Articles | Volume 25, issue 23
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17581-2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17581-2025
Research article
 | 
04 Dec 2025
Research article |  | 04 Dec 2025

Vertically resolved formation mechanisms of fine particulate nitrate in Asian megacities: integrated lidar – aircraft observations and process analysis

Yutong Tian, Ting Yang, Hongyi Li, Ping Tian, Yifan Song, Jiancun He, Yining Tan, Yele Sun, and Zifa Wang

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Cited articles

Archer-Nicholls, S., Allen, R., Abraham, N. L., Griffiths, P. T., and Archibald, A. T.: Large simulated future changes in the nitrate radical under the CMIP6 SSP scenarios: implications for oxidation chemistry, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 5801–5813, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5801-2023, 2023. 
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Brender, J. D., Maantay, J. A., and Chakraborty, J.: Residential Proximity to Environmental Hazards and Adverse Health Outcomes, American Journal of Public Health, 101, S37–S52, https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2011.300183, 2011. 
Brown, S. S. and Stutz, J.: Nighttime radical observations and chemistry, Chem. Soc. Rev., 41, 6405–6447, https://doi.org/10.1039/c2cs35181a, 2012. 
Cao, J.-J., Shen, Z.-X., Chow, J. C., Watson, J. G., Lee, S.-C., Tie, X.-X., Ho, K.-F., Wang, G.-H., and Han, Y.-M.: Winter and Summer PM2.5 Chemical Compositions in Fourteen Chinese Cities, Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 62, 1214–1226, https://doi.org/10.1080/10962247.2012.701193, 2012. 
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This study examines how nitrate pollution varies with height and season to combat urban haze. Nitrate levels peak near the ground in spring/winter due to humidity and temperature, while wind and sunlight drive high-altitude pollution in late autumn. Winter shows unique daytime peaks linked to sunlight and nighttime chemistry. Findings help cities design targeted strategies, like timing emissions cuts, to improve air quality by addressing pollution at specific heights and times.
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