Articles | Volume 25, issue 19
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-12451-2025
© Author(s) 2025. 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-25-12451-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
09 Oct 2025
Research article |
| 09 Oct 2025
| 09 Oct 2025
The critical role of volatile organic compound emissions in nitrate formation in Lhasa, Tibetan Plateau: insights from oxygen isotope anomaly measurements
Xueqin Zheng
College of Environment and Climate, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
College of Environment and Climate, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
Nima Chuduo
Lhasa Meteorological Administration, Lhasa, 850010, China
Bian Ba
Lhasa Meteorological Administration, Lhasa, 850010, China
Pengfei Yu
College of Environment and Climate, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
Phu Drolgar
Lhasa Meteorological Administration, Lhasa, 850010, China
Fang Cao
School of Ecology and Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
Yanlin Zhang
School of Ecology and Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
Related authors
No articles found.
Xiao-Ying Yang, Fang Cao, Chang-Liu Wu, Yu-Xian Zhang, Wen-Huai Song, Yu-Chi Lin, and Yan-Lin Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-5955, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-5955, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
Short summary
Short summary
This study provides a systematic analysis of the spatial variations, potential sources, and secondary formation mechanisms of low molecular weight amines in aerosols over the marginal seas of China. Amines in offshore aerosols were largely influenced by terrestrial emissions, substantially contributed by marine sources, and predominated by secondary formation, with two distinct major pathways (nitrate or sulfate-associated) identified for different amine species.
Weichao Huang, Sihang Wang, Peng Cheng, Bingna Chen, Bin Yuan, Pengfei Yu, Haichao Wang, Nan Ma, Mei Li, and Keding Lu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 15403–15414, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-15403-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-15403-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We studied vehicle emissions from ten 3000-meter tunnels on the Tibetan Plateau. Emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) increase with elevation due to the evaporation of fuel oil from low pressure, unlike at lower elevations where tailpipe is predominant. This suggests that specific emission control measures are needed. This research aims to understand emissions at high altitudes and to guide cleaner transport.
Rongshuang Xu, Yu-Chi Lin, Siyu Bian, Feng Xie, and Yan-Lin Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 12721–12735, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-12721-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-12721-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Levels of hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) in a continental city and, for the first time, a marine atmosphere are reported. The effect of aerosol ionic strength (IS) on HMS formation was quantified; it first rises with increasing IS and then peaks at 4 mol kg−1 before declining. Given the IS range of marine (2–6) and urban (6–20 mol kg−1) aerosols and the clearly negative correlation between humidity and IS, moderate IS levels in humid conditions may notably boost ambient HMS formation.
Wenhui Zhao, Weiwei Hu, Zhaoce Liu, Tianle Pan, Tingting Feng, Jun Wang, Yiyu Cai, Lin Liang, Shan Huang, Bin Yuan, Nan Ma, Min Shao, Guohua Zhang, Xinhui Bi, Xinming Wang, and Pengfei Yu
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2974, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2974, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our study examined brown carbon—organic aerosols that absorb light—at the remote Tibet and urban Guangzhou. Field data showed Tibet’s brown carbon absorbs about 10 times less than Guangzhou’s, due to cleaner air. Yet, over 75 % of its light absorption still comes from primary emission, which causes over 98 % of its climate-warming effect in both places. This study advances understanding of BrC dynamics and its sources in diverse environments for global climate effects.
Abudurexiati Abulimiti, Yanlin Zhang, Mingyuan Yu, Yihang Hong, Yu-Chi Lin, Chaman Gul, and Fang Cao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 6161–6178, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6161-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6161-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
To improve air quality, the Chinese government has implemented strict clean-air measures. We explored how black carbon (BC) responded to these measures and found that a reduction in liquid fuel use was the main factor driving a decrease in BC levels. Additionally, meteorological factors also played a significant role in the long-term trends of BC. These factors should be considered in future emission reduction policies to further enhance air quality improvements.
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.
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
Short summary
Short summary
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.
Mingjie Kang, Mengying Bao, Wenhuai Song, Aduburexiati Abulimiti, Changliu Wu, Fang Cao, Sönke Szidat, and Yanlin Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 73–91, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-73-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-73-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Reports on molecular-level knowledge of high-temporal-resolution particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) on hazy days are limited. We investigated various PM2.5 species and their sources. The results show biomass burning (BB) was the main source of organic carbon. Moreover, BB enhanced fungal spore emissions and secondary aerosol formation. The contribution of non-fossil sources increased with increasing haze pollution, suggesting BB may be an important driver of haze events in winter.
Jun Zhou, Chunsheng Zhang, Aiming Liu, Bin Yuan, Yan Wang, Wenjie Wang, Jie-Ping Zhou, Yixin Hao, Xiao-Bing Li, Xianjun He, Xin Song, Yubin Chen, Suxia Yang, Shuchun Yang, Yanfeng Wu, Bin Jiang, Shan Huang, Junwen Liu, Yuwen Peng, Jipeng Qi, Minhui Deng, Bowen Zhong, Yibo Huangfu, and Min Shao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9805–9826, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9805-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9805-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In-depth understanding of the near-ground vertical variability in photochemical ozone (O3) formation is crucial for mitigating O3 pollution. Utilizing a self-built vertical observation system, a direct net photochemical O3 production rate detection system, and an observation-based model, we diagnosed the vertical distributions and formation mechanism of net photochemical O3 production rates and sensitivity in the Pearl River Delta region, one of the most O3-polluted areas in China.
Tong Sha, Siyu Yang, Qingcai Chen, Liangqing Li, Xiaoyan Ma, Yan-Lin Zhang, Zhaozhong Feng, K. Folkert Boersma, and Jun Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8441–8455, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8441-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8441-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Using an updated soil reactive nitrogen emission scheme in the Unified Inputs for Weather Research and Forecasting coupled with Chemistry (UI-WRF-Chem) model, we investigate the role of soil NO and HONO (Nr) emissions in air quality and temperature in North China. Contributions of soil Nr emissions to O3 and secondary pollutants are revealed, exceeding effects of soil NOx or HONO emission. Soil Nr emissions play an important role in mitigating O3 pollution and addressing climate change.
Mengying Bao, Yan-Lin Zhang, Fang Cao, Yihang Hong, Yu-Chi Lin, Mingyuan Yu, Hongxing Jiang, Zhineng Cheng, Rongshuang Xu, and Xiaoying Yang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 8305–8324, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-8305-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-8305-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The interaction between the sources and molecular compositions of humic-like substances (HULIS) at Nanjing, China, was explored. Significant fossil fuel source contributions to HULIS were found in the 14C results from biomass burnng and traffic emissions. Increasing biogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA) products and anthropogenic aromatic compounds were detected in summer and winter, respectively.
Xiangyun Zhang, Jun Li, Sanyuan Zhu, Junwen Liu, Ping Ding, Shutao Gao, Chongguo Tian, Yingjun Chen, Ping'an Peng, and Gan Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 7495–7502, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-7495-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-7495-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The results show that 14C elemental carbon (EC) was not only related to the isolation method but also to the types and proportions of the biomass sources in the sample. The hydropyrolysis (Hypy) method, which can be used to isolate a highly stable portion of ECHypy and avoid charring, is a more effective and stable approach for the matrix-independent 14C quantification of EC in aerosols, and the 13C–ECHypy and non-fossil ECHypy values of SRM1649b were –24.9 ‰ and 11 %, respectively.
Hao-Ran Yu, Yan-Lin Zhang, Fang Cao, Xiao-Ying Yang, Tian Xie, Yu-Xian Zhang, and Yongwen Xue
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2022-239, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2022-239, 2022
Preprint withdrawn
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a high time resolution method for determining the δ13C values of WSOCp and WSOCg by combination of wet oxidation pretreatment and IRMS. With improvement of oxidation method and determination method, δ13C value of liquid sample with a carbon content between 0.5 to 5 μg can be determined with an accuracy of 0.6 ‰. Using this method, the δ13C value of WSOCp and WSOCg in winter of 2021 at an urban site of Nanjing were determined, which were -25.9 ± 0.7 ‰ and -29.9 ± 0.9 ‰ respectively.
Jiyan Wu, Chi Yang, Chunyan Zhang, Fang Cao, Aiping Wu, and Yanlin Zhang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 2623–2633, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2623-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2623-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We introduced an online method to simultaneously determine the content of inorganic salt ions and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in PM2.5 hour by hour. We verified the accuracy and precision of the instrument. And we got the daily changes in ROS and the main sources that affect ROS. This breakthrough enables the quantitative assessment of atmospheric particulate matter ROS at the diurnal scale, providing an effective tool to study sources and environmental impacts of ROS.
Md. Mozammel Haque, Yanlin Zhang, Srinivas Bikkina, Meehye Lee, and Kimitaka Kawamura
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 1373–1393, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1373-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1373-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We attempt to understand the current state of East Asian organic aerosols with both the molecular marker approach and 14° C data of carbonaceous components. A significant positive correlation of nonfossil- and fossil-derived organic carbon with levoglucosan suggests the importance of biomass burning (BB) and coal combustion sources in the East Asian outflow. Thus, attribution of ambient levoglucosan levels over the western North Pacific to the impact of BB emission may cause large uncertainty.
Ahsan Mozaffar, Yan-Lin Zhang, Yu-Chi Lin, Feng Xie, Mei-Yi Fan, and Fang Cao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 18087–18099, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-18087-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-18087-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We performed a long-term investigation of ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in an industrial area in Nanjing, China. Followed by alkanes, halocarbons and aromatics were the most abundant VOC groups. Vehicle-related emissions were the major VOC sources in the study area. Aromatic and alkene VOCs were responsible for most of the atmospheric reactions.
Mengying Bao, Yan-Lin Zhang, Fang Cao, Yu-Chi Lin, Yuhang Wang, Xiaoyan Liu, Wenqi Zhang, Meiyi Fan, Feng Xie, Robert Cary, Joshua Dixon, and Lihua Zhou
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 4053–4068, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-4053-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-4053-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We introduce a two-wavelength method for brown C measurements with a modified Sunset carbon analyzer. We defined the enhanced concentrations and gave the possibility of providing an indicator of brown C. Compared with the strong local sources of organic and elemental C, we found that differences in EC mainly originated from regional transport. Biomass burning emissions significantly contributed to high differences in EC concentrations during the heavy biomass burning periods.
Yunhua Chang, Yan-Lin Zhang, Sawaeng Kawichai, Qian Wang, Martin Van Damme, Lieven Clarisse, Tippawan Prapamontol, and Moritz F. Lehmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 7187–7198, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7187-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7187-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we integrated satellite constraints on atmospheric NH3 levels and fire intensity, discrete NH3 concentration measurement, and N isotopic analysis of NH3 in order to assess the regional-scale contribution of biomass burning to ambient atmospheric NH3 in the heartland of Southeast Asia. The combined approach provides a valuable cross-validation framework for source apportioning of NH3 in the lower atmosphere and will thus help to ameliorate predictions of biomass burning emissions.
Cited articles
Alexander, B., Hastings, M. G., Allman, D. J., Dachs, J., Thornton, J. A., and Kunasek, S. A.: Quantifying atmospheric nitrate formation pathways based on a global model of the oxygen isotopic composition (Δ17O) of atmospheric nitrate, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 9, 5043–5056, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-9-5043-2009, 2009.
Alexander, B., Sherwen, T., Holmes, C. D., Fisher, J. A., Chen, Q., Evans, M. J., and Kasibhatla, P.: Global inorganic nitrate production mechanisms: comparison of a global model with nitrate isotope observations, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 3859–3877, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-3859-2020, 2020.
Barkan, E. and Luz, B.: High-precision measurements of 17O
Bell, M. L., Dominici, F., Ebisu, K., Zeger, S. L., and Samet, J. M.: Spatial and temporal variation in PM2.5 chemical composition in the United States for health effects studies, Environ. Health Persp., 115, 989–995, https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.9621, 2007.
Brown, S. S. and Stutz, J.: Nighttime radical observations and chemistry, Chem. Soc. Rev., 41, 6405–6447, https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CS35181A, 2012.
Brown, S. S., Stark, H., and Ravishankara, A.: Applicability of the steady state approximation to the interpretation of atmospheric observations of NO3 and N2O5, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 108, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JD016544, 2003.
Cao, X., Xing, Q., Hu, S., Xu, W., Xie, R., Xian, A., Xie, W., Yang, Z., and Wu, X.: Characterization, reactivity, source apportionment, and potential source areas of ambient volatile organic compounds in a typical tropical city, J. Environ. Sci., 123, 417–429, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2022.08.005, 2023.
Carslaw, N., Creasey, D. J., Heard, D. E., Lewis, A. C., McQuaid, J. B., Pilling, M. J., Monks, P. S., Bandy, B. J., and Penkett, S. A.: Modeling OH, HO2, and RO2 radicals in the marine boundary layer: 1. Model construction and comparison with field measurements, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 104, 30241–30255, https://doi.org/10.1029/1999JD900783, 1999.
Chen, Z., Pei, C., Liu, J., Zhang, X., Ding, P., Dang, L., Zong, Z., Jiang, F., Wu, L., and Sun, X.: Non-agricultural source dominates the ammonium aerosol in the largest city of South China based on the vertical δ15N measurements, Sci. Total Environ., 848, 157750, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157750, 2022.
Clark, C. M. and Tilman, D.: Loss of plant species after chronic low-level nitrogen deposition to prairie grasslands, Nature, 451, 712–715, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature06503, 2008.
Colmer, J., Hardman, I., Shimshack, J., and Voorheis, J.: Disparities in PM2.5 air pollution in the United States, Science, 369, 575–578, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaz9353, 2020.
Cristofanelli, P., Bracci, A., Sprenger, M., Marinoni, A., Bonafè, U., Calzolari, F., Duchi, R., Laj, P., Pichon, J. M., Roccato, F., Venzac, H., Vuillermoz, E., and Bonasoni, P.: Tropospheric ozone variations at the Nepal Climate Observatory-Pyramid (Himalayas, 5079 m a.s.l.) and influence of deep stratospheric intrusion events, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 6537–6549, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-10-6537-2010, 2010.
Dubey, M. K., Mohrschladt, R., Donahue, N. M., and Anderson, J. G.: Isotope specific kinetics of hydroxyl radical (OH) with water (H2O): Testing models of reactivity and atmospheric fractionation, J. Phys. Chem. A, 101, 1494–1500, https://doi.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jp962332p, 1997.
Espina-Martin, P., Perdrix, E., Alleman, L., and Coddeville, P.: Origins of the seasonal variability of PM2.5 sources in a rural site in Northern France, Atmos. Environ., 120660, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2024.120660, 2024.
Fan, M.-Y., Zhang, Y.-L., Lin, Y.-C., Hong, Y., Zhao, Z.-Y., Xie, F., Du, W., Cao, F., Sun, Y., and Fu, P.: Important role of NO3 radical to nitrate formation aloft in urban Beijing: Insights from triple oxygen isotopes measured at the tower, Environ. Sci. Technol., 56, 6870–6879, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c02843, 2021.
Feng, X., Chen, Y., Chen, S., Peng, Y., Liu, Z., Jiang, M., Feng, Y., Wang, L., Li, L., and Chen, J.: Dominant Contribution of NO3 Radical to
Fisher, J. A., Jacob, D. J., Travis, K. R., Kim, P. S., Marais, E. A., Chan Miller, C., Yu, K., Zhu, L., Yantosca, R. M., Sulprizio, M. P., Mao, J., Wennberg, P. O., Crounse, J. D., Teng, A. P., Nguyen, T. B., St. Clair, J. M., Cohen, R. C., Romer, P., Nault, B. A., Wooldridge, P. J., Jimenez, J. L., Campuzano-Jost, P., Day, D. A., Hu, W., Shepson, P. B., Xiong, F., Blake, D. R., Goldstein, A. H., Misztal, P. K., Hanisco, T. F., Wolfe, G. M., Ryerson, T. B., Wisthaler, A., and Mikoviny, T.: Organic nitrate chemistry and its implications for nitrogen budgets in an isoprene- and monoterpene-rich atmosphere: constraints from aircraft (SEAC4RS) and ground-based (SOAS) observations in the Southeast US, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 5969–5991, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-5969-2016, 2016.
Fountoukis, C. and Nenes, A.: ISORROPIA II: a computationally efficient thermodynamic equilibrium model for K+–Ca2+–Mg2+–
Ge, S., Su, J., Zhao, P., Li, J., Liu, S., Qiu, Y., Pu, W., and Ma, Z.: Characteristics of PM2.5 hygroscopicity and the influences of water-soluble ions during haze events in Beijing, Atmos. Environ., 322, 120382, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2024.120382, 2024.
Geng, G., Zheng, Y., Zhang, Q., Xue, T., Zhao, H., Tong, D., Zheng, B., Li, M., Liu, F., and Hong, C.: Drivers of PM2.5 air pollution deaths in China 2002–2017, Nat. Geosci., 14, 645–650, https://doi.org//10.1038/s41561-021-00792-3, 2021.
Han, T., Liu, X., Zhang, Y., Qu, Y., Zeng, L., Hu, M., and Zhu, T.: Role of secondary aerosols in haze formation in summer in the Megacity Beijing, J. Environ. Sci., 31, 51–60, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2014.08.026, 2015.
He, P., Xie, Z., Chi, X., Yu, X., Fan, S., Kang, H., Liu, C., and Zhan, H.: Atmospheric Δ17O (
He, S., Huang, M., Zheng, L., Chang, M., Chen, W., Xie, Q., and Wang, X.: Seasonal variation of transport pathways and potential source areas at high inorganic nitrogen wet deposition sites in southern China, J. Environ. Sci., 114, 444–453, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2021.12.024, 2022.
Hellén, H., Praplan, A. P., Tykkä, T., Ylivinkka, I., Vakkari, V., Bäck, J., Petäjä, T., Kulmala, M., and Hakola, H.: Long-term measurements of volatile organic compounds highlight the importance of sesquiterpenes for the atmospheric chemistry of a boreal forest, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 13839–13863, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-13839-2018, 2018.
Huang, R.-J., Zhang, Y., Bozzetti, C., Ho, K.-F., Cao, J.-J., Han, Y., Daellenbach, K. R., Slowik, J. G., Platt, S. M., and Canonaco, F.: High secondary aerosol contribution to particulate pollution during haze events in China, Nature, 514, 218–222, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature13774, 2014.
Ishino, S., Hattori, S., Savarino, J., Jourdain, B., Preunkert, S., Legrand, M., Caillon, N., Barbero, A., Kuribayashi, K., and Yoshida, N.: Seasonal variations of triple oxygen isotopic compositions of atmospheric sulfate, nitrate, and ozone at Dumont d'Urville, coastal Antarctica, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 3713–3727, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-3713-2017, 2017.
Kanaya, Y., Cao, R., Akimoto, H., Fukuda, M., Komazaki, Y., Yokouchi, Y., Koike, M., Tanimoto, H., Takegawa, N., and Kondo, Y.: Urban photochemistry in central Tokyo: 1. Observed and modeled OH and HO2 radical concentrations during the winter and summer of 2004, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 112, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007JD008670, 2007.
Kunasek, S., Alexander, B., Steig, E., Hastings, M., Gleason, D., and Jarvis, J.: Measurements and modeling of Δ17O of nitrate in snowpits from Summit, Greenland, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 113, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008JD010103, 2008.
Lhasa Municipal People's Government: Overview of Lhasa, https://www.lasa.gov.cn/lasa/yxls/yx.shtml, last access: 30 June 2025.
Li, H., He, Q., Song, Q., Chen, L., Song, Y., Wang, Y., Lin, K., Xu, Z., and Shao, M.: Diagnosing Tibetan pollutant sources via volatile organic compound observations, Atmos. Environ., 166, 244–254, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2017.07.031, 2017.
Li, Z., Walters, W. W., Hastings, M. G., Song, L., Huang, S., Zhu, F., Liu, D., Shi, G., Li, Y., and Fang, Y.: Atmospheric nitrate formation pathways in urban and rural atmosphere of Northeast China: Implications for complicated anthropogenic effects, Environ. Pollut., 296, 118752, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118752, 2022.
Lin, M., Zhang, Z., Su, L., Hill-Falkenthal, J., Priyadarshi, A., Zhang, Q., Zhang, G., Kang, S., Chan, C. Y., and Thiemens, M. H.: Resolving the impact of stratosphere-to-troposphere transport on the sulfur cycle and surface ozone over the Tibetan Plateau using a cosmogenic 35S tracer, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 121, 439–456, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JD023801, 2016.
Lin, Y.-C., Zhang, Y.-L., Yu, M., Fan, M.-Y., Xie, F., Zhang, W.-Q., Wu, G., Cong, Z., and Michalski, G.: Formation mechanisms and source apportionments of airborne nitrate aerosols at a Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau site: Insights from nitrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions, Environ. Sci. Technol., 55, 12261–12271, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c03957, 2021.
Luo, L., Kao, S., Wu, Y., Zhang, X., Lin, H., Zhang, R., and Xiao, H.: Stable oxygen isotope constraints on nitrate formation in Beijing in springtime, Environ. Pollut., 263, 114515, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114515, 2020.
Michalski, G., Scott, Z., Kabiling, M., and Thiemens, M. H.: First measurements and modeling of Δ17O in atmospheric nitrate, Geophys. Res. Lett., 30, https://doi.org/10.1029/2003GL017015, 2003.
Morin, S., Savarino, J., Bekki, S., Gong, S., and Bottenheim, J. W.: Signature of Arctic surface ozone depletion events in the isotope anomaly (Δ17O) of atmospheric nitrate, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 7, 1451–1469, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-7-1451-2007, 2007.
Office of the Leading Group: Lhasa reported 31 new local COVID-19 cases yesterday, with 14 medium-risk areas adjusted, https://xinwen.bjd.com.cn/content/s6340d130e4b0b60bbc5d4ecd.html, last access: 1 July 2025.
Park, R. J., Jacob, D. J., Field, B. D., Yantosca, R. M., and Chin, M.: Natural and transboundary pollution influences on sulfate-nitrate-ammonium aerosols in the United States: Implications for policy, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 109, https://doi.org/10.1029/2003JD004473, 2004.
Parnell, A. C., Inger, R., Bearhop, S., and Jackson, A. L.: Source partitioning using stable isotopes: coping with too much variation, PLoS One, 5, e9672, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0009672, 2010.
Qiu, X., Ying, Q., Wang, S., Duan, L., Zhao, J., Xing, J., Ding, D., Sun, Y., Liu, B., Shi, A., Yan, X., Xu, Q., and Hao, J.: Modeling the impact of heterogeneous reactions of chlorine on summertime nitrate formation in Beijing, China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 6737–6747, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-6737-2019, 2019.
Rohrer, F. and Berresheim, H.: Strong correlation between levels of tropospheric hydroxyl radicals and solar ultraviolet radiation, Nature, 442, 184–187, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature04924, 2006.
Salameh, D., Detournay, A., Pey, J., Pérez, N., Liguori, F., Saraga, D., Bove, M. C., Brotto, P., Cassola, F., and Massabò, D.: PM2.5 chemical composition in five European Mediterranean cities: A 1 year study, Atmos. Res., 155, 102–117, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2014.12.001, 2015.
Savarino, J., Vicars, W. C., Legrand, M., Preunkert, S., Jourdain, B., Frey, M. M., Kukui, A., Caillon, N., and Gil Roca, J.: Oxygen isotope mass balance of atmospheric nitrate at Dome C, East Antarctica, during the OPALE campaign, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 2659–2673, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2659-2016, 2016.
Slater, E. J., Whalley, L. K., Woodward-Massey, R., Ye, C., Lee, J. D., Squires, F., Hopkins, J. R., Dunmore, R. E., Shaw, M., Hamilton, J. F., Lewis, A. C., Crilley, L. R., Kramer, L., Bloss, W., Vu, T., Sun, Y., Xu, W., Yue, S., Ren, L., Acton, W. J. F., Hewitt, C. N., Wang, X., Fu, P., and Heard, D. E.: Elevated levels of OH observed in haze events during wintertime in central Beijing, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 14847–14871, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-14847-2020, 2020.
Song, W., Wang, Y.-L., Yang, W., Sun, X.-C., Tong, Y.-D., Wang, X.-M., Liu, C.-Q., Bai, Z.-P., and Liu, X.-Y.: Isotopic evaluation on relative contributions of major NOx sources to nitrate of PM2.5 in Beijing, Environ. Pollut., 248, 183–190, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.01.081, 2019.
Su, X., Tie, X., Li, G., Cao, J., Huang, R., Feng, T., Long, X., and Xu, R.: Effect of hydrolysis of N2O5 on nitrate and ammonium formation in Beijing China: WRF-Chem model simulation, Sci. Total Environ., 579, 221–229, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.11.125, 2017.
Sun, P., Farley, R. N., Li, L., Srivastava, D., Niedek, C. R., Li, J., Wang, N., Cappa, C. D., Pusede, S. E., and Yu, Z.: PM2.5 composition and sources in the San Joaquin Valley of California: A long-term study using ToF-ACSM with the capture vaporizer, Environ. Pollut., 292, 118254, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118254, 2022.
Tang, G., Yao, D., Kang, Y., Liu, Y., Liu, Y., Wang, Y., Bai, Z., Sun, J., Cong, Z., Xin, J., Liu, Z., Zhu, Z., Geng, Y., Wang, L., Li, T., Li, X., Bian, J., and Wang, Y.: The urgent need to control volatile organic compound pollution over the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, iScience, 25, 105688, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2022.105688, 2022.
Vicars, W., Morin, S., Savarino, J., Wagner, N., Erbland, J., Vince, E., Martins, J., Lerner, B., Quinn, P., and Coffman, D.: Spatial and diurnal variability in reactive nitrogen oxide chemistry as reflected in the isotopic composition of atmospheric nitrate: Results from the CalNex 2010 field study, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 118, 10567–510588, https://doi.org/10.1002/jgrd.50680, 2013.
Vicars, W. C. and Savarino, J.: Quantitative constraints on the 17O-excess (Δ17O) signature of surface ozone: Ambient measurements from 50 N to 50 S using the nitrite-coated filter technique, Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac., 135, 270–287, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2014.03.023, 2014.
Vicars, W. C., Bhattacharya, S., Erbland, J., and Savarino, J.: Measurement of the 17O-excess (Δ17O) of tropospheric ozone using a nitrite-coated filter, Rapid Commun. Mass Sp., 26, 1219–1231, https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.6218, 2012.
Walters, W. W., Pye, H. O., Kim, H., and Hastings, M. G.: Modeling the Oxygen Isotope Anomaly (Δ17O) of Reactive Nitrogen in the Community Multiscale Air Quality Model: Insights into Nitrogen Oxide Chemistry in the Northeastern United States, ACS ES&T Air, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestair.3c00056, 2024.
Wang, H., Lu, K., Guo, S., Wu, Z., Shang, D., Tan, Z., Wang, Y., Le Breton, M., Lou, S., Tang, M., Wu, Y., Zhu, W., Zheng, J., Zeng, L., Hallquist, M., Hu, M., and Zhang, Y.: Efficient N2O5 uptake and NO3 oxidation in the outflow of urban Beijing, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 9705–9721, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-9705-2018, 2018.
Wang, H., Chen, X., Lu, K., Hu, R., Li, Z., Wang, H., Ma, X., Yang, X., Chen, S., Dong, H., Liu, Y., Fang, X., Zeng, L., Hu, M., and Zhang, Y.: NO3 and N2O5 chemistry at a suburban site during the EXPLORE-YRD campaign in 2018, Atmos. Environ., 224, 117180, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2019.117180, 2020a.
Wang, K., Hattori, S., Kang, S., Lin, M., and Yoshida, N.: Isotopic constraints on the formation pathways and sources of atmospheric nitrate in the Mt. Everest region, Environ. Pollut., 267, 115274, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115274, 2020b.
Wang, Y., Liu, J., Jiang, F., Chen, Z., Wu, L., Zhou, S., Pei, C., Kuang, Y., Cao, F., and Zhang, Y.: Vertical measurements of stable nitrogen and oxygen isotope composition of fine particulate nitrate aerosol in Guangzhou city: Source apportionment and oxidation pathway, Sci. Total Environ., 865, 161239, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161239, 2023.
Wang, Y. L., Song, W., Yang, W., Sun, X. C., Tong, Y. D., Wang, X. M., Liu, C. Q., Bai, Z. P., and Liu, X. Y.: Influences of atmospheric pollution on the contributions of major oxidation pathways to PM2.5 nitrate formation in Beijing, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 124, 4174–4185, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JD030284, 2019.
Xia, M., Wang, W., Wang, Z., Gao, J., Li, H., Liang, Y., Yu, C., Zhang, Y., Wang, P., Zhang, Y., Bi, F., Cheng, X., and Wang, T.: Heterogeneous Uptake of N2O5 in Sand Dust and Urban Aerosols Observed during the Dry Season in Beijing, Atmosphere, 10, 204, https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10040204, 2019.
Xu, Q., Wang, S., Jiang, J., Bhattarai, N., Li, X., Chang, X., Qiu, X., Zheng, M., Hua, Y., and Hao, J.: Nitrate dominates the chemical composition of PM2.5 during haze event in Beijing, China, Sci. Total Environ., 689, 1293–1303, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.294, 2019.
Yang, X., Lu, K., Ma, X., Liu, Y., Wang, H., Hu, R., Li, X., Lou, S., Chen, S., and Dong, H.: Observations and modeling of OH and HO2 radicals in Chengdu, China in summer 2019, Sci. Total Environ., 772, 144829, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144829, 2021.
Yin, M., Guan, H., Luo, L., Xiao, H., and Zhang, Z.: Using nitrogen and oxygen stable isotopes to analyze the major NOx sources to nitrate of PM2.5 in Lanzhou, northwest China, in winter-spring periods, Atmos. Environ., 276, 119036, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2022.119036, 2022.
Yin, X., Kang, S., de Foy, B., Cong, Z., Luo, J., Zhang, L., Ma, Y., Zhang, G., Rupakheti, D., and Zhang, Q.: Surface ozone at Nam Co in the inland Tibetan Plateau: variation, synthesis comparison and regional representativeness, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 11293–11311, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-11293-2017, 2017.
Zhang, Q., Jiang, X., Tong, D., Davis, S. J., Zhao, H., Geng, G., Feng, T., Zheng, B., Lu, Z., Streets, D. G., Ni, R., Brauer, M., van Donkelaar, A., Martin, R. V., Huo, H., Liu, Z., Pan, D., Kan, H., Yan, Y., Lin, J., He, K., and Guan, D.: Transboundary health impacts of transported global air pollution and international trade, Nature, 543, 705–709, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature21712, 2017.
Zhang, Q., Zheng, Y., Tong, D., Shao, M., Wang, S., Zhang, Y., Xu, X., Wang, J., He, H., and Liu, W.: Drivers of improved PM2.5 air quality in China from 2013 to 2017, P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 116, 24463–24469, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1907956116, 2019.
Zhang, Y., Zhao, T., Ning, G., Xu, X., Chen, Z., Jia, M., Sun, X., Shu, Z., Lu, Z., and Liu, J.: A unique mechanism of ozone surges jointly triggered by deep stratospheric intrusions and the Tibetan Plateau topographic forcing, Geophys. Res. Lett., 52, e2024GL114207, https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GL114207, 2025.
Zhang, Y.-L., Zhang, W., Fan, M.-Y., Li, J., Fang, H., Cao, F., Lin, Y.-C., Wilkins, B. P., Liu, X., and Bao, M.: A diurnal story of
Zhang, Z., Jiang, Z., Zhou, T., and Geng, L.: Reconciling Modeled and Observed
Zhao, M., Huang, Z., Qiao, T., Zhang, Y., Xiu, G., and Yu, J.: Chemical characterization, the transport pathways and potential sources of PM2.5 in Shanghai: Seasonal variations, Atmos. Res., 158, 66–78, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2015.02.003, 2015.
Zong, Z., Tan, Y., Wang, X., Tian, C., Li, J., Fang, Y., Chen, Y., Cui, S., and Zhang, G.: Dual-modelling-based source apportionment of NOx in five Chinese megacities: Providing the isotopic footprint from 2013 to 2014, Environ. Int., 137, 105592, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.105592, 2020.
Short summary
In this study, we present the first report on the annual variation of stable oxygen isotope anomalies in nitrate (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 + volatile organic compound (VOC) pathway to NO3− formation in spring in Lhasa was several times higher than that in urban cities, highlighting the significant influence of VOCs transported from outside the Tibetan Plateau.
In this study, we present the first report on the annual variation of stable oxygen isotope...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint