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

Related authors

Aircraft-based observation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over the North China Plain
Yibo Huangfu, Ziyang Liu, Bin Yuan, Sihang Wang, Xianjun He, Wei Zhou, Fei Wang, Ping Tian, Wei Xiao, Yuanmou Du, Jiujiang Sheng, and Min Shao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 17613–17628, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17613-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17613-2025, 2025
Short summary
Decadal Transition of Summertime PM2.5-O3 Coupling and Secondary Organic Aerosol Dominance in Northwest China
Wei Zhou, Liu Yang, Siqi Zeng, Yunping Kan, Lirong Yang, Weihong Zhang, Weijie Wang, Zijun Zhang, Yan Li, Weiqi Xu, Yucheng Gu, Yaozong Wang, Zhengyan Zuo, Jie Li, Zifa Wang, and Yele Sun
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-5901,https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-5901, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
Short summary
Measurement report: Size-resolved and seasonal variations in aerosol hygroscopicity dominated by organic formation and aging: insights from a year-long observation in Nanjing
Junhui Zhang, Yuying Wang, Jialu Xu, Xiaofan Zuo, Chunsong Lu, Bin Zhu, Yuanjian Yang, Xing Yan, and Yele Sun
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 17413–17428, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17413-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17413-2025, 2025
Short summary
Photochemical processing of dissolved organic matter in fog water: oxidation and functionalization pathways driving organic aerosol evolution
Wenqing Jiang, Lijuan Li, Lu Yu, Hwajin Kim, Yele Sun, and Qi Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 16817–16832, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-16817-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-16817-2025, 2025
Short summary
Divergent iron dissolution pathways controlled by sulfuric and nitric acids from the ground-level to the upper mixing layer
Guochen Wang, Xuedong Cui, Bingye Xu, Can Wu, Minkang Zhi, Keliang Li, Liang Xu, Qi Yuan, Yuntao Wang, Yele Sun, Zongbo Shi, Akinori Ito, Shixian Zhai, and Weijun Li
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-5423,https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-5423, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
Short summary

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. 
Bălă, G.-P., Râjnoveanu, R.-M., Tudorache, E., Motişan, R., and Oancea, C.: Air pollution exposure – the (in)visible risk factor for respiratory diseases, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28, 19615–19628, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-13208-x, 2021. 
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. 
Download
Short summary
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.
Share
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint