based on results in a megacity of China, we show that unmeasured VOCs can contribute significantly to ozone fomation and also influence the determination of ozone control strategy. Our results show that these unmeasured VOCs are mainly from human sources.
Benjamin A. Nault, Katherine R. Travis, James H. Crawford, Donald R. Blake, Pedro Campuzano-Jost, Ronald C. Cohen, Joshua P. DiGangi, Glenn S. Diskin, Samuel R. Hall, L. Gregory Huey, Jose L. Jimenez, Kyung-Eun Kim, Young R. Lee, Isobel J. Simpson, Kirk Ullmann, and Armin Wisthaler
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-596, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-596, 2024
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Ozone (O3) is a pollutant formed from the reactions of gases emitted from various sources. In urban areas, the density of human activities can increase the O3 formation rate (P(O3)); thus, impact air quality and health. Observations collected over Seoul, South Korea, are used to constrain P(O3). A high local P(O3) was found; however, local P(O3) was partly reduced due to compounds typically ignored. These observations also provide constraints for unmeasured compounds that will impact P(O3).
Romain Salignat, Matti Rissanen, Siddharth Iyer, Jean-Luc Baray, Pierre Tulet, Jean-Marc Metzger, Jérôme Brioude, Karine Sellegri, and Clémence Rose
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3785–3812, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3785-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3785-2024, 2024
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Using mass spectrometry data collected at the Maïdo Observatory (2160 m a.s.l., Réunion), we provide the first detailed analysis of molecular cluster chemical composition specifically in the marine free troposphere. The abundance of the identified species is related both to in situ meteorological parameters and air mass history, which also provide insight into their origin. Our work makes an important contribution to documenting the chemistry and physics of the marine free troposphere.
Delaney B. Kilgour, Gordon A. Novak, Megan S. Claflin, Brian M. Lerner, and Timothy H. Bertram
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3729–3742, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3729-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3729-2024, 2024
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Laboratory experiments with seawater mimics suggest ozone deposition to the surface ocean can be a source of reactive carbon to the marine atmosphere. We conduct both field and laboratory measurements to assess abiotic VOC composition and yields from ozonolysis of real surface seawater. We show that C5–C11 aldehydes contribute to the observed VOC emission flux. We estimate that VOCs generated by the ozonolysis of surface seawater are competitive with biological VOC production and emission.
Xiangdong Zheng, Wen Yang, Yuting Sun, Chunmei Geng, Yingying Liu, and Xiaobin Xu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3759–3768, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3759-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3759-2024, 2024
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Chen et al. (2022) attributed the nocturnal ozone enhancement (NOE) during the night of 31 July 2021 in the North China Plain (NCP) to "the direct stratospheric intrusion to reach the surface". We analyzed in situ data from the NCP. Our results do not suggest that there was a significant impact from the stratosphere on surface ozone during the NOE. We argue that the NOE was not caused by stratospheric intrusion but originated from fresh photochemical production in the lower troposphere.
James M. Roberts, Siyuan Wang, Patrick R. Veres, J. Andrew Neuman, Michael A. Robinson, Ilann Bourgeois, Jeff Peischl, Thomas B. Ryerson, Chelsea R. Thompson, Hannah M. Allen, John D. Crounse, Paul O. Wennberg, Samuel R. Hall, Kirk Ullmann, Simone Meinardi, Isobel J. Simpson, and Donald Blake
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3421–3443, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3421-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3421-2024, 2024
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We measured cyanogen bromide (BrCN) in the troposphere for the first time. BrCN is a product of the same active bromine chemistry that destroys ozone and removes mercury in polar surface environments and is a previously unrecognized sink for active Br compounds. BrCN has an apparent lifetime against heterogeneous loss in the range 1–10 d, so it serves as a cumulative marker of Br-radical chemistry. Accounting for BrCN chemistry is an important part of understanding polar Br cycling.
Kai Qin, Wei Hu, Qin He, Fan Lu, and Jason Blake Cohen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3009–3028, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3009-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3009-2024, 2024
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We compute CH4 emissions and uncertainty on a mine-by-mine basis, including underground, overground, and abandoned mines. Mine-by-mine gas and flux data and 30 min observations from a flux tower located next to a mine shaft are integrated. The observed variability and bias correction are propagated over the emissions dataset, demonstrating that daily observations may not cover the range of variability. Comparisons show both an emissions magnitude and spatial mismatch with current inventories.
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
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-652, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-652, 2024
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Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel according to global sulfur limit regulation leads to large uncertainty on VOCs emission. Therefore, on-board test of VOCs from 9 typical cargo ships in China were carried out. Results showed that the switch of fuels from heavy fuel oil to diesel increased EFVOCs by 48% on average, enhancing both O3 and secondary organic aerosol formation potentials. This indicated the implementation of globally ultra-low-sulfur oil policy in the near future needs to be optimized.
Jian Wang, Lei Xue, Qianyao Ma, Feng Xu, Gaobin Xu, Shibo Yan, Jiawei Zhang, Jianlong Li, Honghai Zhang, Guiling Zhang, and Zhaohui Chen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2935, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2935, 2024
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This study investigated the distribution and sources of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) in the lower atmosphere over the marginal seas of China. NMHCs, a subset of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), play a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry. Derived from systematic atmospheric sampling in coastal cities and marginal sea regions, this study offer valuable insights into the interaction between land and sea in shaping offshore atmospheric NMHCs.
Yao Yan Huang and D. James Donaldson
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 2387–2398, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2387-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2387-2024, 2024
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Ground-level ozone interacts at the lake–land boundary; this is important to our understanding and modelling of atmospheric chemistry and air pollution in the lower atmosphere. We show that a steep ozone gradient occurs year-round moving inland up to 1 km from the lake and that this gradient is influenced by seasonal factors on the local land environment, where more rural areas are more greatly affected seasonally.
Arpit Awasthi, Baerbel Sinha, Haseeb Hakkim, Sachin Mishra, Varkrishna Mummidivarapu, Gurmanjot Singh, Sachin D. Ghude, Vijay Kumar Soni, Narendra Nigam, Vinayak Sinha, and Madhavan N. Rajeevan
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-501, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-501, 2024
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Our study uses a data set of 111 VOCs from a PTR-ToF-MS 10k, PM10 and PM2.5 in a PMF source-receptor model to resolve 11 pollution sources validated with chemical fingerprints collected at the source. Crop residue burning and heating contribute ~50 % of the PM, while traffic and industrial emissions dominate the gas-phase VOCs burden and SOA formation potential (>60 %). Non-tailpipe emissions from CNG powered commercial vehicles dominate the transport sector contribution to the PM burden.
Katrin Müller, Jordis S. Tradowsky, Peter von der Gathen, Christoph Ritter, Sharon Patris, Justus Notholt, and Markus Rex
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 2169–2193, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2169-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2169-2024, 2024
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The Palau Atmospheric Observatory is introduced as an ideal site to detect changes in atmospheric composition and dynamics above the remote tropical western Pacific. We focus on the ozone sounding program from 2016–2021, including El Niño 2016. The year-round high convective activity is reflected in dominant low tropospheric ozone and high relative humidity. Their seasonal distributions are unique compared to other tropical sites and are modulated by the Intertropical Convergence Zone.
Ziyan Guo, Keding Lu, Pengxiang Qiu, Mingyi Xu, and Zhaobing Guo
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 2195–2205, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2195-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2195-2024, 2024
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The formation of secondary sulfate needs to be further explored. In this work, we simultaneously measured sulfur and oxygen isotopic compositions to gain an increased understanding of specific sulfate formation processes. The results indicated that secondary sulfate was mainly ascribed to SO2 homogeneous oxidation by OH radicals and heterogeneous oxidation by H2O2 and Fe3+ / O2. This study is favourable for deeply investigating the sulfur cycle in the atmosphere.
Imran A. Girach, Narendra Ojha, Prabha R. Nair, Kandula V. Subrahmanyam, Neelakantan Koushik, Mohammed M. Nazeer, Nadimpally Kiran Kumar, Surendran Nair Suresh Babu, Jos Lelieveld, and Andrea Pozzer
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1979–1995, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1979-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1979-2024, 2024
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We investigate surface ozone variability in East Antarctica based on measurements and EMAC global model simulations during austral summer. Nearly half of the surface ozone is found to be of stratospheric origin. The east coast of Antarctica acts as a stronger sink of ozone than surrounding regions. Photochemical loss of ozone is counterbalanced by downward transport of ozone. The study highlights the intertwined role of chemistry and dynamics in governing ozone variations over East Antarctica.
Ying Zhang, Duzitian Li, Xu-Cheng He, Wei Nie, Chenjuan Deng, Runlong Cai, Yuliang Liu, Yishuo Guo, Chong Liu, Yiran Li, Liangduo Chen, Yuanyuan Li, Chenjie Hua, Tingyu Liu, Zongcheng Wang, Jiali Xie, Lei Wang, Tuukka Petäjä, Federico Bianchi, Ximeng Qi, Xuguang Chi, Pauli Paasonen, Yongchun Liu, Chao Yan, Jingkun Jiang, Aijun Ding, and Markku Kulmala
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1873–1893, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1873-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1873-2024, 2024
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This study conducts a long-term observation of gaseous iodine oxoacids in two Chinese megacities, revealing their ubiquitous presence with peak concentrations (up to 0.1 pptv) in summer. Our analysis suggests a mix of terrestrial and marine sources for iodine. Additionally, iodic acid is identified as a notable contributor to sub-3 nm particle growth and particle survival probability.
Xinyuan Zhang, Lingling Wang, Nan Wang, Shuangliang Ma, Shenbo Wang, Ruiqin Zhang, Dong Zhang, Mingkai Wang, and Hongyu Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2913, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2913, 2024
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Online observational data on particulate matter composition, gaseous pollutants, and meteorological conditions from ten sites in China before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed to investigate the variation in NH3 concentrations and particle pH and explore the promoting effect of increased pH values on HONO formation. This is the first study to discuss the reasons for the increase in AOC during the pandemic from the perspective of the influence of NH3 on HONO.
Guoxian Zhang, Renzhi Hu, Pinhua Xie, Changjin Hu, Xiaoyan Liu, Liujun Zhong, Haotian Cai, Bo Zhu, Shiyong Xia, Xiaofeng Huang, Xin Li, and Wenqing Liu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1825–1839, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1825-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1825-2024, 2024
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Comprehensive observation of HOx radicals was conducted at a coastal site in the Pearl River Delta. Radical chemistry was influenced by different air masses in a time-dependent way. Land mass promotes a more active photochemical process, with daily averages of 7.1 × 106 and 5.2 × 108 cm−3 for OH and HO2 respectively. The rapid oxidation process was accompanied by a higher diurnal HONO concentration, which influences the ozone-sensitive system and eventually magnifies the background ozone.
Sarah Albertin, Joël Savarino, Slimane Bekki, Albane Barbero, Roberto Grilli, Quentin Fournier, Irène Ventrillard, Nicolas Caillon, and Kathy Law
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1361–1388, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1361-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1361-2024, 2024
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This study reports the first simultaneous records of oxygen (Δ17O) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrate (NO3−). These data are combined with atmospheric observations to explore sub-daily N reactive chemistry and quantify N fractionation effects in an Alpine winter city. The results highlight the necessity of using Δ17O and δ15N in both NO2 and NO3− to avoid biased estimations of NOx sources and fates from NO3− isotopic records in urban winter environments.
Shigeyuki Ishidoya, Kazuhiro Tsuboi, Hiroaki Kondo, Kentaro Ishijima, Nobuyuki Aoki, Hidekazu Matsueda, and Kazuyuki Saito
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1059–1077, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1059-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1059-2024, 2024
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A method evaluating techniques for carbon neutrality, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), is important. This study presents a method to evaluate CO2 emissions from a cement plant based on atmospheric O2 and CO2 measurements. The method will also be useful for evaluating CO2 capture from flue gas at CCS plants, since the plants remove CO2 from the atmosphere without causing any O2 changes, just as cement plants do, differing only in the direction of CO2 exchange with the atmosphere.
Magdalena Pühl, Anke Roiger, Alina Fiehn, Alan M. Gorchov Negron, Eric A. Kort, Stefan Schwietzke, Ignacio Pisso, Amy Foulds, James Lee, James L. France, Anna E. Jones, Dave Lowry, Rebecca E. Fisher, Langwen Huang, Jacob Shaw, Prudence Bateson, Stephen Andrews, Stuart Young, Pamela Dominutti, Tom Lachlan-Cope, Alexandra Weiss, and Grant Allen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1005–1024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1005-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1005-2024, 2024
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In April–May 2019 we carried out an airborne field campaign in the southern North Sea with the aim of studying methane emissions of offshore gas installations. We determined methane emissions from elevated methane measured downstream of the sampled installations. We compare our measured methane emissions with estimated methane emissions from national and global annual inventories. As a result, we find inconsistencies of inventories and large discrepancies between measurements and inventories.
Georgios I. Gkatzelis, Matthew M. Coggon, Chelsea E. Stockwell, Rebecca S. Hornbrook, Hannah Allen, Eric C. Apel, Megan M. Bela, Donald R. Blake, Ilann Bourgeois, Steven S. Brown, Pedro Campuzano-Jost, Jason M. St. Clair, James H. Crawford, John D. Crounse, Douglas A. Day, Joshua P. DiGangi, Glenn S. Diskin, Alan Fried, Jessica B. Gilman, Hongyu Guo, Johnathan W. Hair, Hannah S. Halliday, Thomas F. Hanisco, Reem Hannun, Alan Hills, L. Gregory Huey, Jose L. Jimenez, Joseph M. Katich, Aaron Lamplugh, Young Ro Lee, Jin Liao, Jakob Lindaas, Stuart A. McKeen, Tomas Mikoviny, Benjamin A. Nault, J. Andrew Neuman, John B. Nowak, Demetrios Pagonis, Jeff Peischl, Anne E. Perring, Felix Piel, Pamela S. Rickly, Michael A. Robinson, Andrew W. Rollins, Thomas B. Ryerson, Melinda K. Schueneman, Rebecca H. Schwantes, Joshua P. Schwarz, Kanako Sekimoto, Vanessa Selimovic, Taylor Shingler, David J. Tanner, Laura Tomsche, Krystal T. Vasquez, Patrick R. Veres, Rebecca Washenfelder, Petter Weibring, Paul O. Wennberg, Armin Wisthaler, Glenn M. Wolfe, Caroline C. Womack, Lu Xu, Katherine Ball, Robert J. Yokelson, and Carsten Warneke
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 929–956, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-929-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-929-2024, 2024
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This study reports emissions of gases and particles from wildfires. These emissions are related to chemical proxies that can be measured by satellite and incorporated into models to improve predictions of wildfire impacts on air quality and climate.
Jie Wang, Haichao Wang, Yee Jun Tham, Lili Ming, Zelong Zheng, Guizhen Fang, Cuizhi Sun, Zhenhao Ling, Jun Zhao, and Shaojia Fan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 977–992, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-977-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-977-2024, 2024
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Many works report NO3 chemistry in inland regions while less target marine regions. We measured N2O5 and related species on a typical island and found intensive nighttime chemistry and rapid NO3 loss. NO contributed significantly to NO3 loss despite its sub-ppbv level, suggesting nocturnal NO3 reactions would be largely enhanced once free from NO emissions in the open ocean. This highlights the strong influences of urban outflow on downward marine areas in terms of nighttime chemistry.
Jun Zhou, Chunsheng Zhang, Aiming Liu, Bin Yuan, Yan Wang, Wenjie Wang, Jie-Ping Zhou, Yixin Hao, Xiao-Bing Li, Xianjun He, Xin Song, Yubin Chen, Suxia Yang, Shuchun Yang, Yanfeng Wu, Bin Jiang, Shan Huang, Junwen Liu, Jipeng Qi, Minhui Deng, Yibo Huangfu, and Min Shao
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2230, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2230, 2024
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In-depth understanding of near-ground vertical and temporal photochemical ozone (O3) formation is crucial for mitigating O3 pollution. By utilizing a self-built vertical observation system, a direct net photochemical O3 production rate detection system, and an observation-based model, we have diagnosed the vertical distributions and formation mechanism of net photochemical O3 production rates and sensitivity in Pearl River Delta region, one of the most O3 polluted area in China.
Tanja J. Schuck, Johannes Degen, Eric Hintsa, Peter Hoor, Markus Jesswein, Timo Keber, Daniel Kunkel, Fred Moore, Florian Obersteiner, Matt Rigby, Thomas Wagenhäuser, Luke M. Western, Andreas Zahn, and Andreas Engel
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 689–705, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-689-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-689-2024, 2024
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We study the interhemispheric gradient of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a strong long-lived greenhouse gas. Its emissions are stronger in the Northern Hemisphere; therefore, mixing ratios in the Southern Hemisphere lag behind. Comparing the observations to a box model, the model predicts air in the Southern Hemisphere to be older. For a better agreement, the emissions used as model input need to be increased (and their spatial pattern changed), and we need to modify north–south transport.
Jérémy Gueffier, François Gheusi, Marie Lothon, Véronique Pont, Alban Philibert, Fabienne Lohou, Solène Derrien, Yannick Bezombes, Gilles Athier, Yves Meyerfeld, Antoine Vial, and Emmanuel Leclerc
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 287–316, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-287-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-287-2024, 2024
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This study investigates the link between weather regime and atmospheric composition at a Pyrenean observatory. Five years of meteorological data were synchronized on a daily basis and then, using a clustering method, separated into six groups of observation days, with most showing marked characteristics of different weather regimes (fair and disturbed weather, winter windstorms, foehn). Statistical differences in gas and particle concentrations appeared between the groups and are discussed.
Yusheng Zhang, Feixue Zheng, Zemin Feng, Chaofan Lian, Weigang Wang, Xiaolong Fan, Wei Ma, Zhuohui Lin, Chang Li, Gen Zhang, Chao Yan, Ying Zhang, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Federico Bianch, Tuukka Petäjä, Juha Kangasluoma, Markku Kulmala, and Yongchun Liu
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-3139, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-3139, 2024
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In this study, HONO budget has been validated during COVID-19 lockdown event. Main conclusions are as follows: 1. HONO concentrations show a significant decrease from 0.97 to 0.53ppb during lockdown. 2. Vehicle emissions accounted for 53% of nighttime sources. The heterogeneous conversion of NO2 on ground surfaces important (31%) than aerosol (2%). 3. Daytime dominant source shifts from the homogenous reaction between NO and OH (51%) to photolysis of nitrate photolysis (53%) during the lockdown.
Dong Zhang, Xiao Li, Minghao Yuan, Yifei Xu, Qixiang Xu, Fangcheng Su, Shenbo Wang, and Ruiqin Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2835, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2835, 2024
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In recent years, Zhengzhou's O3 pollution has increasingly intensified, becoming one of the cities with the highest O3 pollution in central China. During the observation period, ethane, acetone, and propane were always the most abundant species. Vehicular exhaust, solvent usage, and industrial production were the main emission sources of VOCs. According to the scenario analysis, the minimum reduction ratio of AVOCs/NOx should be no less than 3:1 to reduce O3 production.
Nathaniel Brockway, Peter K. Peterson, Katja Bigge, Kristian D. Hajny, Paul B. Shepson, Kerri A. Pratt, Jose D. Fuentes, Tim Starn, Robert Kaeser, Brian H. Stirm, and William R. Simpson
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 23–40, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-23-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-23-2024, 2024
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Bromine monoxide (BrO) strongly affects atmospheric chemistry in the springtime Arctic, yet there are still many uncertainties around its sources and recycling, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing Arctic. In this study, we observed BrO as a function of altitude above the Alaskan Arctic. We found that BrO was often most concentrated near the ground, confirming the ability of snow to produce and recycle reactive bromine, and identified four common vertical distributions of BrO.
Alina Fiehn, Maximilian Eckl, Julian Kostinek, Michał Gałkowski, Christoph Gerbig, Michael Rothe, Thomas Röckmann, Malika Menoud, Hossein Maazallahi, Martina Schmidt, Piotr Korbeń, Jarosław Neçki, Mila Stanisavljević, Justyna Swolkień, Andreas Fix, and Anke Roiger
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15749–15765, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15749-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15749-2023, 2023
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During the CoMet mission in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) ground-based and airborne air samples were taken and analyzed for the isotopic composition of CH4 to derive the mean signature of the USCB and source signatures of individual coal mines. Using δ2H signatures, the biogenic emissions from the USCB account for 15 %–50 % of total emissions, which is underestimated in common emission inventories. This demonstrates the importance of δ2H-CH4 observations for methane source apportionment.
Yifei Song, Chaoyang Xue, Yuanyuan Zhang, Pengfei Liu, Fengxia Bao, Xuran Li, and Yujing Mu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15733–15747, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15733-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15733-2023, 2023
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We present measurements of HONO flux and related parameters over an agricultural field during a whole growing season of summer maize. This dataset allows studies on the characteristics and influencing factors of soil HONO emissions, determination of HONO emission factors, estimation of total HONO emissions at a national scale, and the discussion on future environmental policies in terms of mitigating regional air pollution.
Can Ye, Keding Lu, Xuefei Ma, Wanyi Qiu, Shule Li, Xinping Yang, Chaoyang Xue, Tianyu Zhai, Yuhan Liu, Xuan Li, Yang Li, Haichao Wang, Zhaofeng Tan, Xiaorui Chen, Huabin Dong, Limin Zeng, Min Hu, and Yuanhang Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15455–15472, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15455-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15455-2023, 2023
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In this study, combining comprehensive field measurements and a box model, we found NO2 conversion on the ground surface was the most important source for HONO production among the proposed heterogeneous and gas-phase HONO sources. In addition, HONO was found to evidently enhance O3 production and aggravate O3 pollution in summer in China. Our study improved our understanding of the relative importance of different HONO sources and the crucial role of HONO in O3 formation in polluted areas.
Yann Cohen, Didier Hauglustaine, Bastien Sauvage, Susanne Rohs, Patrick Konjari, Ulrich Bundke, Andreas Petzold, Valérie Thouret, Andreas Zahn, and Helmut Ziereis
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14973–15009, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14973-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14973-2023, 2023
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The upper troposphere–lower stratosphere (UTLS) is a key region regarding the lower atmospheric composition. This study consists of a comprehensive evaluation of an up-to-date chemistry–climate model in this layer, using regular in situ measurements based on passenger aircraft. For this purpose, a specific software (Interpol-IAGOS) has been updated and made publicly available. The model reproduces the carbon monoxide peaks due to biomass burning over the continental tropics particularly well.
Yifan Jiang, Men Xia, Zhe Wang, Penggang Zheng, Yi Chen, and Tao Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14813–14828, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14813-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14813-2023, 2023
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This study provides the first estimate of high rates of formic acid (HCOOH) production from the photochemical aging of real ambient particles and demonstrates the potential importance of this pathway in the formation of HCOOH under ambient conditions. Incorporating this pathway significantly improved the performance of a widely used chemical model. Our solution irradiation experiments demonstrated the importance of nitrate photolysis in HCOOH production via the production of oxidants.
Xuelian Zhong, Hengqing Shen, Min Zhao, Ji Zhang, Yue Sun, Yuhong Liu, Yingnan Zhang, Ye Shan, Hongyong Li, Jiangshan Mu, Yu Yang, Yanqiu Nie, Jinghao Tang, Can Dong, Xinfeng Wang, Yujiao Zhu, Mingzhi Guo, Wenxing Wang, and Likun Xue
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14761–14778, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14761-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14761-2023, 2023
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Nitrous acid (HONO) is vital for atmospheric oxidation. In research at Mount Lao, China, models revealed a significant unidentified marine HONO source. Overlooking this could skew our understanding of air quality and climate change. This finding emphasizes HONO’s importance in the coastal atmosphere, uncovering previously unnoticed interactions.
Steven Job Thomas, Toni Tykkä, Heidi Hellén, Federico Bianchi, and Arnaud P. Praplan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14627–14642, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14627-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14627-2023, 2023
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The study employed total ozone reactivity to demonstrate how emissions of Norway spruce readily react with ozone and could be a major ozone sink, particularly under stress. Additionally, this approach provided insight into the limitations of current analytical techniques that measure the compounds present or emitted into the atmosphere. The study shows how the technique used was not enough to measure all compounds emitted, and this could potentially underestimate various atmospheric processes.
Jinsol Kim, John B. Miller, Charles E. Miller, Scott J. Lehman, Sylvia E. Michel, Vineet Yadav, Nick E. Rollins, and William M. Berelson
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14425–14436, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14425-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14425-2023, 2023
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In this study, we present the partitioning of CO2 signals from biogenic, petroleum and natural gas sources by combining CO, 13CO2 and 14CO2 measurements. Using measurements from flask air samples at three sites in the greater Los Angeles region, we find larger and positive contributions of biogenic signals in winter and smaller and negative contributions in summer. The largest contribution of natural gas combustion generally occurs in summer.
Robert Woodward-Massey, Roberto Sommariva, Lisa K. Whalley, Danny R. Cryer, Trevor Ingham, William J. Bloss, Stephen M. Ball, Sam Cox, James D. Lee, Chris P. Reed, Leigh R. Crilley, Louisa J. Kramer, Brian J. Bandy, Grant L. Forster, Claire E. Reeves, Paul S. Monks, and Dwayne E. Heard
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14393–14424, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14393-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14393-2023, 2023
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Measurements of OH, HO2 and RO2 radicals and also OH reactivity were made at a UK coastal site and compared to calculations from a constrained box model utilising the Master Chemical Mechanism. The model agreement displayed a strong dependence on the NO concentration. An experimental budget analysis for OH, HO2, RO2 and total ROx demonstrated significant imbalances between HO2 and RO2 production rates. Ozone production rates were calculated from measured radicals and compared to modelled values.
Leonard Kirago, Örjan Gustafsson, Samuel Mwaniki Gaita, Sophie L. Haslett, Michael J. Gatari, Maria Elena Popa, Thomas Röckmann, Christoph Zellweger, Martin Steinbacher, Jörg Klausen, Christian Félix, David Njiru, and August Andersson
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14349–14357, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14349-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14349-2023, 2023
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This study provides ground-observational evidence that supports earlier suggestions that savanna fires are the main emitters and modulators of carbon monoxide gas in Africa. Using isotope-based techniques, the study has shown that about two-thirds of this gas is emitted from savanna fires, while for urban areas, in this case Nairobi, primary sources approach 100 %. The latter has implications for air quality policy, suggesting primary emissions such as traffic should be targeted.
Clara M. Nussbaumer, Bryan K. Place, Qindan Zhu, Eva Y. Pfannerstill, Paul Wooldridge, Benjamin C. Schulze, Caleb Arata, Ryan Ward, Anthony Bucholtz, John H. Seinfeld, Allen H. Goldstein, and Ronald C. Cohen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 13015–13028, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13015-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13015-2023, 2023
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NOx is a precursor to hazardous tropospheric ozone and can be emitted from various anthropogenic sources. It is important to quantify NOx emissions in urban environments to improve the local air quality, which still remains a challenge, as sources are heterogeneous in space and time. In this study, we calculate NOx emissions over Los Angeles, based on aircraft measurements in June 2021, and compare them to a local emission inventory, which we find mostly overpredicts the measured values.
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Short summary
An assessment of mercury emissions from a burning boreal forest was made by flying an aircraft through its plume to collect in situ gas and particulate measurements. Direct data show that in-plume gaseous elemental mercury concentrations reach up to 2.4× background for this fire and up to 5.6× when using a correlation with CO data. These unique data are applied to a series of known empirical emissions estimates and used to highlight current uncertainties in the literature.
An assessment of mercury emissions from a burning boreal forest was made by flying an aircraft...
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