Articles | Volume 22, issue 22
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-14631-2022
© Author(s) 2022. 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-22-14631-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
18 Nov 2022
Research article |
| 18 Nov 2022
| 18 Nov 2022
Long-term declines in atmospheric nitrogen and sulfur deposition reduce critical loads exceedances at multiple Canadian rural sites, 2000–2018
Irene Cheng
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Air Quality Research Division, Atmospheric Science and Technology Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada
Air Quality Research Division, Atmospheric Science and Technology Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada
Zhuanshi He
Air Quality Research Division, Atmospheric Science and Technology Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada
Hazel Cathcart
Air Quality Research Division, Atmospheric Science and Technology Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada
Daniel Houle
Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Montréal, Quebec H2Y 2E7, Canada
Amanda Cole
Air Quality Research Division, Atmospheric Science and Technology Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada
Jian Feng
Air Quality Research Division, Atmospheric Science and Technology Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada
Jason O'Brien
Air Quality Research Division, Atmospheric Science and Technology Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada
Anne Marie Macdonald
Air Quality Research Division, Atmospheric Science and Technology Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada
Julian Aherne
School of Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
Jeffrey Brook
Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada
Related authors
Irene Cheng, Amanda Cole, Leiming Zhang, and Alexandra Steffen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 8591–8611, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8591-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8591-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and observations, we showed that natural surface emission (wildfires and re-emitted Hg) dominated anthropogenic contributions to total gaseous mercury (TGM). Decreasing TGM was due to reduced shipping, local combustion, and regional emissions. Relative contributions from natural surface emissions increased by 0.3–1.8 % yr-1. Results showed Hg control measures have been effective, but greater attention is needed for monitoring surface re-emissions.
Xin Qiu, Irene Cheng, Fuquan Yang, Erin Horb, Leiming Zhang, and Tom Harner
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 3457–3467, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-3457-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-3457-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We developed emissions databases for polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in the Athabasca oil sands region and evaluated the emissions databases by comparing CALPUFF-modelled concentrations with monitored data. Model–measurement agreement improved near oil sands mines due to updated PAC emissions from tailings ponds. Modelled concentrations were underestimated at remote sites and for alkylated PACs suggesting that the emissions of PACs particularly alkylated compounds are underestimated.
Irene Cheng and Leiming Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 4711–4730, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4711-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4711-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Geographical and long-term (1983–2011) trends in air concentrations and wet deposition of inorganic ions and aerosol and precipitation acidity were analyzed at 31 sites in Canada. Declines in atmospheric ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate were consistent with decreasing emissions of NH3, NOx, and SO2. A decline in nitrate and sulfate wet deposition was also observed. Wet scavenging was further studied by estimating scavenging ratios and relative contributions of gases and aerosols to wet deposition.
Xiaohong Xu, Yanyin Liao, Irene Cheng, and Leiming Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 1381–1400, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-1381-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-1381-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
This study addresses two issues related to source–receptor analysis of speciated atmospheric mercury: (1) comparing PMF and PCA and (2) testing different approaches in data selection for PMF modeling.
Huiting Mao, Irene Cheng, and Leiming Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 12897–12924, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-12897-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-12897-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Understanding of spatial and temporal variations of atmospheric speciated mercury can advance our knowledge of mercury cycling in various environments. This review summarized spatiotemporal variations of TGM/GEM, GOM, and PBM in environments including oceans, continents, high elevation, the free troposphere, and low to high latitudes. Remaining questions/issues and recommendations were provided for future research.
I. Cheng, X. Xu, and L. Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 7877–7895, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-7877-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-7877-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Current knowledge of receptor-based studies using speciated atmospheric mercury is reviewed and recommendations for future research needs are provided.
L. Zhang, I. Cheng, D. Muir, and J.-P. Charland
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 1421–1434, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-1421-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-1421-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
This study analyzed air and precipitation concentrations of 43 polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) collected in the Athabasca oil sands region. A database has been built for the parameter scavenging ratio, which is defined as the ratio of the concentration of PACs in precipitation to that in air. A better understanding of the potential differences between gas and particulate scavenging and between snow and rain scavenging has been achieved.
Irene Cheng, Amanda Cole, Leiming Zhang, and Alexandra Steffen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 8591–8611, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8591-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8591-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and observations, we showed that natural surface emission (wildfires and re-emitted Hg) dominated anthropogenic contributions to total gaseous mercury (TGM). Decreasing TGM was due to reduced shipping, local combustion, and regional emissions. Relative contributions from natural surface emissions increased by 0.3–1.8 % yr-1. Results showed Hg control measures have been effective, but greater attention is needed for monitoring surface re-emissions.
Anam M. Khan, Olivia E. Clifton, Jesse O. Bash, Sam Bland, Nathan Booth, Philip Cheung, Lisa Emberson, Johannes Flemming, Erick Fredj, Stefano Galmarini, Laurens Ganzeveld, Orestis Gazetas, Ignacio Goded, Christian Hogrefe, Christopher D. Holmes, László Horváth, Vincent Huijnen, Qian Li, Paul A. Makar, Ivan Mammarella, Giovanni Manca, J. William Munger, Juan L. Pérez-Camanyo, Jonathan Pleim, Limei Ran, Roberto San Jose, Donna Schwede, Sam J. Silva, Ralf Staebler, Shihan Sun, Amos P. K. Tai, Eran Tas, Timo Vesala, Tamás Weidinger, Zhiyong Wu, Leiming Zhang, and Paul C. Stoy
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 8613–8635, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8613-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8613-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Vegetation removes tropospheric ozone through stomatal uptake, and accurately modeling the stomatal uptake of ozone is important for modeling dry deposition and air quality. We evaluated the stomatal component of ozone dry deposition modeled by atmospheric chemistry models at six sites. We find that models and observation-based estimates agree at times during the growing season at all sites, but some models overestimated the stomatal component during the dry summers at a seasonally dry site.
Paul A. Makar, Philip Cheung, Christian Hogrefe, Ayodeji Akingunola, Ummugulsum Alyuz, Jesse O. Bash, Michael D. Bell, Roberto Bellasio, Roberto Bianconi, Tim Butler, Hazel Cathcart, Olivia E. Clifton, Alma Hodzic, Ioannis Kioutsioukis, Richard Kranenburg, Aurelia Lupascu, Jason A. Lynch, Kester Momoh, Juan L. Perez-Camanyo, Jonathan Pleim, Young-Hee Ryu, Roberto San Jose, Donna Schwede, Thomas Scheuschner, Mark W. Shephard, Ranjeet S. Sokhi, and Stefano Galmarini
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3049–3107, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3049-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3049-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The large range of sulfur and nitrogen deposition estimates from air quality models results in a large range of predicted impacts. We used models and deposition diagnostics to identify the processes controlling atmospheric sulfur and nitrogen deposition variability. Controlling factors included the uptake of gases and aerosols by hydrometeors, aerosol inorganic chemistry, particle dry deposition, ammonia bidirectional fluxes, gas deposition via plant cuticles and soil, and land use data.
Dane Blanchard, Mark Gordon, Duc Huy Dang, Paul Andrew Makar, and Julian Aherne
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2423–2442, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2423-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2423-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study offers the first known evaluation of water-soluble brown carbon aerosols in the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR), Canada. Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis of aerosol samples from five regional sites (collected during the summer of 2021) identified oil sands operations as a measurable brown carbon source. Industrial aerosol emissions were unlikely to impact regional radiative forcing. These findings show that fluorescence spectroscopy can be used to monitor brown carbon in the AOSR.
Tamara Emmerichs, Abdulla Al Mamun, Lisa Emberson, Huiting Mao, Leiming Zhang, Limei Ran, Clara Betancourt, Anthony Wong, Gerbrand Koren, Giacomo Gerosa, Min Huang, and Pierluigi Guaita
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-429, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-429, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The risk of ozone pollution to plants is estimated based on the flux through the plant pores which still has uncertainties. In this study, we estimate this quantity with 9 models at different land types worldwide. The input data stems from a database. The models estimated mostly reasonable summertime ozone deposition. The different results of the models varied by land cover which were mostly related to the moisture deficit. This is an important step for assessing the ozone impact on vegetation.
Hazel Cathcart, Julian Aherne, Michael D. Moran, Verica Savic-Jovcic, Paul A. Makar, and Amanda Cole
Biogeosciences, 22, 535–554, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-535-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-535-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Deposition from sulfur and nitrogen pollution can harm ecosystems, and recovery from this type of pollution can take decades or longer. To identify risk to Canadian soils, we created maps showing sensitivity to sulfur and nitrogen pollution. Results show that some ecosystems are at risk from acid and nutrient nitrogen deposition: 10 % of protected areas are receiving acid deposition beyond their damage threshold, and 70 % may be receiving nitrogen deposition that could cause biodiversity loss.
Zihan Song, Leiming Zhang, Chongguo Tian, Qiang Fu, Zhenxing Shen, Renjian Zhang, Dong Liu, and Song Cui
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 13101–13113, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13101-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13101-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
A novel concept integrating crop cycle information into fire spot extraction was proposed. Spatiotemporal variations of open straw burning in Northeast China are revealed. Open straw burning in Northeast China emitted a total of 218 Tg of CO2-eq during 2001–2020. The policy of banning straw burning effectively reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Pierluigi Renan Guaita, Riccardo Marzuoli, Leiming Zhang, Steven Turnock, Gerbrand Koren, Oliver Wild, Paola Crippa, and Giacomo Alessandro Gerosa
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2573, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2573, 2024
Preprint archived
Short summary
Short summary
This study assesses the global impact of tropospheric ozone on wheat crops in the 21st century under various climate scenarios. The research highlights that ozone damage to wheat varies by region and depends on both ozone levels and climate. Vulnerable regions include East Asia, Northern Europe, and the Southern and Eastern edges of the Tibetan Plateau. Our results emphasize the need of policies to reduce ozone levels and mitigate climate change to protect global food security.
Xiaohong Yao and Leiming Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7773–7791, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7773-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7773-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates long-term trends of criteria air pollutants, including NO2, CO, SO2, O3 and PM2.5, and NO2+O3 measured in 10 Canadian cities during the last 2 to 3 decades. We also investigate associated driving forces in terms of emission reductions, perturbations from varying weather conditions and large-scale wildfires, as well as changes in O3 sources and sinks.
Juanjuan Qin, Leiming Zhang, Yuanyuan Qin, Shaoxuan Shi, Jingnan Li, Zhao Shu, Yuwei Gao, Ting Qi, Jihua Tan, and Xinming Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7575–7589, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7575-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7575-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The present research unveiled that acidity dominates while transition metal ions harmonize with the light absorption properties of humic-like substances (HULIS). Cu2+ has quenching effects on HULIS by complexation, hydrogen substitution, or electrostatic adsorption, with aromatic structures of HULIS. Such effects are less pronounced if from Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+. Oxidized HULIS might contain electron-donating groups, whereas N-containing compounds might contain electron-withdrawing groups.
Roya Ghahreman, Wanmin Gong, Paul A. Makar, Alexandru Lupu, Amanda Cole, Kulbir Banwait, Colin Lee, and Ayodeji Akingunola
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 685–707, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-685-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-685-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The article explores the impact of different representations of below-cloud scavenging on model biases. A new scavenging scheme and precipitation-phase partitioning improve the model's performance, with better SO42- scavenging and wet deposition of NO3- and NH4+.
Olivia E. Clifton, Donna Schwede, Christian Hogrefe, Jesse O. Bash, Sam Bland, Philip Cheung, Mhairi Coyle, Lisa Emberson, Johannes Flemming, Erick Fredj, Stefano Galmarini, Laurens Ganzeveld, Orestis Gazetas, Ignacio Goded, Christopher D. Holmes, László Horváth, Vincent Huijnen, Qian Li, Paul A. Makar, Ivan Mammarella, Giovanni Manca, J. William Munger, Juan L. Pérez-Camanyo, Jonathan Pleim, Limei Ran, Roberto San Jose, Sam J. Silva, Ralf Staebler, Shihan Sun, Amos P. K. Tai, Eran Tas, Timo Vesala, Tamás Weidinger, Zhiyong Wu, and Leiming Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 9911–9961, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-9911-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-9911-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A primary sink of air pollutants is dry deposition. Dry deposition estimates differ across the models used to simulate atmospheric chemistry. Here, we introduce an effort to examine dry deposition schemes from atmospheric chemistry models. We provide our approach’s rationale, document the schemes, and describe datasets used to drive and evaluate the schemes. We also launch the analysis of results by evaluating against observations and identifying the processes leading to model–model differences.
Mark Gordon, Dane Blanchard, Timothy Jiang, Paul A. Makar, Ralf M. Staebler, Julian Aherne, Cris Mihele, and Xuanyi Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 7241–7255, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-7241-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-7241-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Measurements of the gas sulfur dioxide (SO2) were made in a forest downwind of oil sands mining and production facilities in northern Alberta. These measurements tell us the rate at which SO2 is absorbed by the forest. The measured rate is much higher than what is currently used by air quality models, which is supported by a previous study in this region. This suggests that SO2 may have a much shorter lifetime in the atmosphere at this location than currently predicted by models.
Yu Lin, Leiming Zhang, Qinchu Fan, He Meng, Yang Gao, Huiwang Gao, and Xiaohong Yao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 16073–16090, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-16073-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-16073-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we analyzed 7-year (from May 2014 to April 2021) concentration data of six criteria air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, CO and SO2) as well as the sum of NO2 and O3 in six cities in South China. Three different analysis methods were used to identify emission-driven interannual variations and perturbations from varying weather conditions. In addition, a self-developed method was further introduced to constrain analysis uncertainties.
Hui Zhang, Xuewu Fu, Ben Yu, Baoxin Li, Peng Liu, Guoqing Zhang, Leiming Zhang, and Xinbin Feng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 15847–15859, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-15847-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-15847-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Our observations of speciated atmospheric mercury at the Waliguan GAW Baseline Observatory show that concentrations of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) and particulate bound mercury (PBM) were elevated compared to the Northern Hemisphere background. We propose that the major sources of GEM and PBM were mainly related to anthropogenic emissions and desert dust sources. This study highlights that dust-related sources played an important role in the variations of PBM in the Tibetan Plateau.
Zhiyong Wu, Leiming Zhang, John T. Walker, Paul A. Makar, Judith A. Perlinger, and Xuemei Wang
Geosci. Model Dev., 14, 5093–5105, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-5093-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-5093-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
A community dry deposition algorithm for modeling the gaseous dry deposition process in chemistry transport models was extended to include an additional 12 oxidized volatile organic compounds and hydrogen cyanide based on their physicochemical properties and was then evaluated using field flux measurements over a mixed forest. This study provides a useful tool that is needed in chemistry transport models with increasing complexity for simulating an important atmospheric process.
Katherine Hayden, Shao-Meng Li, Paul Makar, John Liggio, Samar G. Moussa, Ayodeji Akingunola, Robert McLaren, Ralf M. Staebler, Andrea Darlington, Jason O'Brien, Junhua Zhang, Mengistu Wolde, and Leiming Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 8377–8392, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-8377-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-8377-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a method using aircraft measurements to determine lifetimes with respect to dry deposition for oxidized sulfur and nitrogen compounds over the boreal forest in Alberta, Canada. Atmospheric lifetimes were significantly shorter than derived from chemical transport models with differences related to modelled dry deposition velocities. The shorter lifetimes suggest models need to reassess dry deposition treatment and predictions of sulfur and nitrogen in the atmosphere and ecosystems.
Xuewu Fu, Chen Liu, Hui Zhang, Yue Xu, Hui Zhang, Jun Li, Xiaopu Lyu, Gan Zhang, Hai Guo, Xun Wang, Leiming Zhang, and Xinbin Feng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 6721–6734, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-6721-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-6721-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
TGM concentrations and isotopic compositions in 10 Chinese cities showed strong seasonality with higher TGM concentrations and Δ199Hg and lower δ202Hg in summer. We found the seasonal variations in TGM concentrations and isotopic compositions were highly related to regional surface Hg(0) emissions, suggesting land surface Hg(0) emissions are an important source of atmospheric TGM that contribute dominantly to the seasonal variations in TGM concentrations and isotopic compositions.
Xiaofei Qin, Leiming Zhang, Guochen Wang, Xiaohao Wang, Qingyan Fu, Jian Xu, Hao Li, Jia Chen, Qianbiao Zhao, Yanfen Lin, Juntao Huo, Fengwen Wang, Kan Huang, and Congrui Deng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 10985–10996, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-10985-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-10985-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The uncertainties in mercury emissions are much larger from natural sources than anthropogenic sources. A method was developed to quantify the contributions of natural surface emissions to ambient GEM based on PMF modeling. The annual GEM concentration in eastern China showed a decreasing trend from 2015 to 2018, while the relative contribution of natural surface emissions increased significantly from 41 % in 2015 to 57 % in 2018, gradually surpassing those from anthropogenic sources.
E. Morris, X. Liu, A. Manwar, D. Y. Zang, G. Evans, J. Brook, B. Rousseau, C. Clark, and J. MacIsaac
ISPRS Ann. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci., VI-4-W2-2020, 119–126, https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-annals-VI-4-W2-2020-119-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-annals-VI-4-W2-2020-119-2020, 2020
Zoë Y. W. Davis, Udo Frieß, Kevin B. Strawbridge, Monika Aggarwaal, Sabour Baray, Elijah G. Schnitzler, Akshay Lobo, Vitali E. Fioletov, Ihab Abboud, Chris A. McLinden, Jim Whiteway, Megan D. Willis, Alex K. Y. Lee, Jeff Brook, Jason Olfert, Jason O'Brien, Ralf Staebler, Hans D. Osthoff, Cristian Mihele, and Robert McLaren
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 1129–1155, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-1129-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-1129-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Here, we evaluate a ground-based remote sensing method (MAX-DOAS) for measuring total pollutant loading and vertical profiles of pollution in the lower atmosphere by comparing our method to a variety of other measurement methods (lidar, sunphotometer, active DOAS, and aircraft measurements). Measurements were made in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region in Alberta, Canada. The complex dataset provided a rare opportunity to evaluate the performance of MAX-DOAS under varying atmospheric conditions.
Xiaohong Yao and Leiming Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 721–733, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-721-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-721-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
An innovative approach is developed to preprocess monitored wet deposition data of inorganic ions for generating their decadal trends. Differing from traditional approaches which directly apply annual or seasonal average data to trend analysis tools, the proposed new approach makes use of slopes of regression equations between a series of study years and a climatology (base) year in terms of monthly averaged data. The new approach yields more robust results than the traditional tools.
Alex K. Y. Lee, Max G. Adam, John Liggio, Shao-Meng Li, Kun Li, Megan D. Willis, Jonathan P. D. Abbatt, Travis W. Tokarek, Charles A. Odame-Ankrah, Hans D. Osthoff, Kevin Strawbridge, and Jeffery R. Brook
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 12209–12219, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-12209-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-12209-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
This work provides the first direct field evidence that anthropogenic organo-nitrate contributed up to half of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) mass that was freshly produced within the emission plumes of oil sands facilities in Alberta, Canada. The findings illustrate the central role of organo-nitrate in SOA production from the oil and gas industry, with relevance for other urban and industrial regions with significant intermediate-volatility organic compounds (IVOCs) and NOx emissions.
Nathan Hilker, Jonathan M. Wang, Cheol-Heon Jeong, Robert M. Healy, Uwayemi Sofowote, Jerzy Debosz, Yushan Su, Michael Noble, Anthony Munoz, Geoff Doerksen, Luc White, Céline Audette, Dennis Herod, Jeffrey R. Brook, and Greg J. Evans
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 5247–5261, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-5247-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-5247-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Increased interest in monitoring air quality near roadways, combined with traffic's often unclear contribution to elevated concentrations, has created a need for better interpretation of these data. Using 2 years of measurements collected during a near-road monitoring project in Canada, this paper contrasts three methods for estimating the fraction of roadside pollution resulting from on-road traffic. Robustness of these methods was compared with tandem measurements at background locations.
Jun Tao, Zhisheng Zhang, Yunfei Wu, Leiming Zhang, Zhijun Wu, Peng Cheng, Mei Li, Laiguo Chen, Renjian Zhang, and Junji Cao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 8471–8490, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-8471-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-8471-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Mass-scattering efficiencies (MSE) of dominant chemical species in atmospheric aerosols are important parameters for building the relationships between chemical species and the particle-scattering coefficient. Particle MSE mainly depends on the mass fractions of (NH4)2SO4, NH4NO3, and organic matter and their MSEs in the droplet mode. MSEs of (NH4)2SO4, NH4NO3 and organic matter were determined by their size distributions in the droplet mode.
Yang Chen, Mi Tian, Ru-Jin Huang, Guangming Shi, Huanbo Wang, Chao Peng, Junji Cao, Qiyuan Wang, Shumin Zhang, Dongmei Guo, Leiming Zhang, and Fumo Yang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 3245–3255, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-3245-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-3245-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Amine-containing particles were characterized in an urban area of Chongqing during both summer and winter using a single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS). Amines were observed to internally mix with elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), sulfate, and nitrate. Diethylamine (DEA) was the most abundant in both number and peak area among amine-containing particles. Vegetation and traffic were the primary sources of particulate amines.
Kevin B. Strawbridge, Michael S. Travis, Bernard J. Firanski, Jeffrey R. Brook, Ralf Staebler, and Thierry Leblanc
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 6735–6759, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-6735-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-6735-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Environment and Climate Change Canada has recently developed a fully autonomous, mobile lidar system to simultaneously measure the vertical profile of tropospheric ozone, aerosol and water vapor from near the ground to altitudes reaching 10–15 km. These atmospheric constituents play an important role in climate, air quality, and human and ecosystem health. Using an autonomous multi-lidar approach provides a continuous dataset rich in information for atmospheric process studies.
Travis W. Tokarek, Charles A. Odame-Ankrah, Jennifer A. Huo, Robert McLaren, Alex K. Y. Lee, Max G. Adam, Megan D. Willis, Jonathan P. D. Abbatt, Cristian Mihele, Andrea Darlington, Richard L. Mittermeier, Kevin Strawbridge, Katherine L. Hayden, Jason S. Olfert, Elijah G. Schnitzler, Duncan K. Brownsey, Faisal V. Assad, Gregory R. Wentworth, Alex G. Tevlin, Douglas E. J. Worthy, Shao-Meng Li, John Liggio, Jeffrey R. Brook, and Hans D. Osthoff
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 17819–17841, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-17819-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-17819-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Measurements of air pollutants at a ground site near Fort McKay in the Athabasca oil sands region in the summer of 2013 are presented. A large number of intermediate-volatility organic compounds (IVOCs) were observed; these molecules were shown previously to generate atmospheric particles downwind of the region. A principal component analysis was performed to identify major pollution source types, including which source(s) is(are) associated with IVOC emissions (e.g., freshly mined bitumen).
Sumi N. Wren, John Liggio, Yuemei Han, Katherine Hayden, Gang Lu, Cris M. Mihele, Richard L. Mittermeier, Craig Stroud, Jeremy J. B. Wentzell, and Jeffrey R. Brook
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 16979–17001, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16979-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16979-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We made measurements from a mobile laboratory across a large urban area and determined fleet-average vehicle emission factors (EFs) for a suite of traffic-related air pollutants. We present the first real-world EFs for isocyanic acid (HNCO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and insight into their on-road variability. We find that vehicles may represent an important source of these air toxics at an urban scale. This work has implications for understanding population exposure to these species.
Martine M. Savard, Amanda S. Cole, Robert Vet, and Anna Smirnoff
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 10373–10389, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10373-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10373-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Improving air quality requires understanding of the atmospheric processes transforming nitrous oxides emitted by human activities into nitrates, an N form that may degrade natural ecosystems. Isotopes (∆17O, δ18O) are characterized in separate wet, particulate and gaseous nitrates for the first time. The gas ranges are distinct from those of the other nitrates, and the plume dynamics emerge as crucial in interpreting the results, which unravel key processes behind the distribution of nitrates.
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
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 9897–9927, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-9897-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-9897-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Complex computer model output was compared to and fused with observation data, to estimate potential damage due to acidifying precipitation for ecosystems in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Estimated deposition was compared to the maximum no-damage ecosystem capacity for sulfur and/or nitrogen uptake; these critical loads were exceeded, for areas between 10 000 and 330 000 square kilometres, depending on ecosystem type: ecosystem damage will occur at 2013 emission levels.
Xin Qiu, Irene Cheng, Fuquan Yang, Erin Horb, Leiming Zhang, and Tom Harner
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 3457–3467, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-3457-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-3457-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We developed emissions databases for polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in the Athabasca oil sands region and evaluated the emissions databases by comparing CALPUFF-modelled concentrations with monitored data. Model–measurement agreement improved near oil sands mines due to updated PAC emissions from tailings ponds. Modelled concentrations were underestimated at remote sites and for alkylated PACs suggesting that the emissions of PACs particularly alkylated compounds are underestimated.
Cynthia H. Whaley, Paul A. Makar, Mark W. Shephard, Leiming Zhang, Junhua Zhang, Qiong Zheng, Ayodeji Akingunola, Gregory R. Wentworth, Jennifer G. Murphy, Shailesh K. Kharol, and Karen E. Cady-Pereira
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 2011–2034, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-2011-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-2011-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Using a modified air quality forecasting model, we have found that a significant fraction (> 50 %) of ambient ammonia comes from re-emission from plants and soils in the broader Athabasca Oil Sands region and much of Alberta and Saskatchewan. We also found that about 20 % of ambient ammonia in Alberta and Saskatchewan came from forest fires in the summer of 2013. The addition of these two processes improved modelled ammonia, which was a motivating factor in undertaking this research.
Huanbo Wang, Mi Tian, Yang Chen, Guangming Shi, Yuan Liu, Fumo Yang, Leiming Zhang, Liqun Deng, Jiayan Yu, Chao Peng, and Xuyao Cao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 865–881, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-865-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-865-2018, 2018
Huiting Mao, Dolly Hall, Zhuyun Ye, Ying Zhou, Dirk Felton, and Leiming Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 11655–11671, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-11655-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-11655-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant hazardous to human and ecosystem health, and its emission control is imperative. Anthropogenic mercury emissions have been reduced by 78 % in the United States from 1990 to 2014. However, no clearly defined trend was observed in Hg concentrations at urban locations such as the one in this study. This indicates that other factors may have dominated over anthropogenic emission control. The implications of this study could hence be highly policy relevant.
Jun Tao, Leiming Zhang, Junji Cao, and Renjian Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 9485–9518, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9485-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9485-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, studies on PM2.5 chemical composition, source apportionment and its impact on aerosol optical properties across China are thoroughly reviewed, and historical emission control policies in China and their effectiveness in reducing PM2.5 are discussed.
Catherine Phillips-Smith, Cheol-Heon Jeong, Robert M. Healy, Ewa Dabek-Zlotorzynska, Valbona Celo, Jeffrey R. Brook, and Greg Evans
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 9435–9449, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9435-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9435-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
The sources of PM2.5 components exhibited short-term variabilities, and their contributions were identified in the Athabasca oil sands region. Much of the trace elements were found to originate from anthropogenic activities, i.e., oil sands upgrading and on- and off-road transportation. Some of these anthropogenic activities became better defined and understood only through highly time-resolved measurements, which can help guide further studies and policy decisions in the oil sands area.
Leiming Zhang, Seth Lyman, Huiting Mao, Che-Jen Lin, David A. Gay, Shuxiao Wang, Mae Sexauer Gustin, Xinbin Feng, and Frank Wania
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 9133–9144, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9133-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9133-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Future research needs are proposed for improving the understanding of atmospheric mercury cycling. These include refinement of mercury emission estimations, quantification of dry deposition and air–surface exchange, improvement of the treatment of chemical mechanisms in chemical transport models, increase in the accuracy of oxidized mercury measurements, better interpretation of atmospheric mercury chemistry data, and harmonization of network operation.
Yunfei Wu, Xiaojia Wang, Jun Tao, Rujin Huang, Ping Tian, Junji Cao, Leiming Zhang, Kin-Fai Ho, Zhiwei Han, and Renjian Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 7965–7975, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-7965-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-7965-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
As black carbon (BC) aerosols play an important role in the climate and environment, the size distribution of refractory BC (rBC) was investigated. On this basis, the source of rBC was further analyzed. The local traffic exhausts contributed greatly to the rBC in urban areas. However, its contribution decreased significantly in the polluted period compared to the clean period, implying the increasing contribution of other sources, e.g., coal combustion or biomass burning, in the polluted period.
Irene Cheng and Leiming Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 4711–4730, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4711-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4711-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Geographical and long-term (1983–2011) trends in air concentrations and wet deposition of inorganic ions and aerosol and precipitation acidity were analyzed at 31 sites in Canada. Declines in atmospheric ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate were consistent with decreasing emissions of NH3, NOx, and SO2. A decline in nitrate and sulfate wet deposition was also observed. Wet scavenging was further studied by estimating scavenging ratios and relative contributions of gases and aerosols to wet deposition.
Xiaohong Xu, Yanyin Liao, Irene Cheng, and Leiming Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 1381–1400, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-1381-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-1381-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
This study addresses two issues related to source–receptor analysis of speciated atmospheric mercury: (1) comparing PMF and PCA and (2) testing different approaches in data selection for PMF modeling.
L. Paige Wright, Leiming Zhang, and Frank J. Marsik
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 13399–13416, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-13399-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-13399-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
The current knowledge concerning mercury dry deposition is reviewed, including dry deposition algorithms used in chemical transport models and at monitoring sites, measurement methods and studies for quantifying dry deposition of oxidized mercury, and measurement studies of litterfall and throughfall mercury. Over all the regions, dry deposition, estimated as the sum of litterfall and throughfall minus open-field wet deposition, is more dominant than wet deposition for Hg deposition.
Huiting Mao, Irene Cheng, and Leiming Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 12897–12924, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-12897-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-12897-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Understanding of spatial and temporal variations of atmospheric speciated mercury can advance our knowledge of mercury cycling in various environments. This review summarized spatiotemporal variations of TGM/GEM, GOM, and PBM in environments including oceans, continents, high elevation, the free troposphere, and low to high latitudes. Remaining questions/issues and recommendations were provided for future research.
Xiaohong Yao and Leiming Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 11465–11475, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-11465-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-11465-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric NH3 plays an important role in forming secondary aerosols and has a direct impact on sensitive ecosystems. This study aims to study its long-term variation and find that the long-term trend can be affected by climate change as well as other anthropogenic factors, depending on sites. A large percentage increase of atmospheric NH3 at remote American sites is surprising and may cause a potential threat to sensitive ecosystems in the future.
Graydon Snider, Crystal L. Weagle, Kalaivani K. Murdymootoo, Amanda Ring, Yvonne Ritchie, Emily Stone, Ainsley Walsh, Clement Akoshile, Nguyen Xuan Anh, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian, Jeff Brook, Fatimah D. Qonitan, Jinlu Dong, Derek Griffith, Kebin He, Brent N. Holben, Ralph Kahn, Nofel Lagrosas, Puji Lestari, Zongwei Ma, Amit Misra, Leslie K. Norford, Eduardo J. Quel, Abdus Salam, Bret Schichtel, Lior Segev, Sachchida Tripathi, Chien Wang, Chao Yu, Qiang Zhang, Yuxuan Zhang, Michael Brauer, Aaron Cohen, Mark D. Gibson, Yang Liu, J. Vanderlei Martins, Yinon Rudich, and Randall V. Martin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 9629–9653, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-9629-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-9629-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We examine the chemical composition of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) collected on filters at traditionally undersampled, globally dispersed urban locations. Several PM2.5 chemical components (e.g. ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and black carbon) vary by more than an order of magnitude between sites while aerosol hygroscopicity varies by a factor of 2. Enhanced anthropogenic dust fractions in large urban areas are apparent from high Zn : Al ratios.
Xiaodong Zhang, Tao Huang, Leiming Zhang, Yanjie Shen, Yuan Zhao, Hong Gao, Xiaoxuan Mao, Chenhui Jia, and Jianmin Ma
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 6949–6960, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-6949-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-6949-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
This paper assesses long-term trend of biogenic isoprene emissions in the Three-North Shelter Forest Program, also known as "the Green Great Wall", the largest artificial afforestation in the human history. Results show that the TNRSF has altered the long-term emission trend in north China from a decreasing to an increasing trend from 1982 to 2010. Isoprene emission fluxes have increased in many places of the TNRSF over the last 3 decades due to the growing trees and vegetation coverage.
Alex K. Y. Lee, Jonathan P. D. Abbatt, W. Richard Leaitch, Shao-Meng Li, Steve J. Sjostedt, Jeremy J. B. Wentzell, John Liggio, and Anne Marie Macdonald
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 6721–6733, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-6721-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-6721-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Substantial biogenic secondary organic aerosol (BSOA) formation was investigated in a coniferous forest mountain region in Whistler, British Columbia. A largely biogenic aerosol growth episode was observed, providing a unique opportunity to investigate BSOA formation chemistry in a forested environment. In particular, our observations provide insights into the relative importance of different oxidation mechanisms between day and night.
Lei Zhang, Shuxiao Wang, Qingru Wu, Fengyang Wang, Che-Jen Lin, Leiming Zhang, Mulin Hui, Mei Yang, Haitao Su, and Jiming Hao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 2417–2433, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2417-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2417-2016, 2016
R. H. Mason, M. Si, C. Chou, V. E. Irish, R. Dickie, P. Elizondo, R. Wong, M. Brintnell, M. Elsasser, W. M. Lassar, K. M. Pierce, W. R. Leaitch, A. M. MacDonald, A. Platt, D. Toom-Sauntry, R. Sarda-Estève, C. L. Schiller, K. J. Suski, T. C. J. Hill, J. P. D. Abbatt, J. A. Huffman, P. J. DeMott, and A. K. Bertram
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 1637–1651, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-1637-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-1637-2016, 2016
S. D. D'Andrea, J. Y. Ng, J. K. Kodros, S. A. Atwood, M. J. Wheeler, A. M. Macdonald, W. R. Leaitch, and J. R. Pierce
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 383–396, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-383-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-383-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We evaluate aerosol size distributions predicted by GEOS-Chem-TOMAS using measurements from the peak of Whistler Mountain. We improve model-measurement comparisons of aerosol number, size, and composition during periods of free-tropospheric and boundary-layer influence by developing simple filtering techniques, and determine the influence of Asian anthropogenic and biomass burning emissions. The low-cost filtering techniques and source apportionment methods can be used for other mountain sites.
M. W. Shephard, C. A. McLinden, K. E. Cady-Pereira, M. Luo, S. G. Moussa, A. Leithead, J. Liggio, R. M. Staebler, A. Akingunola, P. Makar, P. Lehr, J. Zhang, D. K. Henze, D. B. Millet, J. O. Bash, L. Zhu, K. C. Wells, S. L. Capps, S. Chaliyakunnel, M. Gordon, K. Hayden, J. R. Brook, M. Wolde, and S.-M. Li
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 8, 5189–5211, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-5189-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-5189-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
This study provides direct validations of Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) satellite retrieved profiles against coincident aircraft profiles of carbon monoxide, ammonia, methanol, and formic acid, all of which are of interest for air quality. The comparisons are performed over the Canadian oil sands region during an intensive field campaign in support of the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for the Oil Sands Monitoring (JOSM). Initial model evaluations are also provided.
C. G. Nolte, K. W. Appel, J. T. Kelly, P. V. Bhave, K. M. Fahey, J. L. Collett Jr., L. Zhang, and J. O. Young
Geosci. Model Dev., 8, 2877–2892, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-8-2877-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-8-2877-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
This study is the most comprehensive evaluation of CMAQ inorganic
aerosol size-composition distributions conducted to date. We compare two
methods of inferring PM2.5 concentrations from the model: (1) based on
the sum of the masses in the fine aerosol modes, as is most commonly
done in CMAQ model evaluation; and (2) computed using the simulated size
distributions. Differences are generally less than 1 microgram/m3, and
are largest over the eastern USA during the summer.
I. Cheng, X. Xu, and L. Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 7877–7895, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-7877-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-7877-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Current knowledge of receptor-based studies using speciated atmospheric mercury is reviewed and recommendations for future research needs are provided.
Z. Y. Wu, L. Zhang, X. M. Wang, and J. W. Munger
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 7487–7496, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-7487-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-7487-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we have developed a modified micrometeorological gradient method (MGM), although based on existing micrometeorological theory, to estimate O3 dry deposition fluxes over a forest canopy using concentration gradients between a level above and a level below the canopy top. The new method provides an alternative approach in monitoring/estimating long-term deposition fluxes of similar pollutants over tall canopies and is expected to be useful for the scientific community.
L. Zhang, I. Cheng, D. Muir, and J.-P. Charland
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 1421–1434, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-1421-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-1421-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
This study analyzed air and precipitation concentrations of 43 polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) collected in the Athabasca oil sands region. A database has been built for the parameter scavenging ratio, which is defined as the ratio of the concentration of PACs in precipitation to that in air. A better understanding of the potential differences between gas and particulate scavenging and between snow and rain scavenging has been achieved.
J. C. Schroder, S. J. Hanna, R. L. Modini, A. L. Corrigan, S. M. Kreidenwies, A. M. Macdonald, K. J. Noone, L. M. Russell, W. R. Leaitch, and A. K. Bertram
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 1367–1383, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-1367-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-1367-2015, 2015
G. Snider, C. L. Weagle, R. V. Martin, A. van Donkelaar, K. Conrad, D. Cunningham, C. Gordon, M. Zwicker, C. Akoshile, P. Artaxo, N. X. Anh, J. Brook, J. Dong, R. M. Garland, R. Greenwald, D. Griffith, K. He, B. N. Holben, R. Kahn, I. Koren, N. Lagrosas, P. Lestari, Z. Ma, J. Vanderlei Martins, E. J. Quel, Y. Rudich, A. Salam, S. N. Tripathi, C. Yu, Q. Zhang, Y. Zhang, M. Brauer, A. Cohen, M. D. Gibson, and Y. Liu
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 8, 505–521, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-505-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-505-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
We have initiated a global network of ground-level monitoring stations to measure concentrations of fine aerosols in urban environments. Our findings include major ions species, total mass, and total scatter at three wavelengths. Results will be used to further evaluate and enhance satellite remote sensing estimates.
L. Huang, S. L. Gong, M. Gordon, J. Liggio, R. Staebler, C. A. Stroud, G. Lu, C. Mihele, J. R. Brook, and C. Q. Jia
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 12631–12648, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-12631-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-12631-2014, 2014
J. Tao, J. Gao, L. Zhang, R. Zhang, H. Che, Z. Zhang, Z. Lin, J. Jing, J. Cao, and S.-C. Hsu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 8679–8699, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-8679-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-8679-2014, 2014
M. L. McGuire, R. Y.-W. Chang, J. G. Slowik, C.-H. Jeong, R. M. Healy, G. Lu, C. Mihele, J. P. D. Abbatt, J. R. Brook, and G. J. Evans
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 8017–8042, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-8017-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-8017-2014, 2014
Z. J. Lin, Z. S. Zhang, L. Zhang, J. Tao, R. J. Zhang, J. J. Cao, S. J. Fan, and Y. H. Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 7631–7644, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-7631-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-7631-2014, 2014
I. Levy, C. Mihele, G. Lu, J. Narayan, N. Hilker, and J. R. Brook
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 7173–7193, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-7173-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-7173-2014, 2014
D. Wen, L. Zhang, J. C. Lin, R. Vet, and M. D. Moran
Geosci. Model Dev., 7, 1037–1050, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-7-1037-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-7-1037-2014, 2014
X. Wang, L. Zhang, and M. D. Moran
Geosci. Model Dev., 7, 799–819, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-7-799-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-7-799-2014, 2014
L. Zhang and Z. He
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 3729–3737, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-3729-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-3729-2014, 2014
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
X. H. Yao and L. Zhang
Biogeosciences, 10, 7913–7925, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-7913-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-7913-2013, 2013
S. Chen, X. Qiu, L. Zhang, F. Yang, and P. Blanchard
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 11287–11293, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-11287-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-11287-2013, 2013
D. Mendolia, R. J. C. D'Souza, G. J. Evans, and J. Brook
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 6, 2907–2924, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-6-2907-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-6-2907-2013, 2013
J. R. Brook, P. A. Makar, D. M. L. Sills, K. L. Hayden, and R. McLaren
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 10461–10482, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-10461-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-10461-2013, 2013
L. Zhang, X. Wang, M. D. Moran, and J. Feng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 10005–10025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-10005-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-10005-2013, 2013
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
I. Cheng, L. Zhang, P. Blanchard, J. Dalziel, and R. Tordon
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 6031–6048, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-6031-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-6031-2013, 2013
B. Ervens, Y. Wang, J. Eagar, W. R. Leaitch, A. M. Macdonald, K. T. Valsaraj, and P. Herckes
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 5117–5135, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-5117-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-5117-2013, 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
L. Ahlm, K. M. Shakya, L. M. Russell, J. C. Schroder, J. P. S. Wong, S. J. Sjostedt, K. L. Hayden, J. Liggio, J. J. B. Wentzell, H. A. Wiebe, C. Mihele, W. R. Leaitch, and A. M. Macdonald
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 3393–3407, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-3393-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-3393-2013, 2013
D. Wen, J. C. Lin, L. Zhang, R. Vet, and M. D. Moran
Geosci. Model Dev., 6, 327–344, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-6-327-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-6-327-2013, 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
Related subject area
Subject: Aerosols | Research Activity: Field Measurements | Altitude Range: Troposphere | Science Focus: Chemistry (chemical composition and reactions)
Technical note: Towards a stronger observational support for haze pollution control by interpreting carbonaceous aerosol results derived from different measurement approaches
Particle flux–gradient relationships in the high Arctic: emission and deposition patterns across three surface types
Advances in characterization of black carbon particles and their associated coatings using the soot-particle aerosol mass spectrometer in Singapore, a complex city environment
Iron isotopes suggest significant aerosol dissolution over the Pacific Ocean
Enrichment of organic nitrogen in fog residuals observed in the Italian Po Valley
Asian dust transport of proteinaceous matter from the Gobi Desert to northern China
Machine-learning-assisted chemical characterization and optical properties of atmospheric brown carbon in Nanjing, China
Technical note: Reconstructing missing surface aerosol elemental carbon data in long-term series with ensemble learning
Enhanced emission of intermediate-volatility/semi-volatile organic matter in gas and particle phases from ship exhausts with low-sulfur fuels
Measurement report: Crustal materials play an increasing role in elevating particle pH – insights from 12-year records in a typical inland city of China
Significant contributions of biomass burning to PM2.5-bound aromatic compounds: insights from field observations and quantum chemical calculations
Measurement report: In-depth characterization of ship emissions during operations in a Mediterranean port
Direct measurement of N2O5 heterogeneous uptake coefficients on atmospheric aerosols in southwestern China and evaluation of current parameterizations
Measurement report: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in particulate matter (PM10) from activated sludge aeration
African dust transported to Barbados in the wintertime lacks indicators of chemical aging
A 60-year atmospheric nitrate isotope record from a southeastern Greenland ice core with minimal postdepositional alteration
Measurement report: Characterization of aerosol hygroscopicity over Southeast Asia during the NASA CAMP2Ex campaign
Long–term Trends in PM2.5 Chemical Composition and Its Impact on Aerosol Properties: Field Observations from 2007 to 2020 in Pearl River Delta, South China
Atmospheric Organosulfate Formation Regulated by Continental Outflows and Marine Emissions over East Asian Marginal Seas
Individual particle compositions and aerosol mixing states at different altitudes over the ocean in East Asia
Molecular characterization of organic aerosols in urban and forested areas of Paris using high-resolution mass spectrometry
Measurement report: Wintertime aerosol characterization at an urban traffic site in Helsinki, Finland
Source apportionment and ecotoxicity of PM2.5 pollution events in a major Southern Hemisphere megacity: influence of a biofuel-impacted fleet and biomass burning
The impacts of pollution sources and temperature on the light absorption of HULIS were revealed by UHPLC-HRMS/MS at the molecular structure level
Effects of Anthropogenic Pollutants on Biogenic Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation in the Atmosphere of Mt. Hua, China
Marine organic aerosol at Mace Head: effects from phytoplankton and source region variability
Elemental composition, iron mineralogy and solubility of anthropogenic and natural mineral dust aerosols in Namibia: a case study analysis from the AEROCLO-sA campaign
Fossil-Dominated SOA Formation in Coastal China: Size-Divergent Pathways of Aqueous Fenton Reactions versus Gas-phase VOC Autoxidation
Measurement report: Sources and meteorology influencing highly time-resolved PM2.5 trace elements at three urban sites in the extremely polluted Indo-Gangetic Plain in India
Formation of highly absorptive secondary brown carbon through nighttime multiphase chemistry of biomass burning emissions
Hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) Formation under Urban and Marine Atmosphere: role of aerosol ionic strength
The sources and diurnal variations of submicron aerosols in a coastal-rural environment near Houston, US
Measurement report: Vertically resolved atmospheric properties observed over the Southern Great Plains with the ArcticShark uncrewed aerial system
Unraveling Arctic submicron organic aerosol sources: a year-long study by H-NMR and AMS in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard
Non-biogenic sources are an important but overlooked contributor to aerosol isoprene-derived organosulfates during winter in northern China
Unveiling single-particle composition, size, shape, and mixing state of freshly emitted Icelandic dust via electron microscopy analysis
The Critical Role of Volatile Organic Compounds Emission in Nitrate Formation in Lhasa, Tibetan Plateau: Insights from Oxygen Isotope Anomaly Measurements
The critical role of aqueous-phase processes in aromatic-derived nitrogen-containing organic aerosol formation in cities with different energy consumption patterns
Characterization of atmospheric water-soluble brown carbon in the Athabasca oil sands region, Canada
Sensitivity of aerosol and cloud properties to coupling strength of marine boundary layer clouds over the northwest Atlantic
Measurement Report: Molecular composition, sources, and evolution of atmospheric organic aerosols in a basin city in China
Burning conditions and transportation pathways determine biomass-burning aerosol properties in the Ascension Island marine boundary layer
Observations of high-time-resolution and size-resolved aerosol chemical composition and microphysics in the central Arctic: implications for climate-relevant particle properties
Measurement report: Brown carbon aerosol in rural Germany – sources, chemistry, and diurnal variations
Climatology of aerosol pH and its controlling factors at the Melpitz continental background site in central Europe
Atmospheric chemistry in East Asia determines the iron solubility of aerosol particles supplied to the North Pacific Ocean
Measurement Report: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their alkylated (RPAHs), nitrated (NPAHs) and oxygenated (OPAHs) derivatives in the global marine atmosphere: occurrence, spatial variations, and source apportionment
Multiple eco-regions contribute to the seasonal cycle of Antarctic aerosol size distributions
Seasonal investigation of ultrafine-particle organic composition in an eastern Amazonian rainforest
Characterizing lead-rich particles in Beijing's atmosphere following coal-to-gas conversion: Insights from single particle aerosol mass spectrometry
Yuan Cheng, Ying-jie Zhong, Zhi-qing Zhang, Xu-bing Cao, and Jiu-meng Liu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 8493–8505, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8493-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8493-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
As an emerging hotspot of atmospheric sciences, northeastern China is distinct due to the frigid winter and the strong emissions from agricultural fires. Based on field campaigns conducted in Harbin, we successively identified the analytical method that could lead to proper results of organic and elemental carbon. Our results are believed to be a support for future efforts in the exploration of PM2.5 sources in northeastern China, which are essential for further improving the regional air quality.
Theresa Mathes, Heather Guy, John Prytherch, Julia Kojoj, Ian Brooks, Sonja Murto, Paul Zieger, Birgit Wehner, Michael Tjernström, and Andreas Held
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 8455–8474, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8455-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8455-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The Arctic is warming faster than the global average and an investigation of aerosol–cloud–sea ice interactions is crucial for studying its climate system. During the ARTofMELT Expedition 2023, particle and sensible heat fluxes were measured over different surfaces. Wide lead surfaces acted as particle sources, with the strongest sensible heat fluxes, while closed ice surfaces acted as particle sinks. In this study, methods to measure these interactions are improved, enhancing our understanding of Arctic climate processes.
Mutian Ma, Laura-Hélèna Rivellini, Yichen Zong, Markus Kraft, Liya E. Yu, and Alex King Yin Lee
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 8185–8211, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8185-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8185-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This work advances our understanding of the emission and atmospheric evolution of black carbon (BC) particles in Singapore, a complex urban environment impacted by multiple local and regional combustion sources, based on the improved source apportionment analysis of real-time aerosol mass spectrometry measurement.
Capucine Camin, François Lacan, Catherine Pradoux, Marie Labatut, Anne Johansen, and James W. Murray
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 8213–8228, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8213-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8213-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This paper presents the chemical and iron isotopic composition of aerosols (> 1 µm) over the equatorial and tropical Pacific Ocean in previously undocumented areas. Analysis of our data suggests that a significant proportion of aerosol iron (∼ 13 %) is not only dissolved but also removed during atmospheric transport. Such removal had not previously been evidenced to our knowledge. This highlights the unique and strong constraints brought by iron isotopes on atmospheric process studies.
Fredrik Mattsson, Almuth Neuberger, Liine Heikkinen, Yvette Gramlich, Marco Paglione, Matteo Rinaldi, Stefano Decesari, Paul Zieger, Ilona Riipinen, and Claudia Mohr
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 7973–7989, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7973-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7973-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigated aerosol–cloud interactions, focusing on organic nitrogen (ON) formation in the aqueous phase. Measurements were conducted in wintertime in the Po Valley, Italy, using aerosol mass spectrometry. The fog was enriched in more hygroscopic inorganic compounds and ON, containing, e.g., imidazoles. The formation of imidazole by aerosol–fog interactions could be confirmed for the first time in atmospheric observations. Findings highlight the role of fog in nitrogen aerosol formation.
Ren-Guo Zhu, Hua-Yun Xiao, Meiju Yin, Hao Xiao, Zhongkui Zhou, Yuanyuan Pan, Guo Wei, and Cheng Liu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 7699–7718, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7699-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7699-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The concentrations and δ15N isotopic values of CAAs (combined amino acids) in surface soil and plants from the Gobi Desert, as well as in PM2.5 samples from four cities in Northern China, were measured. CAAs transported by Gobi dust were rich in alanine, glycine and glutamic acid. Glycine and leucine in Gobi Desert sources exhibited δ15N depletion by more than 6 ‰ compared to their values in urban PM2.5. Substantial protein-N deposition can be transported by the Gobi Desert to northern China over brief periods.
Yu Huang, Xingru Li, Dan Dan Huang, Ruoyuan Lei, Binhuang Zhou, Yunjiang Zhang, and Xinlei Ge
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 7619–7645, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7619-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7619-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This work comprises a comprehensive investigation into the chemical and optical properties of brown carbon (BrC) in PM2.5 samples collected in Nanjing, China. In particular, we used a machine learning approach to identify a list of key BrC species, which can be a good reference for future studies. Our findings extend understanding of BrC properties and are valuable to the assessment of BrC's impact on air quality and radiative forcing.
Qingxiao Meng, Yunjiang Zhang, Sheng Zhong, Jie Fang, Lili Tang, Yongcai Rao, Minfeng Zhou, Jian Qiu, Xiaofeng Xu, Jean-Eudes Petit, Olivier Favez, and Xinlei Ge
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 7485–7498, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7485-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7485-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a machine-learning-based method to reconstruct missing elemental carbon (EC) data in four Chinese cities from 2013 to 2023. Using machine learning, we filled data gaps and introduced a new approach to analyze EC trends. Our findings reveal a significant decline in EC due to stricter pollution controls, though this slowed after 2020. This study provides a versatile framework for addressing data gaps and supports strategies to reduce urban air pollution and its climate impacts.
Binyu Xiao, Fan Zhang, Zeyu Liu, Yan Zhang, Rui Li, Can Wu, Xinyi Wan, Yi Wang, Yubao Chen, Yong Han, Min Cui, Libo Zhang, Yingjun Chen, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 7053–7069, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7053-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7053-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Intermediate-volatility/semi-volatile organic compounds in gas and particle phases from ship exhausts are enhanced due to the switch of fuels from low sulfur to ultra-low sulfur. The findings indicate that optimization is necessary for the forthcoming global implementation of an ultra-low-sulfur oil policy. Besides, we find that organic diagnostic markers of hopanes in conjunction with the ratio of octadecanoic to tetradecanoic could be considered potential tracers for heavy fuel oil exhausts.
Hongyu Zhang, Shenbo Wang, Zhangsen Dong, Xiao Li, and Ruiqin Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 6943–6955, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6943-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6943-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Analyzing 12-year Zhengzhou data revealed post-2019 crustal material rebound caused by soil dust resuspension, elevating particle pH. Similar coarse particle increases are observed across cities of the North China Plain. Long-term particle acidity evolution in this region requires an integrated assessment of interactions among acidic precursors, ammonia, and crustal components.
Yanqin Ren, Zhenhai Wu, Fang Bi, Hong Li, Haijie Zhang, Junling Li, Rui Gao, Fangyun Long, Zhengyang Liu, Yuanyuan Ji, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 6975–6990, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6975-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6975-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The daily concentrations of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs), and nitrated phenols (NPs) in PM2.5 were all increased during the heating season. Biomass burning was identified to be the primary source of these aromatic compounds, particularly for PAHs. Phenol and nitrobenzene are two main primary precursors for 4NP, with phenol showing lower reaction barriers. P-Cresol was identified as the primary precursor for the formation of 4-methyl-5-nitrocatechol.
Lise Le Berre, Brice Temime-Roussel, Grazia Maria Lanzafame, Barbara D'Anna, Nicolas Marchand, Stéphane Sauvage, Marvin Dufresne, Liselotte Tinel, Thierry Leonardis, Joel Ferreira de Brito, Alexandre Armengaud, Grégory Gille, Ludovic Lanzi, Romain Bourjot, and Henri Wortham
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 6575–6605, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6575-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6575-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
A summer campaign in a Mediterranean port examined pollution caused by ships. Two stations in the port measured pollution levels and captured over 350 ship plumes to study their chemical composition. Results showed that pollution levels, such as ultra-fine particles, were higher in the port than in the city and offer strong support to improve emission inventories. These findings may also serve as reference to assess the benefits of a sulfur Emission Control Area in the Mediterranean in 2025.
Jiayin Li, Tianyu Zhai, Xiaorui Chen, Haichao Wang, Shuyang Xie, Shiyi Chen, Chunmeng Li, Yuanjun Gong, Huabin Dong, and Keding Lu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 6395–6406, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6395-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6395-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We directly measured the dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) uptake coefficient using an aerosol flow tube, which critically impacts the NOx fate and particulate nitrate formation in a typical highland city, Kunming, in China. We found that the performance of current γ (N2O5) parameterizations showed deviations with the varying aerosol liquid water content (ALWC). Such differences would lead to biased estimation of particulate nitrate production potential. We give suggestions for future research directions.
Jishnu Pandamkulangara Kizhakkethil, Zongbo Shi, Anna Bogush, and Ivan Kourtchev
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 5947–5958, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5947-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5947-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Pollution with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has received attention due to their environmental persistence and bioaccumulation, but their sources remain poorly understood. PM10 (particulate matter) collected above a scaled-down activated sludge tank treating domestic sewage in the UK was analysed for a range of short-, medium-, and long-chain PFAS. Eight PFAS were detected in the PM10. Our results suggest that wastewater treatment processes, i.e. activated sludge aeration, could aerosolise PFAS into airborne PM.
Haley M. Royer, Michael T. Sheridan, Hope E. Elliott, Edmund Blades, Nurun Nahar Lata, Zezhen Cheng, Swarup China, Zihua Zhu, Andrew P. Ault, and Cassandra J. Gaston
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 5743–5759, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5743-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5743-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Saharan dust transported across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, South America, and North America is hypothesized to undergo chemical processing by acids that enhances cloud droplet formation and nutrient availability. In this study, chemical analysis performed on African dust deposited over Barbados shows that acid tracers are found mostly on sea salt and smoke particles, rather than dust, indicating that dust particles undergo minimal chemical processing.
Zhao Wei, Shohei Hattori, Asuka Tsuruta, Zhuang Jiang, Sakiko Ishino, Koji Fujita, Sumito Matoba, Lei Geng, Alexis Lamothe, Ryu Uemura, Naohiro Yoshida, Joel Savarino, and Yoshinori Iizuka
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 5727–5742, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5727-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5727-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Nitrate isotope records in ice cores reveal changes in NOₓ emissions and atmospheric oxidation chemistry driven by human activity. However, UV-driven postdepositional processes can alter nitrate in snow, making snow accumulation rates critical for preserving these records. This study examines nitrate isotopes in a southeastern Greenland ice core, where high snow accumulation minimizes these effects, providing a reliable archive of atmospheric nitrogen cycling.
Genevieve Rose Lorenzo, Luke D. Ziemba, Avelino F. Arellano, Mary C. Barth, Ewan C. Crosbie, Joshua P. DiGangi, Glenn S. Diskin, Richard Ferrare, Miguel Ricardo A. Hilario, Michael A. Shook, Simone Tilmes, Jian Wang, Qian Xiao, Jun Zhang, and Armin Sorooshian
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 5469–5495, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5469-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5469-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Novel aerosol hygroscopicity analyses of CAMP2Ex (Cloud, Aerosol, and Monsoon Processes Philippines Experiment) field campaign data show low aerosol hygroscopicity values in Southeast Asia. Organic carbon from smoke decreases hygroscopicity to levels more like those in continental than in polluted marine regions. Hygroscopicity changes at cloud level demonstrate how surface particles impact clouds in the region, affecting model representation of aerosol and cloud interactions in similar polluted marine regions with high organic carbon emissions.
Yunfeng He, Xiang Ding, Quanfu He, Yuqing Zhang, Duohong Chen, Tao Zhang, Kong Yang, Junqi Wang, Qian Cheng, Hao Jiang, Zirui Wang, Ping Liu, Xinming Wang, and Michael Boy
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2204, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2204, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The long-term field measurements in the Pearl River Delta revealed a significant decline in PM2.5 main components. As air quality improved, secondary species became more dominant. In addition, the proportion of nitrate had doubled. The changes in chemical composition led to the reductions in aerosol acidity, liquid water content and light extinction coefficient. Our results help to improve understanding of the secondary species formation under decreasing anthropogenic emissions.
Shubin Li, Yujue Wang, Yiwen Zhang, Yizhe Yi, Yuchen Wang, Yuqi Guo, Chao Yu, Yue Jiang, Jinhui Shi, Chao Zhang, Jialei Zhu, Wei Hu, Jianzhen Yu, Xiaohong Yao, Huiwang Gao, and Min Hu
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2154, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2154, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Organosulfates (OSs) are an unrecognized and potentially important component in marine organic aerosols. In this study, we quantified and characterized the OSs over East Asian marginal seas. The chemical nature and spatiotemporal distribution of OSs were modified by the joint influence of marine emissions and transported terrestrial pollutants. The results highlight the vital roles of OSs in shaping organic aerosol formation and sulfur cycle during summer in marine boundary layer.
Kouji Adachi, Atsushi Yoshida, Tatsuhiro Mori, Nobuhiro Moteki, Sho Ohata, Kazuyuki Kita, Yoshimi Kawai, and Makoto Koike
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2230, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2230, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study measured the compositions and mixing states of individual aerosol particles collected at different altitudes over the western North Pacific by simultaneous sampling from an aircraft and a research vessel. The results showed that they were strongly influenced by Siberian Forest biomass burning and mixed with sea spray, and identified various aerosol compositions at different altitudes, sizes, and aerosol sources, highlighting a wide range of individual particle compositions.
Diana L. Pereira, Chiara Giorio, Aline Gratien, Alexander Zherebker, Gael Noyalet, Servanne Chevaillier, Stéphanie Alage, Elie Almarj, Antonin Bergé, Thomas Bertin, Mathieu Cazaunau, Patrice Coll, Ludovico Di Antonio, Sergio Harb, Johannes Heuser, Cécile Gaimoz, Oscar Guillemant, Brigitte Language, Olivier Lauret, Camilo Macias, Franck Maisonneuve, Bénédicte Picquet-Varrault, Raquel Torres, Sylvain Triquet, Pascal Zapf, Lelia Hawkins, Drew Pronovost, Sydney Riley, Pierre-Marie Flaud, Emilie Perraudin, Pauline Pouyes, Eric Villenave, Alexandre Albinet, Olivier Favez, Robin Aujay-Plouzeau, Vincent Michoud, Christopher Cantrell, Manuela Cirtog, Claudia Di Biagio, Jean-François Doussin, and Paola Formenti
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4885–4905, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4885-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4885-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In order to study aerosols in environments influenced by anthropogenic and biogenic emissions, we performed analyses of samples collected during the ACROSS (Atmospheric Chemistry Of the Suburban Forest) campaign in summer 2022 in the greater Paris area. After analysis of the chemical composition by means of total carbon determination and high-resolution mass spectrometry, this work highlights the influence of anthropogenic inputs on the chemical composition of both urban and forested areas.
Kimmo Teinilä, Sanna Saarikoski, Henna Lintusaari, Teemu Lepistö, Petteri Marjanen, Minna Aurela, Heidi Hellén, Toni Tykkä, Markus Lampimäki, Janne Lampilahti, Luis Barreira, Timo Mäkelä, Leena Kangas, Juha Hatakka, Sami Harni, Joel Kuula, Jarkko V. Niemi, Harri Portin, Jaakko Yli-Ojanperä, Ville Niemelä, Milja Jäppi, Katrianne Lehtipalo, Joonas Vanhanen, Liisa Pirjola, Hanna E. Manninen, Tuukka Petäjä, Topi Rönkkö, and Hilkka Timonen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4907–4928, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4907-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4907-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Physical and chemical properties of particulate matter and concentrations of trace gases were measured in a street canyon in Helsinki, Finland, and an urban background site in January–February 2022 to investigate the effect of wintertime conditions on pollutants. State-of-the-art instruments and a mobile laboratory were used, and the measurement data were analysed further with modelling tools like positive matrix factorization and the Pollution Detection Algorithm.
Guilherme Martins Pereira, Leonardo Yoshiaki Kamigauti, Rubens Fabio Pereira, Djacinto Monteiro dos Santos, Thayná da Silva Santos, José Vinicius Martins, Célia Alves, Cátia Gonçalves, Ismael Casotti Rienda, Nora Kováts, Thiago Nogueira, Luciana Rizzo, Paulo Artaxo, Regina Maura de Miranda, Marcia Akemi Yamasoe, Edmilson Dias de Freitas, Pérola de Castro Vasconcellos, and Maria de Fatima Andrade
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4587–4616, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4587-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4587-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The chemical composition of fine particulate matter was studied in the megacity of São Paulo (Brazil) during a polluted period. Vehicular-related sources remain relevant; however, a high contribution of biomass burning was observed and correlated with sample ecotoxicity. Emerging biomass burning sources, such as forest fires and sugarcane-bagasse-based power plants, highlight the need for additional control measures alongside stricter rules concerning vehicular emissions.
Tao Qiu, Yanting Qiu, Yongyi Yuan, Rui Su, Xiangxinyue Meng, Jialiang Ma, Xiaofan Wang, Yu Gu, Zhijun Wu, Yang Ning, Xiuyi Hua, Dapeng Liang, and Deming Dong
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1808, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1808, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our research reveals that some species from biomass burning and coal combustion dominate the light absorption of organic aerosols during winter. Cold weather helps these species accumulate in aerosols by slowing their degradation and altering atmospheric chemical processes. This means colder regions might experience stronger and more persistent climate impacts. Our findings highlight the importance of local temperatures and pollution sources when tackling climate challenges.
Can Wu, Yubao Chen, Yuwei Sun, Huijun Zhang, Si Zhang, Cong Cao, Jianjun Li, and Gehui Wang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1668, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1668, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Biogenic secondary organic aerosol (BSOA), as an important atmospheric component, is prevalent within the boundary layer and can influence air quality and human health. Our observations demonstrate that anthropogenic NOx and the enhanced aerosol water driven by sulfate inhibit BSOA formation in lifting air masses, leading to a moderate reduction in the SOA burden in the upper boundary layer.
Emmanuel Chevassus, Kirsten N. Fossum, Darius Ceburnis, Lu Lei, Chunshui Lin, Wei Xu, Colin O'Dowd, and Jurgita Ovadnevaite
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4107–4129, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4107-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4107-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents the first source apportionment of organic aerosol at Mace Head via high-resolution mass spectrometry. Introducing transfer entropy as a novel method reveals that aged organic aerosol originates from both open-ocean ozonolysis and local peat-burning oxidation. Methanesulfonic acid and organic sea spray both mirror phytoplankton activity, with the former closely tied to coccolithophore blooms and the latter linked to diatoms, chlorophytes, and cyanobacteria.
Paola Formenti, Chiara Giorio, Karine Desboeufs, Alexander Zherebker, Marco Gaetani, Clarissa Baldo, Gautier Landrot, Simona Montebello, Servanne Chevaillier, Sylvain Triquet, Guillaume Siour, Claudia Di Biagio, Francesco Battaglia, Jean-François Doussin, Anais Feron, Andreas Namwoonde, and Stuart John Piketh
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-446, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-446, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The elemental composition and solubility of several metals, including iron, at a coastal site in Namibia in August–September 2017, indicate that natural and anthropogenic dust had different solubility depending on mineralogy but mostly to the processing by fluoride ions from marine emissions, pointing out to the complexity of atmospheric/oceanic interactions in this region of the world influenced by the Benguela current and significant aerosol load.
Jia-Yuan Wang, Meng-Xue Tang, Shan Lu, Ke-Jin Tang, Xing Peng, Ling-Yan He, and Xiao-Feng Huang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1034, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1034, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our study explores how secondary organic aerosols (SOA), a major component of air pollution, form in different particle sizes in a coastal city in China. We found that SOA in fine particles is mainly produced through aqueous chemical reactions, especially those involving iron. In contrast, coarse particles form SOA through reactions with ozone and gases from both fossil fuels and natural sources. These findings highlight the need for size-specific air pollution models.
Ashutosh K. Shukla, Sachchida N. Tripathi, Shamitaksha Talukdar, Vishnu Murari, Sreenivas Gaddamidi, Manousos-Ioannis Manousakas, Vipul Lalchandani, Kuldeep Dixit, Vinayak M. Ruge, Peeyush Khare, Mayank Kumar, Vikram Singh, Neeraj Rastogi, Suresh Tiwari, Atul K. Srivastava, Dilip Ganguly, Kaspar Rudolf Daellenbach, and André S. H. Prévôt
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3765–3784, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3765-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3765-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our study delves into the elemental composition of aerosols at three sites across the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), revealing distinct patterns during pollution episodes. We found significant increases in chlorine (Cl)-rich and solid fuel combustion (SFC) sources, indicating dynamic emission sources, agricultural burning impacts, and meteorological influences. Surges in Cl-rich particles during cold periods highlight their role in particle growth under high-relative-humidity conditions.
Ye Kuang, Biao Luo, Shan Huang, Junwen Liu, Weiwei Hu, Yuwen Peng, Duohong Chen, Dingli Yue, Wanyun Xu, Bin Yuan, and Min Shao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3737–3752, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3737-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3737-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This research reveals the potential importance of nighttime NO3 radical chemistry and aerosol water in the rapid formation of secondary brown carbon from diluted biomass burning emissions. The findings enhance our understanding of nighttime biomass burning evolution and its implications for climate and regional air quality, especially regarding interactions with background aerosol water and water-rich fogs and clouds.
Rongshuang Xu, Yu-Chi Lin, Siyu Bian, Feng Xie, and Yan-Lin Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-683, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-683, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This work reported the hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) level in a continental city and, for the first time, in marine atmosphere. The enhancement by aerosol ionic strength (IS) on HMS formation was quantified which first rise with increasing IS, peaking at 4 mol kg–1 before declining. Given the IS range of marine (2–6) and urban aerosol (6–20 mol kg–1) and the clearly negative correlation between humidity and IS, the moderate IS level under humid condition may notably boost ambient HMS formation.
Jing Li, Jiaoshi Zhang, Xianda Gong, Steven Spielman, Chongai Kuang, Ashish Singh, Maria A. Zawadowicz, Lu Xu, and Jian Wang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-726, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-726, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Using measurements at a rural coastal site, we quantified aerosols in representative air masses and identified major source of organics in Houston area. Our results show cooking aerosol is likely overestimated by earlier studies. Additionally, diurnal variation of highly oxidized organics is mostly driven by air mass changes instead of photochemistry. This study highlights the impacts of emissions, atmospheric chemistry, and meteorology on aerosol properties in the coastal-rural environment.
Fan Mei, Qi Zhang, Damao Zhang, Jerome D. Fast, Gourihar Kulkarni, Mikhail S. Pekour, Christopher R. Niedek, Susanne Glienke, Israel Silber, Beat Schmid, Jason M. Tomlinson, Hardeep S. Mehta, Xena Mansoura, Zezhen Cheng, Gregory W. Vandergrift, Nurun Nahar Lata, Swarup China, and Zihua Zhu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3425–3444, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3425-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3425-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study highlights the unique capability of the ArcticShark, an uncrewed aerial system, in measuring vertically resolved atmospheric properties. Data from 32 research flights in 2023 reveal seasonal patterns and correlations with conventional measurements. The consistency and complementarity of in situ and remote sensing methods are highlighted. The study demonstrates the ArcticShark’s versatility in bridging data gaps and improving the understanding of vertical atmospheric structures.
Marco Paglione, Yufang Hao, Stefano Decesari, Mara Russo, Karam Mansour, Mauro Mazzola, Diego Fellin, Andrea Mazzanti, Emilio Tagliavini, Manousos Ioannis Manousakas, Evangelia Diapouli, Elena Barbaro, Matteo Feltracco, Kaspar Rudolf Daellenbach, and Matteo Rinaldi
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-760, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-760, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
A year-long set of PM1 samples from Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, was analyzed by H-NMR and HR-TOF-AMS for the chemical characterization of the organic fraction. Positive Matrix Factorization allowed to identify five organic aerosol sources with specific seasonality. Winter-spring aerosol is dominated by Eurasian pollution, while summer is characterized by biogenic aerosols from marine sources; occasional summertime high OA loadings are associated with wildfire aerosols.
Ting Yang, Yu Xu, Yu-Chen Wang, Yi-Jia Ma, Hong-Wei Xiao, Hao Xiao, and Hua-Yun Xiao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2967–2978, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2967-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2967-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Previous measurement–model comparisons of atmospheric isoprene levels showed a significant unidentified source of isoprene in some northern Chinese cities during winter. Here, the first combination of large-scale observations and field combustion experiments provides novel insights into biomass burning emissions as a significant source of isoprene-derived organosulfates during winter in northern cities of China.
Agnesh Panta, Konrad Kandler, Kerstin Schepanski, Andres Alastuey, Pavla Dagsson Waldhauserova, Sylvain Dupont, Melanie Eknayan, Cristina González-Flórez, Adolfo González-Romero, Martina Klose, Mara Montag, Xavier Querol, Jesús Yus-Díez, and Carlos Pérez García-Pando
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-494, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-494, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Iceland is among the most active dust source areas in the world. Dust properties are influenced by particle size, mineralogy, shape, and mixing state. This work characterizes freshly emitted individual aerosol particles of Icelandic dust using electron microscopy. Our study provides insights into critical particle-specific information will contribute to better constraining climate models that consider mineralogical variations in their representation of the dust cycle.
Xueqin Zheng, Junwen Liu, Nima Chuduo, Bian Ba, Pengfei Yu, Phu Drolgar, Fang Cao, and Yanlin Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-164, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-164, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we present the first report on the annual variation of stable oxygen isotope anomalies (∆17O = δ17O - 0.52 × δ18O) in NO3- collected from the urban area of Lhasa , on the Tibetan Plateau, China. Using a Bayesian isotope mixture model, we found that the relative contribution of the NO3+VOC pathway to NO3- formation in spring in Lhasa was several times higher than in urban cities, highlighting the significant influence of VOC transported from outside the Tibetan Plateau.
Yi-Jia Ma, Yu Xu, Ting Yang, Lin Gui, Hong-Wei Xiao, Hao Xiao, and Hua-Yun Xiao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2763–2780, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2763-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2763-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The abundance, potential precursors, and main formation mechanisms of nitrogen-containing organic compounds (NOCs) in PM2.5 during winter were compared among cities with different energy consumption patterns. The aerosol NOC pollution during winter in China is closely associated with the intensity of precursor emissions and the aqueous-phase processes. Our results highlight the importance of emission reduction strategies in controlling aerosol NOCs pollution during winter in China.
Dane Blanchard, Mark Gordon, Duc Huy Dang, Paul Andrew Makar, and Julian Aherne
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2423–2442, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2423-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2423-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study offers the first known evaluation of water-soluble brown carbon aerosols in the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR), Canada. Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis of aerosol samples from five regional sites (collected during the summer of 2021) identified oil sands operations as a measurable brown carbon source. Industrial aerosol emissions were unlikely to impact regional radiative forcing. These findings show that fluorescence spectroscopy can be used to monitor brown carbon in the AOSR.
Kira Zeider, Kayla McCauley, Sanja Dmitrovic, Leong Wai Siu, Yonghoon Choi, Ewan C. Crosbie, Joshua P. DiGangi, Glenn S. Diskin, Simon Kirschler, John B. Nowak, Michael A. Shook, Kenneth L. Thornhill, Christiane Voigt, Edward L. Winstead, Luke D. Ziemba, Paquita Zuidema, and Armin Sorooshian
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2407–2422, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2407-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2407-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In situ aircraft data collected over the northwest Atlantic Ocean are utilized to compare aerosol conditions and turbulence between near-surface and below-cloud-base altitudes for different regimes of coupling strength between those two levels, along with how cloud microphysical properties vary across those regimes. Stronger coupling yields more homogenous aerosol structure vertically along with higher cloud drop concentrations and sea salt influence in clouds.
Junke Zhang, Xinyi Fu, Chunying Chen, Yunfei Su, Siyu Liu, Luyao Chen, Yubao Chen, Gehui Wang, and Andre S. H. Prevot
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-92, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-92, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The 125 organic aerosol (OA) compounds in PM2.5 in winter in Chengdu were measured at the molecular level. OA was dominated by fatty acids, phthalate esters, and anhydrosugars, and were deeply influenced by anthropogenic sources. As pollution worsens: secondary inorganic species and secondary organic carbon (OC) dominated the increase in PM2.5; fatty acids and anhydrosugars dominated the increase in OA; and the contribution of secondary formation and biomass burning to OC increased markedly.
Amie Dobracki, Ernie R. Lewis, Arthur J. Sedlacek III, Tyler Tatro, Maria A. Zawadowicz, and Paquita Zuidema
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2333–2363, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2333-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2333-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Biomass-burning aerosol is commonly present in the marine boundary layer over the southeast Atlantic Ocean between June and October. Our research indicates that burning conditions, aerosol transport pathways, and prolonged oxidation processes (heterogeneous and aqueous phases) determine the chemical, microphysical, and optical properties of the boundary layer aerosol. Notably, we find that the aerosol optical properties can be estimated from the chemical properties alone.
Benjamin Heutte, Nora Bergner, Hélène Angot, Jakob B. Pernov, Lubna Dada, Jessica A. Mirrielees, Ivo Beck, Andrea Baccarini, Matthew Boyer, Jessie M. Creamean, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, Imad El Haddad, Markus M. Frey, Silvia Henning, Tiia Laurila, Vaios Moschos, Tuukka Petäjä, Kerri A. Pratt, Lauriane L. J. Quéléver, Matthew D. Shupe, Paul Zieger, Tuija Jokinen, and Julia Schmale
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2207–2241, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2207-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2207-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Limited aerosol measurements in the central Arctic hinder our understanding of aerosol–climate interactions in the region. Our year-long observations of aerosol physicochemical properties during the MOSAiC expedition reveal strong seasonal variations in aerosol chemical composition, where the short-term variability is heavily affected by storms in the Arctic. Local wind-generated particles are shown to be an important source of cloud seeds, especially in autumn.
Feng Jiang, Harald Saathoff, Uzoamaka Ezenobi, Junwei Song, Hengheng Zhang, Linyu Gao, and Thomas Leisner
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 1917–1930, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1917-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1917-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The chemical composition of brown carbon in the particle and gas phase was determined by mass spectrometry. BrC in the gas phase was mainly controlled by secondary formation and particle-to-gas partitioning. BrC in the particle phase was mainly from secondary formation. This work helps to get a better understanding of diurnal variations and the sources of brown carbon aerosol at a rural location in central Europe.
Vikram Pratap, Christopher J. Hennigan, Bastian Stieger, Andreas Tilgner, Laurent Poulain, Dominik van Pinxteren, Gerald Spindler, and Hartmut Herrmann
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-457, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-457, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In this work, we characterize trends in aerosol pH and its controlling factors over the period of 2010 – 2019 at the Melpitz research station in eastern Germany. We find strong trends in aerosol pH and major inorganic species in response to changing emissions. We conduct a detailed thermodynamic analysis of the aerosol system and discuss implications for controlling PM2.5 in the region.
Kohei Sakata, Shotaro Takano, Atsushi Matsuki, Yasuo Takeichi, Hiroshi Tanimoto, Aya Sakaguchi, Minako Kurisu, and Yoshio Takahashi
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-161, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-161, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Deposition of aerosol iron (Fe) into the ocean stimulates primary production and influences the global carbon cycle, although the factors governing the aerosol Fe solubility remain uncertain. Our observations in Japan revealed that both mineral dust and anthropogenic aerosols are significant sources of dissolved Fe, and that atmospheric chemical weathering enhances their solubility. This finding is expected to play a crucial role in estimating the supply of dissolved iron to the ocean.
Rui Li, Yubing Shen, Yumeng Shao, Yining Gao, Ziwei Yao, Qian Liu, Xing Liu, and Guitao Shi
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3740, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3740, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
It is the first time to reveal the global variations of PAHs derivatives in the marine air. We found that marine aerosols in East China Sea (ECS) and Western Pacific (WP) were significantly affected by coal and engine combustion, while those in Bismarck Sea (BS) and East Australian Sea (EAS) were mainly influenced by wildfire and coal combustion. Antarctic Ocean (AO) was dominated by biomass burning and local shipping emissions. This finding help elucidate the mechanism of global PAH cycle.
James Brean, David C. S. Beddows, Eija Asmi, Aki Virkkula, Lauriane L. J. Quéléver, Mikko Sipilä, Floortje Van Den Heuvel, Thomas Lachlan-Cope, Anna Jones, Markus Frey, Angelo Lupi, Jiyeon Park, Young Jun Yoon, Rolf Weller, Giselle L. Marincovich, Gabriela C. Mulena, Roy M. Harrison, and Manuel Dall'Osto
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 1145–1162, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1145-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1145-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our results emphasise how understanding the geographical variation in surface types across the Antarctic is key to understanding secondary aerosol sources.
Adam E. Thomas, Hayley S. Glicker, Alex B. Guenther, Roger Seco, Oscar Vega Bustillos, Julio Tota, Rodrigo A. F. Souza, and James N. Smith
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 959–977, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-959-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-959-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We present measurements of the organic composition of ultrafine particles collected from the eastern Amazon, an understudied region that is subjected to increasing human influence. We find that while isoprene chemistry is likely significant for ultrafine-particle growth throughout the year, compounds related to other sources, such as biological-spore emissions and biomass burning, exhibit striking seasonal differences, implying extensive variation in regional ultrafine-particle sources.
Xiufeng Lian, Yongjiang Xu, Fengxian Liu, Long Peng, Xiaodong Hu, Guigang Tang, Xu Dao, Hui Guo, Liwei Wang, Bo Huang, Chunlei Cheng, Lei Li, Guohua Zhang, Xinhui Bi, Xiaofei Wang, Zhen Zhou, and Mei Li
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3469, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3469, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we analyzed the mixing state and atmospheric chemical processes of Pb-rich single particles in Beijing. Then, we focused on analyzing the differences in Pb-rich particles between the heating period and non-heating period, as well as the formation mechanism of lead nitrate after coal-to-gas conversion. Our results highlighted the improvement of coal-to-gas conversion on Pb in the particulate.
Cited articles
Aherne, J. and Jeffries, D.:
Critical Load Assessments and Dynamic Model Applications for Lakes in North America, in: Critical Loads and Dynamic Risk Assessments, series Environmental Pollution, vol. 25, edited by: de Vries, W., Hettelingh, J. P., and Posch, M., Springer, Dordrecht, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9508-1_19, 2015.
Altshuller, A.:
Model predictions of the rates of homogeneous oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfate in the troposphere, Atmos. Environ., 13, 1653–1661, 1979.
Anastasopolos, A. T., Sofowote, U. M., Hopke, P. K., Rouleau, M., Shin, T., Dheri, A., Peng, H., Kulka, R., Gibson, M. D., Farah, P. M., and Sundar, N.:
Air quality in Canadian port cities after regulation of low-sulphur marine fuel in the North American Emissions Control Area, Sci. Total. Environ., 791, 147949, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147949, 2021.
Benish, S. E., Bash, J. O., Foley, K. M., Appel, K. W., Hogrefe, C., Gilliam, R., and Pouliot, G.:
Long-term regional trends of nitrogen and sulfur deposition in the United States from 2002 to 2017, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 12749–12767, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-12749-2022, 2022.
Bergström, A. K. and Jansson, M.:
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition has caused nitrogen enrichment and eutrophication of lakes in the Northern Hemisphere, Glob. Change Biol., 12, 635–643, 2006.
Bobbink, R. and Hicks, W. K.:
Factors Affecting Nitrogen Deposition Impacts on Biodiversity: An Overview, in: Nitrogen Deposition, Critical Loads and Biodiversity, edited by: Sutton, M. A., Mason, K. E., Sheppard, L. J., Sverdrup, H., Haeuber, R., and Hicks, W. K., Springer, Dordrecht, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7939-6_14, 127–138, 2014.
Bobbink, R., Braun, S., Nordin, A., Power, S., Schutz, K., Strengbom, J., Weijters, M., and Tomassen, H: Review and revision of empirical critical loads and dose-response relationships, in: Proceedings of an expert workshop, Noordwijkerhout, 23–25 June 2010, edited by: Bobbink, R. and Hettelingh, J.-P., 21–28, 2011.
Brakke, D. F., Henriksen, A., and Norton, S. A.:
A variable F-factor to explain changes in base cation concentration as a function of strong acid deposition, Verh. Int. Verein. Limnol., 24, 146–149, 1990.
Brook, J. R., Samson, P. J., and Sillman, S.:
A meteorology-based approach to detecting the relationship between changes in SO2 emission rates and precipitation concentrations of sulfate, J. Appl. Meteorol. Clim., 33, 1050–1066, 1994.
Burns, D. A., Bhatt, G., Linker, L. C., Bash, J. O., Capel, P. D., and Shenk, G. W.:
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Chesapeake Bay watershed: A history of change, Atmos. Environ., 251, 118277, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2021.118277, 2021.
Butler, T., Vermeylen, F., Lehmann, C. M., Likens, G. E., and Puchalski, M.:
Increasing ammonia concentration trends in large regions of the USA derived from the NADP/AMoN network, Atmos. Environ., 146, 132–140, 2016.
Carslaw, D. C. and Ropkins, K.:
Openair – an R package for air quality data analysis, Environ. Modell. Softw., 27–28, 52–61, 2012.
Cheng, I. and Zhang, L.:
Long-term air concentrations, wet deposition, and scavenging ratios of inorganic ions, HNO3, and SO2 and assessment of aerosol and precipitation acidity at Canadian rural locations, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 4711–4730, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4711-2017, 2017.
Cheng, I., Zhang, L., Cole, A., Cathcart,
H., and Houle, D.: 2000–2018 annual total deposition fluxes of nitrogen and sulfur at CAPMoN sites, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Government of Canada Open Data Portal [data set], https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/89a1e52c-d24e-4840-904f-fd6f2cb92648, last access: 7 November 2022.
CLRTAP: Manual on Methodologies and Criteria for Modelling and Mapping Critical Loads and Levels and Air Pollution Effects, Risks and Trends, CLRTAP, http://www.icpmapping.org (last access: 15 September 2021), 2004.
de Vries, W., Hettlingh, J.-P., and Posch, M. (Eds.): Critical Loads and Dynamic Risk Assessments: Nitrogen, Acidity and Metals in Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems, series Environmental Pollution, vol. 25, Springer Dordrecht, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9508-1, 2015.
Driscoll, C. T., Lawrence, G. B., Bulger, A. J., Butler, T. J., Cronan, C. S., Eagar, C., Lambert, K. F., Likens, G. E., Stoddard, J. L., and Weathers, K. C.:
Acidic Deposition in the Northeastern United States: Sources and Inputs, Ecosystem Effects, and Management Strategies, BioScience., 51, 180–198, 2001.
Du, E., de Vries, W., Galloway, J. N., Hu, X., and Fang, J.:
Changes in wet nitrogen deposition in the United States between 1985 and 2012, Environ. Res. Lett., 9, 9, https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/9/9/095004, 2014.
Ellis, R. A., Jacob, D. J., Sulprizio, M. P., Zhang, L., Holmes, C. D., Schichtel, B. A., Blett, T., Porter, E., Pardo, L. H., and Lynch, J. A.:
Present and future nitrogen deposition to national parks in the United States: critical load exceedances, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 9083–9095, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-9083-2013, 2013.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC): 2004 Canadian Acid Deposition Science Assessment, Meteorological Services of Canada [data set], http://www.publications.gc.ca/pub?id=9.688243&sl=0 (last access: 7 November 2022), 2004.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC): Canadian Air and Precipitation Monitoring Network (CAPMoN), Government of Canada Open Data Portal [data set], https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/4baa2ee4-a8aa-457a-af26-aa13e96ee2f4 (last access: 7 November 2022), 2017.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC): Canada's Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory, Government of Canada Open Data Portal [data set], https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/fa1c88a8-bf78-4fcb-9c1e-2a5534b92131 (last access: 7 November 2022), 2021a.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC): Major ions, Government of Canada Open Data Portal [data set], https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/9974e51f-2616-42bf-8b40-ed12de91a304 (last access: 7 November 2022), 2021b.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC): Major ions and acidifying gases, Government of Canada Open Data Portal [data set], https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/10ec2a54-9b6d-4dd7-9b05-5c30b9fa4920 (last access: 7 November 2022), 2021c.
Feng, J., Chan, E., and Vet, R.:
Air quality in the eastern United States and Eastern Canada for 1990–2015: 25 years of change in response to emission reductions of SO2 and NOx in the region, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 3107–3134, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-3107-2020, 2020.
Feng, J., Vet, R., Cole, A., Zhang, L., Cheng, I., O'Brien, J., and Macdonald, A. M.:
Inorganic chemical components in precipitation in the eastern US and Eastern Canada during 1989–2016: Temporal and regional trends of wet concentration and wet deposition from the NADP and CAPMoN measurements, Atmos. Environ., 254, 118367, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2021.118367, 2021.
Field, C. D., Dise, N. B., Payne, R. J., Britton, A. J., Emmett, B. A., Helliwell, R. C., Hughes, S., Jones, L., Lees, S., Leake, J. R., Leith, I. D., Phoenix, G. K., Power, S. A., Sheppard, L. J., Southon, G. E., Stevens, C. J., and Caporn, S. J. M.:
The Role of Nitrogen Deposition in Widespread Plant Community Change Across Semi-natural Habitats, Ecosystems, 17, 864–877, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-014-9765-5, 2014.
Flechard, C. R., Nemitz, E., Smith, R. I., Fowler, D., Vermeulen, A. T., Bleeker, A., Erisman, J. W., Simpson, D., Zhang, L., Tang, Y. S., and Sutton, M. A.:
Dry deposition of reactive nitrogen to European ecosystems: a comparison of inferential models across the NitroEurope network, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 2703–2728, 2011.
Forsius, M., Posch, M., Holmberg, M., Vuorenmaa, J., Kleemola, S., Augustaitis, A., Beudert, B., Bochenek, W., Clarke, N., deWit, H. A., Dirnböck, T., Frey, J., Grandin, U., Hakola, H., Kobler, J., Krám, P., Lindroos, A.-J., Löfgren, S., Pecka, T., Rönnback, P., Skotak, K., Szpikowski, J., Ukonmaanaho, L., Valinia, S., and Váňa, M.:
Assessing critical load exceedances and ecosystem impacts of anthropogenic nitrogen and sulphur deposition at unmanaged forested catchments in Europe, Sci. Total. Environ., 753, 141791, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141791, 2021.
Fowler, D., Smith, R. I., Muller, J. B. A., Hayman, G., and Vincent, K. J.:
Changes in the atmospheric deposition of acidifying compounds in the UK between 1986 and 2001, Environ. Pollut., 137, 15–25, 2005.
Gasset, N., Fortin, V., Dimitrijevic, M., Carrera, M., Bilodeau, B., Muncaster, R., Gaborit, É., Roy, G., Pentcheva, N., Bulat, M., Wang, X., Pavlovic, R., Lespinas, F., Khedhaouiria, D., and Mai, J.:
A 10 km North American precipitation and land-surface reanalysis based on the GEM atmospheric model, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 4917–4945, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4917-2021, 2021.
GAW (Precipitation Chemistry Science Advisory Group): Global Atmosphere Watch: Manual for the GAW Precipitation Chemistry Programme, Guidelines Data Quality Objectives and Standard Operating Procedures, No. 160, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Geneva, Switzerland, 2004.
Gloser, V. and Gloser, J.:
Nitrogen and base cation uptake in seedlings of Acer pseudoplatanus and Calamagrostis villosa exposed to an acidified environment, in: Recent Advances of Plant Root Structure and Function, edited by: Gašparíková, O., Čiamporová, M., Mistrík, I., and Baluška, F., Springer, Dordrecht, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-2858-4_12, 103–109, 2001.
Hall, J., Reynolds, B., Aherne, J., and Hornung, M.:
The importance of selecting appropriate criteria for calculating acidity critical loads for terrestrial ecosystems using the simple mass balance equation, Water Air Soil Poll., 1, 29–41, 2001.
Hazlett, P. W., Emilson, C. E., Lawrence, G. B., Fernandez, I. J., Ouimet, R., and Bailey, S. W.:
Reversal of forest soil acidification in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada: Site and soil factors contributing to recovery, Soil Syst., 4, 54, https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems4030054, 2020.
Holland, E. A., Braswell, B. H., Sulzman, J., and Lamarque, J. F.:
Nitrogen deposition onto the United States and Western Europe: synthesis of observations and models, Ecol. Appl., 15, 38–57, 2005.
Houle, D., Augustin, F., and Couture, S.:
Rapid improvement of lake acid-base status in Atlantic Canada following steep decline in precipitation acidity, Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci., https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2021-0349, online first, 2022.
Hu, C., Griffis, T. J., Frie, A., Baker, J. M., Wood, J. D., Millet, D. B., Yu, Z., Yu, X., and Czarnetzki, A. C.:
A multiyear constraint on ammonia emissions and deposition within the US corn belt, Geophys. Res. Lett., 48, e2020GL090865, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL090865, 2021.
Jeffries, D. S., Clair, T. A., Couture, S., Dillon, P. J., Dupont, J., Keller, W., McNicol, D. K., Turner, M. A., Vet, R., and Weeber, R.:
Assessing the Recovery of Lakes in Southeastern Canada from the Effects of Acidic Deposition, Ambio, 32, 176–182, 2003.
Jeffries, D. S., Semkin, R. G., Gibson, J. J., and Wong, I.:
Recently surveyed lakes in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada: characteristics and critical loads of acidity, J. Limnol., 69, 45–55, 2010.
Kharol, S. K., Shephard, M. W., McLinden, C. A., Zhang, L., Sioris, C. E., O'Brien, J. M., Vet, R., Cady-Pereira, K. E., Hare, E., Siemons, J., and Krotkov, N. A.:
Dry deposition of reactive nitrogen from satellite observations of ammonia and nitrogen dioxide over North America, Geophys. Res. Lett., 45, 1157–1166, 2018.
Lawrence, G. B., Hazlett, P. W., Fernandez, I. J., Ouimet, R., Bailey, S. W., Shortle, W. C., Smith, K. T., and Antidormi, M. R.:
Declining Acidic Deposition Begins Reversal of Forest-Soil Acidification in the Northeastern U. S. and Eastern Canada, Environ. Sci. Technol., 49, 13103–13111, 2015.
Lee, C., Martin, R. V., van Donkelaar, A., Lee, H., Dickerson, R. R., Hains, J. C., Krotkov, N., Richter, A., Vinnikov, K., and Schwab, J. J.:
SO2 emissions and lifetimes: Estimates from inverse modeling using in situ and global, space-based (SCIAMACHY and OMI) observations, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 116, D06304, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010JD014758, 2011.
Lehmann, C. M., Bowersox, V. C., Larson, R. S., and Larson, S. M.:
Monitoring long-term trends in sulfate and ammonium in US precipitation: Results from the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network, Water Air Soil Poll., 7, 59–66, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11267-006-9100-z, 2007.
Li, Y., Schichtel, B. A., Walker, J. T., Schwede, D. B., Chen, X., Lehmann, C. M., Puchalski, M. A., Gay, D. A., and Collett, J. L.:
Increasing importance of deposition of reduced nitrogen in the United States, P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 113, 5874–5879, 2016.
Likens, G. E., Butler, T. J., Claybrooke, R., Vermeylen, F., and Larson, R..:
Long-term monitoring of precipitation chemistry in the US: Insights into changes and condition, Atmos. Environ., 245, 118031, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.118031, 2021.
Liu, X., Zhang, Y., Han, W., Tang, A., Shen, J., Cui, Z., Vitousek, P., Erisman, J. W., Goulding, K., Christie, P., Fangmeier, A., and Zhang, F.:
Enhanced nitrogen deposition over China, Nature, 494, 459–462, 2013.
Makar, P. A., Akingunola, A., Aherne, J., Cole, A. S., Aklilu, Y.-A., Zhang, J., Wong, I., Hayden, K., Li, S.-M., Kirk, J., Scott, K., Moran, M. D., Robichaud, A., Cathcart, H., Baratzedah, P., Pabla, B., Cheung, P., Zheng, Q., and Jeffries, D. S.:
Estimates of exceedances of critical loads for acidifying deposition in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 9897–9927, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-9897-2018, 2018.
McHale, M. R., Ludtke, A. S., Wetherbee, G. A., Burns, D. A., Nilles, M. A., and Finkelstein, J. S.:
Trends in precipitation chemistry across the US 1985–2017: Quantifying the benefits from 30 years of Clean Air Act amendment regulation, Atmos. Environ., 247, 118219, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2021.118219, 2021.
McKendry, I. G., Macdonald, A. M., Leaitch, W. R., van Donkelaar, A., Zhang, Q., Duck, T., and Martin, R. V.:
Trans-Pacific dust events observed at Whistler, British Columbia during INTEX-B, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 8, 6297–6307, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-8-6297-2008, 2008.
McMillan, A. C., MacIver, D., and Sukloff, W. B.:
Atmospheric environmental information – an overview with Canadian examples, Environ. Modell. Softw., 15, 245–248, 2000.
Moran, M. D., Lupu, A., Zhang, J., Savic-Jovcic, V., and Gravel, S.:
A Comprehensive Performance Evaluation of the Next Generation of the Canadian Operational Regional Air Quality Deterministic Prediction System, in: Air Pollution Modeling and its Application XXV, edited by: Mensink, C. and Kallos, G., Springer, Cham, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57645-9_12, 75–81, 2018.
Nilsson, J. and Grennfelt, P.:
Critical loads for sulphur and nitrogen, Report from a workshop held at Skokloster, Sweden, Miljørapport, Nordic Council of Ministers, Copenhagen, Denmark, 31 pp., 1988.
Nopmongcol, U., Beardsley, R., Kumar, N., Knipping, E., and Yarwood, G.:
Changes in United States deposition of nitrogen and sulfur compounds over five decades from 1970 to 2020, Atmos. Environ., 209, 144–151, 2019.
Olsen, A. R., Voldner, E. C., Bigelow, D. S., Chan, W. H., Clark, T. L., Lusis, M. A., Misra, P. K., and Vet, R. J.:
Unified wet deposition data summaries for North America: data summary procedures and results for 1980–1986, Atmos. Environ., 24, 661–672, 1990.
Pan, D., Benedict, K. B., Golston, L. M., Wang, R., Collett, J. L., Tao, L., Sun, K., Guo, X., Ham, J., Prenni, A. J., Schichtel, B. A., Mikoviny, T., Muller, M., Wisthaler, A., and Zondlo, M. A.:
Ammonia Dry Deposition in an Alpine Ecosystem Traced to Agricultural Emission Hotpots, Environ. Sci. Technol., 55, 7776–7785, 2021.
Pan, Y. P., Wang, Y. S., Tang, G. Q., and Wu, D.:
Wet and dry deposition of atmospheric nitrogen at ten sites in Northern China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 12, 6515–6535, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-12-6515-2012, 2012.
Pardo, L. H., Fenn, M. E., Goodale, C. L., Geiser, L. H., Driscoll, C. T., Allen, E. B., Baron, J. S., Bobbink, R., Bowman, W. D., Clark, C. M., Emmett, B., Gilliam, F. S., Greaver, T. L., Hall, S. J., Lilleskov, E. A., Liu, L., Lynch, J. A., Nadelhoffer, K. J., Perakis, S. S., Robin-Abbott, M. J., Stoddard, J. L., Weathers, K. C., and Dennis, R. L.:
Effects of nitrogen deposition and empirical nitrogen critical loads for ecoregions of the United States, Ecol. Appl., 21, 3049–3082, 2011.
Payne, R. J., Dise, N. B., Field, C. D., Dore, A. J., Caporn, S. J., and Stevens, C. J.:
Nitrogen deposition and plant biodiversity: Past, present, and future, Front. Ecol. Environ., 15, 431–436. https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.1528, 2017.
Posch, M., Kämäri, J., Johansson, M., and Forsius, M.:
Displaying inter-and intra-regional variability of large-scale survey results, Environmetrics, 4, 341–352, 1993.
Posch, M., de Vries, W., and Sverdrup, H. U.:
Mass Balance Models to Derive Critical Loads of Nitrogen and Acidity for Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems, in: Critical Loads and Dynamic Risk Assessments: Nitrogen, Acidity and Metals in Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems, edited by: de Vries, W., Hettelingh, J.-P., and Posch, M., Springer, Dordrecht, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9508-1_6, 171–205, 2015.
Schwede, D., Zhang, L., Vet, R., and Lear, G.:
An intercomparison of the deposition models used in the CASTNET and CAPMoN networks, Atmos. Environ., 45, 1337–1346, 2011.
Shao, S., Driscoll, C. T., Sullivan, T. J., Burns, D. A., Baldigo, B., Lawrence, G. B., and McDonnell, T. C.:
The response of stream ecosystems in the Adirondack region of New York to historical and future changes in atmospheric deposition of sulfur and nitrogen, Sci. Total. Environ., 716, 137113, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137113, 2020.
Sickles II, J. E. and Shadwick, D. S.:
Air quality and atmospheric deposition in the eastern US: 20 years of change, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 173–197, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-173-2015, 2015.
Simkin, S. M., Allen, E. B., Bowman, W. D., Clark, C. M., Belnap, J., Brooks, M. L., Cade, B. S., Collins, S. L., Geiser, L. H., Gilliam, F. S., and Jovan, S. E.:
Conditional vulnerability of plant diversity to atmospheric nitrogen deposition across the United States, P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 113, 4086–4091, 2016.
Sirois, A. and Fricke, W.:
Regionally representative daily air concentrations of acid-related substances in Canada; 1983–1987, Atmos. Environ., 26, 593–607, 1992.
Sirois, A., Vet, R., and Lamb, D.:
A comparison of the precipitation chemistry measurements obtained by the CAPMoN and NADP/NTN networks, Environ. Monit. Assess., 62, 273–303, 2000.
Skeffington, R. A., Hall, J. R., Heywood, E., Wadsworth, R. A., Whitehead, P., Reynolds, B., Abbott, J., and Vincent, K.:
Uncertainty in critical load assessment models, Science Report: SC030172/SR, Technical Report, Environment Agency, Bristol, 2007.
Smith, V. H., Tilman, G. D., and Nekola, J. C.:
Eutrophication: Impacts of excess nutrient inputs on freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems, Environ. Pollut., 100, 179–196, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0269-7491(99)00091-3, 1999.
Staelens, J., Wuyts, K., Adriaenssens, S., Van Avermaet, P., Buysse, H., Van den Bril, B., Roekens, E., Ottoy, J. P., Verheyen, K., Thas, O., and Deschepper, E.:
Trends in atmospheric nitrogen and sulphur deposition in northern Belgium, Atmos. Environ., 49, 186–196, 2012.
Sutton, M. A., Reis, S., Riddick, S. N., Dragosits, U., Nemitz, E., Theobald, M. R., Tang, Y. S., Braban, C. F., Vieno, M., Dore, A. J., Mitchell, R. F., Wanless, S., Daunt, F., Fowler, D., Blackall, T. D., Milford, C., Flechard, C. R., Loubet, B., Massad, R., Cellier, P., Personne, E., Coheur, P. F., Clarisse, L., Van Damme, M., Ngadi, Y., Clerbaux, C., Skjøth, C. A., Geels, C., Hertel, O., Wichink Kruit, R. J., Pinder, R. W., Bash, J. O., Walker, J. T., Simpson, D., Horváth, L., Misselbrook, T. H., Bleeker, A., Dentener, F., and de Vries, W.:
Towards a climate-dependent paradigm of ammonia emission and deposition, Philos. T. R. Soc. B., 368, 20130166, https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2013.0166, 2013.
Suutari, R., Amann, M., Cofala, J., Klimont, Z., Posch, M., and Schöpp, W.:
From economic activities to ecosystem protection in Europe: An uncertainty analysis of two scenarios of the RAINS integrated assessment model, CIAM/CCE Rep. 1/2001, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria, 2001.
Sverdrup, H.:
The kinetics of base cation release due to chemical weathering, Lund University Press, Lund, Sweden, ISBN 91-7966-109-2, 1990.
Sverdrup, H. and De Vries, W.:
Calculating critical loads for acidity with the simple mass balance method, Water Air Soil Poll., 72, 143–162, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01257121, 1994.
Tan, J., Fu, J. S., and Seinfeld, J. H.:
Ammonia emission abatement does not fully control reduced forms of nitrogen deposition, P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 117, 9771–9775, 2020.
USEPA: Air pollutant emissions trends data, USEPA [data set], https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-inventories/air-pollutant-emissions-trends-data (last access: 8 November 2022), 2021.
Vet, R., Artz, R. S., Carou, S., Shaw, M., Ro, C. U., Aas, W., Baker, A., Bowersox, V. C., Dentener, F., Galy-Lacaux, C.,Hou, A., Pienaar, J. J., Gillett, R., Forti, M. C., Gromov, S., Hara, H., Khodzher, T., Mahowald, N. M., Nickovic, S., Rao, P. S. P., and Reid, N. W.:
A global assessment of precipitation chemistry and deposition of sulfur, nitrogen, sea salt, base cations, organic acids, acidity and pH, and phosphorus, Atmos. Environ., 93, 3–100, 2014.
Walker, J. T., Beachley, G., Amos, H. M., Baron, J. S., Bash, J., Baumgardner, R., Bell, M. D., Benedict, K. B., Chen, X., Clow, D. W., Cole, A., Coughlin, J. G., Cruz, K., Daly, R. W., Decina, S. M., Elliott, E. M., Fenn, M. E., Ganzeveld, L., Gebhart, K., Isil, S. S., Kerschner, B. M., Larson, R. S., Lavery, T., Lear, G. G., Macy, T., Mast, M. A., Mishoe, K., Morris, K. H., Padgett, P. E., Pouyat, R. V., Puchalski, M., Pye, H., Rea, A. W., Rhodes, M. F., Rogers, C. M., Saylor, R., Scheffe, R., Schichtel, B. A., Schwede, D. B., Sexstone, G. A., Sive, B. C., Sosa, R., Templer, P. H., Thompson, T., Tong, D., Wetherbee, G. A., Whitlow, T. H., Wu, Z., Yu, Z., and Zhang, L.:
Toward the improvement of total nitrogen deposition budgets in the United States, Sci. Total Environ., 691, 1328–1352, 2019a.
Walker, J. T., Bell, M. D., Schwede, D., Cole, A., Beachley, G., Lear, G., and Wu, Z.:
Aspects of uncertainty in total reactive nitrogen deposition estimates for North American critical load applications, Sci. Total Environ., 690, 1005–1018, 2019b.
Walker, J. T., Beachley, G., Zhang, L., Benedict, K. B., Sive, B. C., and Schwede, D. B.:
A review of measurements of air-surface exchange of reactive nitrogen in natural ecosystems across North America, Sci. Total Environ., 698, 133975, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133975, 2020.
Warner, J. X., Dickerson, R. R., Wei, Z., Strow, L. L., Wang, Y., and Liang, Q.:
Increased atmospheric ammonia over the world's major agricultural areas detected from space, Geophys. Res. Lett., 44, 2875–2884, 2017.
Wen, Z., Xu, W., Li, Q., Han, M., Tang, A., Zhang, Y., Luo, X., Shen, J., Wang, W., Li, K., Pan, Y., Zhang, L., Li, W., Collett, J. R., Zhong, B., Wang, X., Goulding, K., Zhang, F., and Liu, X.:
Changes of nitrogen deposition in China from 1980 to 2018, Environ. Int., 144, 106022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106022, 2020.
Wright L. P., Zhang L., Cheng I., Aherne J., and Wentworth G. R.:
Impacts and effects indicators of atmospheric deposition of major pollutants to various ecosystems – A review, Aerosol Air Qual. Res., 18, 1953–1992, 2018.
Xu, W., Luo, X. S., Pan, Y. P., Zhang, L., Tang, A. H., Shen, J. L., Zhang, Y., Li, K. H., Wu, Q. H., Yang, D. W., Zhang, Y. Y., Xue, J., Li, W. Q., Li, Q. Q., Tang, L., Lu, S. H., Liang, T., Tong, Y. A., Liu, P., Zhang, Q., Xiong, Z. Q., Shi, X. J., Wu, L. H., Shi, W. Q., Tian, K., Zhong, X. H., Shi, K., Tang, Q. Y., Zhang, L. J., Huang, J. L., He, C. E., Kuang, F. H., Zhu, B., Liu, H., Jin, X., Xin, Y. J., Shi, X. K., Du, E. Z., Dore, A. J., Tang, S., Collett Jr., J. L., Goulding, K., Sun, Y. X., Ren, J., Zhang, F. S., and Liu, X. J.:
Quantifying atmospheric nitrogen deposition through a nationwide monitoring network across China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 12345–12360, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-12345-2015, 2015.
Yao, X. and Zhang, L.:
Trends in atmospheric ammonia at urban, rural, and remote sites across North America, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 11465–11475, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-11465-2016, 2016.
Yao, X. and Zhang, L.:
Causes of large increases in atmospheric ammonia in the last decade across North America, ACS Omega, 4, 22133–22142, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.9b03284, 2019.
Yu, F., Nair, A. A., and Luo, G.:
Long-term trend of gaseous ammonia over the United States: Modeling and comparison with observations, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 123, 8315–8325, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JD028412, 2018.
Yu, G., Jia, Y., He, N., Zhu, J., Chen, Z., Wang, Q., Piao, S., Liu, X., He, H., Guo, X., Wen, Z., Li, P., Ding, G., and Goulding, K.:
Stabilization of atmospheric nitrogen deposition in China over the past decade, Nat. Geosci., 12, 424–429, 2019.
Zbieranowski, A. L. and Aherne, J.:
Long-term trends in atmospheric reactive nitrogen across Canada: 1988–2007, Atmos. Environ., 45, 5853–5862, 2011.
Zhang, L. and He, Z.:
Technical Note: An empirical algorithm estimating dry deposition velocity of fine, coarse and giant particles, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 3729–3737, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-3729-2014, 2014.
Zhang, L., Brook, J. R., and Vet, R.:
A revised parameterization for gaseous dry deposition in air-quality models, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 3, 2067–2082, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-3-2067-2003, 2003.
Zhang, L., Vet, R., Wiebe, A., Mihele, C., Sukloff, B., Chan, E., Moran, M. D., and Iqbal, S.:
Characterization of the size-segregated water-soluble inorganic ions at eight Canadian rural sites, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 8, 7133–7151, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-8-7133-2008, 2008.
Zhang, L., Vet, R., O'Brien, J. M., Mihele, C., Liang, Z., and Wiebe, A.:
Dry deposition of individual nitrogen species at eight Canadian rural sites, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 114, D02301, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008JD010640, 2009.
Zhang, L., Wright, L. P., and Asman, W. A. H.:
Bi-directional air-surface exchange of atmospheric ammonia – A review of measurements and a development of a big-leaf model for applications in regional-scale air-quality models, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 115, D20310, https://doi.org/10.1029/2009JD013589, 2010.
Zhang, L., He, Z., Wu, Z., Macdonald, A. M., Brook, J. R., and Kharol, S.:
A database of modeled gridded dry deposition velocities for 45 gaseous species and three particle size ranges across North America, J. Environ. Sci., 127, 264–272, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2022.05.030, 2023.
Zhang, Y., Mathur, R., Bash, J. O., Hogrefe, C., Xing, J., and Roselle, S. J.:
Long-term trends in total inorganic nitrogen and sulfur deposition in the US from 1990 to 2010, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 9091–9106, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-9091-2018, 2018.
Zhao, Y., Zhang, L., Chen, Y., Liu, X., Xu, W., Pan, Y., and Duan, L.:
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition to China: A model analysis on nitrogen budget and critical load exceedance, Atmos. Environ., 153, 32–40, 2017.
Short summary
Nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) deposition decreased significantly at 14 Canadian sites during 2000–2018. The greatest decline was observed in southeastern Canada owing to regional SO2 and NOx reductions. Wet deposition was more important than dry deposition, comprising 71–95 % of total N and 45–89 % of total S deposition. While critical loads (CLs) were exceeded at a few sites in the early 2000s, acidic deposition declined below CLs after 2012, which signifies recovery from legacy acidification.
Nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) deposition decreased significantly at 14 Canadian sites during...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint