Articles | Volume 24, issue 12
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7085-2024
© Author(s) 2024. 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-24-7085-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
20 Jun 2024
Research article |
| 20 Jun 2024
| 20 Jun 2024
In situ measurement of organic aerosol molecular markers in urban Hong Kong during a summer period: temporal variations and source apportionment
Hongyong Li
Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
Xiaopu Lyu
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
Likun Xue
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
Yunxi Huo
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
Dawen Yao
School of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
Haoxian Lu
Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong, China
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 8719–8742, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8719-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8719-2025, 2025
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Our research investigated nitrate formation in air pollution across inland and coastal cities in northern China during the winters of 2013 and 2018. Using air quality models and isotopic analysis, we identified regional differences, with coastal cities showing more contribution from the dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) heterogeneous reaction. Reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ammonia (NH3) was crucial for lowering nitrate levels and improving air quality.
Min Li, Xinfeng Wang, Tianshuai Li, Yujia Wang, Yueru Jiang, Yujiao Zhu, Wei Nie, Rui Li, Jian Gao, Likun Xue, Qingzhu Zhang, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 8407–8425, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8407-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8407-2025, 2025
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Yue Sun, Yujiao Zhu, Hengde Liu, Lanxiadi Chen, Hongyong Li, Yujian Bi, Di Wu, Xiangkun Yin, Can Cui, Ping Liu, Yu Yang, Jisheng Zhang, Yanqiu Nie, Lanxin Zhang, Jiangshan Mu, Yuhong Liu, Zhaoxin Guo, Qinyi Li, Yuqiang Zhang, Xinfeng Wang, Mingjin Tang, Wenxing Wang, and Likun Xue
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Hongxing Jiang, Yuanghang Deng, Yunxi Huo, Fengwen Wang, Yingjun Chen, and Hai Guo
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We combined the use of a series of online and offline high-resolution mass spectrometer to characterize the chemical composition and sources of organic aerosols in a background site of south China from bulk to molecular levels. We suggested that anthropogenic source dominated the OA origins, and the gas-phase and particle-phase oxidation processes are conducive to the formation of sulfur-containing and nitrogen-containing compounds, respectively.
Yujia Wang, Hongbin Wang, Bo Zhang, Peng Liu, Xinfeng Wang, Shuchun Si, Likun Xue, Qingzhu Zhang, and Qiao Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 5537–5555, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5537-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5537-2025, 2025
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Bin Luo, Yuqiang Zhang, Tao Tang, Hongliang Zhang, Jianlin Hu, Jiangshan Mu, Wenxing Wang, and Likun Xue
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4767–4783, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4767-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4767-2025, 2025
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India is facing a severe air pollution crisis that poses significant health risks, particularly from PM2.5 and O3. Our study reveals rising levels of both pollutants from 1995 to 2014, leading to increased premature mortality. While anthropogenic emissions play a significant role, biomass burning also impacts air quality, in particular seasons and regions in India. This study underscores the urgent need for localized policies to protect public health amid escalating environmental challenges.
Haibiao Chen, Caiqing Yan, Liubin Huang, Lin Du, Yang Yue, Xinfeng Wang, Qingcai Chen, Mingjie Xie, Junwen Liu, Fengwen Wang, Shuhong Fang, Qiaoyun Yang, Hongya Niu, Mei Zheng, Yan Wu, and Likun Xue
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3647–3667, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3647-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3647-2025, 2025
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A comprehensive understanding of the optical properties of brown carbon (BrC) is essential to accurately assess its climatic effects. Based on multi-site spectroscopic measurements, this study demonstrated the significant spatial heterogeneity in the optical and structural properties of water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) in different regions of China and revealed factors affecting WSOC light absorption and the relationship between fluorophores and light absorption of WSOC.
Ke Li, Rong Tan, Wenhao Qiao, Taegyung Lee, Yufen Wang, Danyuting Zhang, Minglong Tang, Wenqing Zhao, Yixuan Gu, Shaojia Fan, Jinqiang Zhang, Xiaopu Lyu, Likun Xue, Jianming Xu, Zhiqiang Ma, Mohd Talib Latif, Teerachai Amnuaylojaroen, Junsu Gil, Mee-Hye Lee, Juseon Bak, Joowan Kim, Hong Liao, Yugo Kanaya, Xiao Lu, Tatsuya Nagashima, and Ja-Ho Koo
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Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6987–6999, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6987-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6987-2024, 2024
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Yue Sun, Yujiao Zhu, Yanbin Qi, Lanxiadi Chen, Jiangshan Mu, Ye Shan, Yu Yang, Yanqiu Nie, Ping Liu, Can Cui, Ji Zhang, Mingxuan Liu, Lingli Zhang, Yufei Wang, Xinfeng Wang, Mingjin Tang, Wenxing Wang, and Likun Xue
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Xuelian Zhong, Hengqing Shen, Min Zhao, Ji Zhang, Yue Sun, Yuhong Liu, Yingnan Zhang, Ye Shan, Hongyong Li, Jiangshan Mu, Yu Yang, Yanqiu Nie, Jinghao Tang, Can Dong, Xinfeng Wang, Yujiao Zhu, Mingzhi Guo, Wenxing Wang, and Likun Xue
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Nitrous acid (HONO) is vital for atmospheric oxidation. In research at Mount Lao, China, models revealed a significant unidentified marine HONO source. Overlooking this could skew our understanding of air quality and climate change. This finding emphasizes HONO’s importance in the coastal atmosphere, uncovering previously unnoticed interactions.
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Han Zang, Yue Zhao, Juntao Huo, Qianbiao Zhao, Qingyan Fu, Yusen Duan, Jingyuan Shao, Cheng Huang, Jingyu An, Likun Xue, Ziyue Li, Chenxi Li, and Huayun Xiao
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Particulate nitrate plays an important role in wintertime haze pollution in eastern China, yet quantitative constraints on detailed nitrate formation mechanisms remain limited. Here we quantified the contributions of the heterogeneous N2O5 hydrolysis (66 %) and gas-phase OH + NO2 reaction (32 %) to nitrate formation in this region and identified the atmospheric oxidation capacity (i.e., availability of O3 and OH radicals) as the driving factor of nitrate formation from both processes.
Chaoyang Xue, Can Ye, Jörg Kleffmann, Chenglong Zhang, Valéry Catoire, Fengxia Bao, Abdelwahid Mellouki, Likun Xue, Jianmin Chen, Keding Lu, Yong Zhao, Hengde Liu, Zhaoxin Guo, and Yujing Mu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 3149–3167, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-3149-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-3149-2022, 2022
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Summertime measurements of nitrous acid (HONO) and related parameters were conducted at the foot and the summit of Mt. Tai (1534 m above sea level). We proposed a rapid vertical air mass exchange between the foot and the summit level, which enhances the role of HONO in the oxidizing capacity of the upper boundary layer. Kinetics for aerosol-derived HONO sources were constrained. HONO formation from different paths was quantified and discussed.
Taotao Liu, Youwei Hong, Mengren Li, Lingling Xu, Jinsheng Chen, Yahui Bian, Chen Yang, Yangbin Dan, Yingnan Zhang, Likun Xue, Min Zhao, Zhi Huang, and Hong Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 2173–2190, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-2173-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-2173-2022, 2022
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Based on the OBM-MCM model analyses, the study aims to clarify (1) the pollution characteristics of O3 and its precursors, (2) the atmospheric oxidation capacity and radical chemistry, and (3) the O3 formation mechanism and sensitivity analysis. The results are expected to enhance the understanding of the O3 formation mechanism with low O3 precursor levels and provide scientific evidence for O3 pollution control in coastal cities.
Men Xia, Xiang Peng, Weihao Wang, Chuan Yu, Zhe Wang, Yee Jun Tham, Jianmin Chen, Hui Chen, Yujing Mu, Chenglong Zhang, Pengfei Liu, Likun Xue, Xinfeng Wang, Jian Gao, Hong Li, and Tao Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 15985–16000, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-15985-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-15985-2021, 2021
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ClNO2 is an important precursor of chlorine radical that affects photochemistry. However, its production and impact are not well understood. Our study presents field observations of ClNO2 at three sites in northern China. These observations provide new insights into nighttime processes that produce ClNO2 and the significant impact of ClNO2 on secondary pollutions during daytime. The results improve the understanding of photochemical pollution in the lower part of the atmosphere.
Yingnan Zhang, Likun Xue, William P. L. Carter, Chenglei Pei, Tianshu Chen, Jiangshan Mu, Yujun Wang, Qingzhu Zhang, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 11053–11068, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-11053-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-11053-2021, 2021
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We developed the localized incremental reactivity (IR) for VOCs in a Chinese megacity and elucidated their applications in calculating the ozone formation potential (OFP). The IR scales showed a strong dependence on chemical mechanisms. Both emission- and observation-based inputs are suitable for the MIR calculation but not the case under mixed-limited or NOx-limited O3 formation regimes. We provide suggestions for the application of IR and OFP scales to aid in VOC control in China.
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
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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.
Yujiao Zhu, Likun Xue, Jian Gao, Jianmin Chen, Hongyong Li, Yong Zhao, Zhaoxin Guo, Tianshu Chen, Liang Wen, Penggang Zheng, Ye Shan, Xinfeng Wang, Tao Wang, Xiaohong Yao, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 1305–1323, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-1305-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-1305-2021, 2021
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This work investigates the long-term changes in new particle formation (NPF) events under reduced SO2 emissions at the summit of Mt. Tai during seven campaigns from 2007 to 2018. We found the NPF intensity increased 2- to 3-fold in 2018 compared to 2007. In contrast, the probability of new particles growing to CCN size largely decreased. Changes to biogenic VOCs and anthropogenic emissions are proposed to explain the distinct NPF characteristics.
Jiarong Li, Chao Zhu, Hui Chen, Defeng Zhao, Likun Xue, Xinfeng Wang, Hongyong Li, Pengfei Liu, Junfeng Liu, Chenglong Zhang, Yujing Mu, Wenjin Zhang, Luming Zhang, Hartmut Herrmann, Kai Li, Min Liu, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 13735–13751, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-13735-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-13735-2020, 2020
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Based on a field study at Mt. Tai, China, the simultaneous variations of cloud microphysics, aerosol microphysics and their potential interactions during cloud life cycles were discussed. Results demonstrated that clouds on clean days were more susceptible to the concentrations of particle number, while clouds formed on polluted days might be more sensitive to meteorological parameters. Particles larger than 150 nm played important roles in forming cloud droplets with sizes of 5–10 μm.
Ying Jiang, Likun Xue, Rongrong Gu, Mengwei Jia, Yingnan Zhang, Liang Wen, Penggang Zheng, Tianshu Chen, Hongyong Li, Ye Shan, Yong Zhao, Zhaoxin Guo, Yujian Bi, Hengde Liu, Aijun Ding, Qingzhu Zhang, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 12115–12131, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-12115-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-12115-2020, 2020
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We analyzed the characteristics and sources of HONO in the upper boundary layer and lower free troposphere in the North China Plain, based on the field measurements at Mount Tai. Higher-than-expected levels and broad daytime peaks of HONO were observed. Without presence of ground surfaces, aerosol surface plays a key role in the heterogeneous HONO formation at high altitudes. Models without additional HONO sources largely
underestimatedthe oxidation processes in the elevation atmospheres.
Zhenhao Ling, Qianqian Xie, Min Shao, Zhe Wang, Tao Wang, Hai Guo, and Xuemei Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 11451–11467, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-11451-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-11451-2020, 2020
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The observation data from a receptor site in the Pearl River Delta region were analyzed by a photochemical box model with near-explicit chemical mechanisms (i.e., the Master Chemical Mechanism, MCM), improvements with reversible and irreversible heterogeneous processes of glyoxal and methylglyoxal, and the gas-particle partitioning of oxidation products in the present study.
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Short summary
Organic aerosol is ubiquitous in the atmosphere and largely explains the gap between current levels of fine particulate matter in many cities and the World Health Organization guideline values. This study highlights the dominant contributions of cooking emissions to organic aerosol when marine air prevailed in Hong Kong, which were occasionally overwhelmed by aromatics-derived secondary organic aerosol in continental ouflows.
Organic aerosol is ubiquitous in the atmosphere and largely explains the gap between current...
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