Articles | Volume 25, issue 13
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6975-2025
© 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-25-6975-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Significant contributions of biomass burning to PM2.5-bound aromatic compounds: insights from field observations and quantum chemical calculations
Yanqin Ren
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
Zhenhai Wu
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
Fang Bi
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
Hong Li
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
Haijie Zhang
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
Junling Li
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
Rui Gao
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
Fangyun Long
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
Zhengyang Liu
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
Yuanyuan Ji
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
Key Lab of Geographic Information Science of Ministry of Education of China, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200142, China
Related authors
Junling Li, Chaofan Lian, Mingyuan Liu, Hao Zhang, Yongxin Yan, Yufei Song, Chun Chen, Jiaqi Wang, Haijie Zhang, Yanqin Ren, Yucong Guo, Weigang Wang, Yisheng Xu, Hong Li, Jian Gao, and Maofa Ge
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2551–2568, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2551-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2551-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
As a key source of hydroxyl (OH) radical, nitrous acid (HONO) has attracted much attention for its important role in the atmospheric oxidant capacity (AOC) increase. In this study, we made a comparison of the ambient levels, variation patterns, sources, and formation pathway in the warm season on the basis of continuous intensive observations at an urban site of Beijing. This work highlights the importance of HONO for the AOC in the warm season.
Yanqin Ren, Zhenhai Wu, Yuanyuan Ji, Fang Bi, Junling Li, Haijie Zhang, Hao Zhang, Hong Li, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6525–6538, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6525-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6525-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Nitrated aromatic compounds (NACs) and oxygenated derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) in PM2.5 were examined from an urban area in Beijing during the autumn and winter. The OPAH and NAC concentrations were much higher during heating than before heating. They majorly originated from the combustion of biomass and automobile emissions, and the secondary generation was the major contributor throughout the whole sampling period.
Yanqin Ren, Gehui Wang, Jie Wei, Jun Tao, Zhisheng Zhang, and Hong Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 6835–6848, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6835-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6835-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Nine quantified nitrated aromatic compounds (NACs) in PM2.5 were examined at the peak of Mt. Wuyi. They manifested a significant rise in overall abundance in the winter and autumn. The transport of contaminants had a significant impact on NACs. Under low-NOx conditions, the formation of NACs was comparatively sensitive to NO2, suggesting that NACs would become significant in the aerosol characteristics when nitrate concentrations decreased as a result of emission reduction measures.
Junling Li, Kun Li, Hao Zhang, Xin Zhang, Yuanyuan Ji, Wanghui Chu, Yuxue Kong, Yangxi Chu, Yanqin Ren, Yujie Zhang, Haijie Zhang, Rui Gao, Zhenhai Wu, Fang Bi, Xuan Chen, Xuezhong Wang, Weigang Wang, Hong Li, and Maofa Ge
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 10489–10504, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10489-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10489-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Ozone formation is enhanced by higher OH concentration and higher temperature but is influenced little by SO2. SO2 can largely enhance the particle formation. Organo-sulfates and organo-nitrates are detected in the formed particles, and the presence of SO2 can promote the formation of organo-sulfates. The results provide a scientific basis for systematically evaluating the effects of SO2, OH concentration, and temperature on the oxidation of mixed organic gases in the atmosphere.
Junke Zhang, Xinyi Fu, Chunying Chen, Yunfei Su, Siyu Liu, Luyao Chen, Yubao Chen, Gehui Wang, and Andre S. H. Prevot
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 8983–9004, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8983-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8983-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We measured (at the molecular level) the 125 organic aerosol (OA) compounds present in Chengdu in winter. OA was dominated by fatty acids, phthalate esters, and anhydrosugars, and it was deeply influenced by anthropogenic sources. As pollution worsened, 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 contributions of secondary formation and biomass burning to OC increased markedly.
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.
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.
Zheng Li, Gehui Wang, Binyu Xiao, Rongjie Li, Can Wu, Shaojun Lv, Feng Wu, Qingyan Fu, and Yusen Duan
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-654, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-654, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Gas-to-aerosol partitioning of organics were investigated in Shanghai during 2023 dust storm period. We found the partitioning coefficients (Fp) of WSOCs in DS were comparable to those during a haze episode (HE), and aerosol liquid water content primarily drove Fp variation in HE, while pH was the dominant factor in DS. Moreover, an enhanced light absorption of Asian dust by brown carbon, mainly in coarse mode, formation was revealed.
Junling Li, Chaofan Lian, Mingyuan Liu, Hao Zhang, Yongxin Yan, Yufei Song, Chun Chen, Jiaqi Wang, Haijie Zhang, Yanqin Ren, Yucong Guo, Weigang Wang, Yisheng Xu, Hong Li, Jian Gao, and Maofa Ge
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2551–2568, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2551-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2551-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
As a key source of hydroxyl (OH) radical, nitrous acid (HONO) has attracted much attention for its important role in the atmospheric oxidant capacity (AOC) increase. In this study, we made a comparison of the ambient levels, variation patterns, sources, and formation pathway in the warm season on the basis of continuous intensive observations at an urban site of Beijing. This work highlights the importance of HONO for the AOC in the warm season.
Jiemeng Bao, Xin Zhang, Zhenhai Wu, Li Zhou, Jun Qian, Qinwen Tan, Fumo Yang, Junhui Chen, Yunfeng Li, Hefan Liu, Liqun Deng, and Hong Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 1899–1916, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1899-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1899-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We studied carbonyl compounds' role in ozone pollution in the Chengdu Plain Urban Agglomeration, China. During heavy pollution in August 2019, we measured carbonyls at nine sites and analyzed their impact. Areas with higher carbonyl levels, like Chengdu, had worse ozone pollution. While their abundance matters, chemical reactions with other pollutants are the main drivers. Our findings show regional cooperation is vital to reducing ozone pollution effectively.
Si Zhang, Yining Gao, Xinbei Xu, Luyao Chen, Can Wu, Zheng Li, Rongjie Li, Binyu Xiao, Xiaodi Liu, Rui Li, Fan Zhang, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 14177–14190, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-14177-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-14177-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) from acetone photooxidation in the presence of various seeds were studied to illustrate SOA formation kinetics under ammonia-rich conditions. The oxidation mechanism of acetone was investigated using an observation-based model incorporating a Master Chemical Mechanism model. A higher SOA yield of acetone was observed compared to methylglyoxal due to an enhanced uptake of the small photooxidation products of acetone.
Bowen Li, Jian Gao, Chun Chen, Liang Wen, Yuechong Zhang, Junling Li, Yuzhe Zhang, Xiaohui Du, Kai Zhang, and Jiaqi Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 13183–13198, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13183-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-13183-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The photolysis rate constant of particulate nitrate for HONO production (JNO3−–HONO), derived from PM2.5 samples collected at five representative sites in China, exhibited a wide range of variation. A parameterization equation relating JNO3−–HONO to OC/NO3− has been established and can be used to estimate JNO3−–HONO in different environments. Our work provides an important reference for research in other regions of the world where aerosol samples have a high proportion of organic components.
Xinbei Xu, Yining Gao, Si Zhang, Luyao Chen, Rongjie Li, Zheng Li, Rui Li, and Gehui Wang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3046, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3046, 2024
Preprint archived
Short summary
Short summary
This work systematically explained the nonlinear effect of NOx level on isoprene-SOA mass yield through a series of chamber experiments. We found that the turning point under various oxidants was smaller than previous reported in the presence of OH precursors, which could be attributed to the RO2 pathway competition in nucleation and condensation of low volatile products. The highest SOA yield was at a branching ratio β of 0.5, which can be used as a reference for field campaign and modeling.
Can Wu, Xiaodi Liu, Ke Zhang, Si Zhang, Cong Cao, Jianjun Li, Rui Li, Fan Zhang, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9263–9275, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9263-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9263-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Brown carbon (BrC) is prevalent in the troposphere and can efficiently absorb solar and terrestrial radiation. Our observations show that the enhanced light absorption of BrC relative to black carbon at the tropopause can be attributed to the formation of nitrogen-containing organic compounds through the aqueous-phase reactions of carbonyls with ammonium.
Fan Zhang, Binyu Xiao, Zeyu Liu, Yan Zhang, Chongguo Tian, Rui Li, Can Wu, Yali Lei, Si Zhang, Xinyi Wan, Yubao Chen, Yong Han, Min Cui, Cheng Huang, Hongli Wang, Yingjun Chen, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8999–9017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8999-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8999-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel due to global sulfur limit regulations means large uncertainties in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. On-board tests of VOCs from nine cargo ships in China were carried out. Results showed that switching from heavy-fuel oil to diesel increased emission factor VOCs by 48 % on average, enhancing O3 and the secondary organic aerosol formation potential. Thus, implementing a global ultra-low-sulfur oil policy needs to be optimized in the near future.
Shijie Liu, Xinbei Xu, Si Zhang, Rongjie Li, Zheng Li, Can Wu, Rui Li, Guiqin Zhang, and Gehui Wang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1599, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1599, 2024
Preprint archived
Short summary
Short summary
We conducted α-pinene photooxidation experiments in an atmospheric chamber at different NOx concentrations. The increased distribution coefficient of the oxidation products between the aerosol and gas phases with NOx was responsible for the increased SOA yields with NOx under low-NOx conditions. We also found the fraction of SOA made up of nitrogen-containing organic compounds (NOCs) increased with NOx.
Rui Li, Yining Gao, Lijia Zhang, Yubing Shen, Tianzhao Xu, Wenwen Sun, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7623–7636, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7623-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7623-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
A three-stage model was developed to obtain the global maps of reactive nitrogen components during 2000–2100. The results implied that cross-validation R2 values of four species showed satisfactory performance (R2 > 0.55). Most reactive nitrogen components, except NH3, in China showed increases during 2000–2013. In the future scenarios, SSP3-7.0 (traditional-energy scenario) and SSP1-2.6 (carbon neutrality scenario) showed the highest and lowest reactive nitrogen component concentrations.
Yanqin Ren, Zhenhai Wu, Yuanyuan Ji, Fang Bi, Junling Li, Haijie Zhang, Hao Zhang, Hong Li, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6525–6538, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6525-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6525-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Nitrated aromatic compounds (NACs) and oxygenated derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) in PM2.5 were examined from an urban area in Beijing during the autumn and winter. The OPAH and NAC concentrations were much higher during heating than before heating. They majorly originated from the combustion of biomass and automobile emissions, and the secondary generation was the major contributor throughout the whole sampling period.
Junke Zhang, Yunfei Su, Chunying Chen, Wenkai Guo, Qinwen Tan, Miao Feng, Danlin Song, Tao Jiang, Qiang Chen, Yuan Li, Wei Li, Yizhi Wang, Xiaojuan Huang, Lin Han, Wanqing Wu, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 2803–2820, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2803-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2803-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Typical haze events in Chengdu at the beginning of 2023 were investigated with bulk-chemical and single-particle analyses along with numerical model simulations. By integrating the obtained chemical composition, source, mixing state and numerical simulation results, we infer that Haze-1 was mainly caused by pollutants related to fossil fuel combustion, especially local mobile sources, while Haze-2 was triggered by the secondary pollutants, which mainly came from regional transmission.
Yanqin Ren, Gehui Wang, Jie Wei, Jun Tao, Zhisheng Zhang, and Hong Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 6835–6848, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6835-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6835-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Nine quantified nitrated aromatic compounds (NACs) in PM2.5 were examined at the peak of Mt. Wuyi. They manifested a significant rise in overall abundance in the winter and autumn. The transport of contaminants had a significant impact on NACs. Under low-NOx conditions, the formation of NACs was comparatively sensitive to NO2, suggesting that NACs would become significant in the aerosol characteristics when nitrate concentrations decreased as a result of emission reduction measures.
Rui Li, Yining Gao, Yubao Chen, Meng Peng, Weidong Zhao, Gehui Wang, and Jiming Hao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 4709–4726, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4709-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4709-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A random forest model was used to isolate the effects of emission and meteorology to trace elements in PM2.5 in Tangshan. The results suggested that control measures facilitated decreases of Ga, Co, Pb, Zn, and As, due to the strict implementation of coal-to-gas strategies and optimisation of industrial structure and layout. However, the deweathered levels of Ca, Cr, and Fe only displayed minor decreases, indicating that ferrous metal smelting and vehicle emission controls should be enhanced.
Can Wu, Cong Cao, Jianjun Li, Shaojun Lv, Jin Li, Xiaodi Liu, Si Zhang, Shijie Liu, Fan Zhang, Jingjing Meng, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 15621–15635, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-15621-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-15621-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Over the past decade, the relative abundance of NH4NO3 in aerosol has been enhanced in most urban areas of China, which profoundly affects the PM2.5 pollution episodes. Our work finds that fine-particle nitrate and ammonium exhibited distinct, different physicochemical behaviors in the aerosol aging process.
Junling Li, Kun Li, Hao Zhang, Xin Zhang, Yuanyuan Ji, Wanghui Chu, Yuxue Kong, Yangxi Chu, Yanqin Ren, Yujie Zhang, Haijie Zhang, Rui Gao, Zhenhai Wu, Fang Bi, Xuan Chen, Xuezhong Wang, Weigang Wang, Hong Li, and Maofa Ge
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 10489–10504, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10489-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10489-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Ozone formation is enhanced by higher OH concentration and higher temperature but is influenced little by SO2. SO2 can largely enhance the particle formation. Organo-sulfates and organo-nitrates are detected in the formed particles, and the presence of SO2 can promote the formation of organo-sulfates. The results provide a scientific basis for systematically evaluating the effects of SO2, OH concentration, and temperature on the oxidation of mixed organic gases in the atmosphere.
Junlei Zhan, Yongchun Liu, Wei Ma, Xin Zhang, Xuezhong Wang, Fang Bi, Yujie Zhang, Zhenhai Wu, and Hong Li
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 1511–1520, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-1511-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-1511-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Our study investigated the O3 formation sensitivity in Beijing using a random forest model coupled with the reactivity of volatile organic
compound (VOC) species. Results found that random forest accurately predicted O3 concentration when initial VOCs were considered, and relative importance correlated well with O3 formation potential. The O3 isopleth curves calculated by the random forest model were generally comparable with those calculated by the box model.
Shijie Liu, Dandan Huang, Yiqian Wang, Si Zhang, Xiaodi Liu, Can Wu, Wei Du, and Gehui Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 17759–17773, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17759-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17759-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
A series of chamber experiments was performed to probe the individual and common effects of NH3 and NOx on toluene secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation through OH photooxidation. The synergetic effects of NH3 and NOx on the toluene SOA concentration and optical absorption were observed. The higher-volatility products formed in the presence of NOx could precipitate into the particle phase when NH3 was added. The formation pathways of N-containing OAs through NOx or NH3 are also discussed.
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
Short summary
Short summary
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.
Junling Li, Hong Li, Kun Li, Yan Chen, Hao Zhang, Xin Zhang, Zhenhai Wu, Yongchun Liu, Xuezhong Wang, Weigang Wang, and Maofa Ge
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 7773–7789, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7773-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7773-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
SOA formation from the mixed anthropogenic volatile organic compounds was enhanced compared to the predicted SOA mass concentration based on the SOA yield of single species; interaction occurred between intermediate products from the two precursors. Interactions between the intermediate products from the mixtures and the effect on SOA formation give us a further understanding of the SOA formed in the atmosphere.
Jinlong Ma, Juanyong Shen, Peng Wang, Shengqiang Zhu, Yu Wang, Pengfei Wang, Gehui Wang, Jianmin Chen, and Hongliang Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 7343–7355, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7343-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7343-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Due to the reduced anthropogenic emissions during the COVID-19 lockdown, mainly from the transportation and industrial sectors, PM2.5 decreased significantly in the whole Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and its major cities. However, the contributions and relative importance of different source sectors and regions changed differently, indicating that control strategies should be adjusted accordingly for further pollution control.
Xiaona Shang, Ling Li, Xinlian Zhang, Huihui Kang, Guodong Sui, Gehui Wang, Xingnan Ye, Hang Xiao, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 1037–1045, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-1037-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-1037-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Oxidative stress can be used to evaluate not only adverse health effects but also adverse ecological effects. However, little research uses eco-toxicological assay to assess the risks posed by particle matter to non-human biomes. One important reason might be that the concentration of toxic components of atmospheric particles is far below the high detection limit of eco-toxic measurement. To solve the rapid detection problem, we extended a VACES for ecotoxicity aerosol measurement.
Cited articles
Alves, C., Vicente, A., CustÃdio, D., Cerqueira, M., Nunes, T., Pio, C., Lucarelli, F., Calzolai, G., Nava, S., and Diapouli, E.: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives (nitro-PAHs, oxygenated PAHs, and azaarenes) in PM2.5 from Southern European cities, Sci. Total. Environ., 595, 494–504, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.03.256, 2017.
Bai, X., Wei, J., Ren, Y., Gao, R., Chai, F., Li, H., Xu, F., and Kong, Y.: Pollution characteristics and health risk assessment of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and Nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during heating season in Beijing, J. Environ. Sci., 123, 169–182, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2022.02.047, 2023.
Bandowe, B. A. M., Shukurov, N., Kersten, M., and Wilcke, W.: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their oxygen-containing derivatives (OPAHs) in soils from the Angren industrial area, Uzbekistan, Environ. Pollut., 158, 2888–2899, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2010.06.012, 2010.
Bandowe, B. A. M., Lueso, M. G., and Wilcke, W.: Oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and azaarenes in urban soils: A comparison of a tropical city (Bangkok) with two temperate cities (Bratislava and Gothenburg), Chemosphere, 107, 407–414, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.01.017, 2014a.
Bandowe, B. A. M., Meusel, H., Huang, R.-j., Ho, K., Cao, J., Hoffmann, T., and Wilcke, W.: PM 2.5-bound oxygenated PAHs, nitro-PAHs and parent-PAHs from the atmosphere of a Chinese megacity: seasonal variation, sources and cancer risk assessment, Sci. Total. Environ., 473, 77–87, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.11.108, 2014b.
Bolton, J. L., Trush, M. A., Penning, T. M., Dryhurst, G., and Monks, T. J.: Role of quinones in toxicology, Chem. Res. Toxicol., 13, 135–160, https://doi.org/10.1021/tx9902082, 2000.
Booth, A. M., Murphy, B., Riipinen, I., Percival, C. J., and Topping, D. O.: Connecting Bulk Viscosity Measurements to Kinetic Limitations on Attaining Equilibrium for a Model Aerosol Composition, Environ. Sci. Technol., 48, 9298–9305, https://doi.org/10.1021/es501705c, 2014.
Cai, D., Wang, X., George, C., Cheng, T., Herrmann, H., Li, X., and Chen, J.: Formation of Secondary Nitroaromatic Compounds in Polluted Urban Environments, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 127, e2021JD036167, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JD036167, 2022.
Chen, L., Liu, W., Tao, S., and Liu, W.: Spatiotemporal variations and source identification of atmospheric nitrated and oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the coastal cities of the Bohai and Yellow seas in northern China, Chemosphere, 279, 130565, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130565, 2021.
Chen, T., Xue, L., Zheng, P., Zhang, Y., Liu, Y., Sun, J., Han, G., Li, H., Zhang, X., Li, Y., Li, H., Dong, C., Xu, F., Zhang, Q., and Wang, W.: Volatile organic compounds and ozone air pollution in an oil production region in northern China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 7069–7086, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-7069-2020, 2020.
Chen, Y., Sheng, G., Bi, X., Feng, Y., Mai, B., and Fu, J.: Emission factors for carbonaceous particles and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from residential coal combustion in China, Environ. Sci. Technol., 39, 1861–1867, https://doi.org/10.1021/es0493650, 2005.
Chow, K. S., Huang, X. H. H., and Yu, J. Z.: Quantification of nitroaromatic compounds in atmospheric fine particulate matter in Hong Kong over 3 years: field measurement evidence for secondary formation derived from biomass burning emissions, Environ. Chem., 13, 665–673, https://doi.org/10.1071/EN15174, 2015.
Chung, M. Y., Lazaro, R. A., Lim, D., Jackson, J., Lyon, J., Rendulic, D., and Hasson, A. S.: Aerosol-borne quinones and reactive oxygen species generation by particulate matter extracts, Environ. Sci. Technol., 40, 4880–4886, https://doi.org/10.1021/es0515957, 2006.
del Rosario Sienra, M., Rosazza, N. G., and Préndez, M.: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their molecular diagnostic ratios in urban atmospheric respirable particulate matter, Atmos. Res., 75, 267–281, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2005.01.003, 2005.
Elzein, A., Dunmore, R. E., Ward, M. W., Hamilton, J. F., and Lewis, A. C.: Variability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their oxidative derivatives in wintertime Beijing, China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 8741–8758, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-8741-2019, 2019.
Gonzalez, C. and Schlegel, H. B.: An improved algorithm for reaction path following, J. Chem. Phys., 90, 2154–2161, https://doi.org/10.1063/1.456010, 1989.
Grimmer, G., Jacob, J., and Noujack, K. W.: Profile of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from lubricating oils. Inventory by GC/MS – PAH in environmental materials, part 1, Fresen. Z. Anal. Chem., 314, 13–19, https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00468645, 1983.
Harrison, M. A. J., Barra, S., Borghesi, D., Vione, D., Arsene, C., and Olariu, R. I.: Nitrated phenols in the atmosphere: a review, Atmos. Environ., 39, 231–248, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2004.09.044, 2005.
Huang, M., Wang, Z., Hao, L., and Zhang, W.: Theoretical investigation on the mechanism and kinetics of OH radical with ethylbenzene, Int. J. Quantum. Chem., 111, 3125–3134, https://doi.org/10.1002/qua.22751, 2010.
Iinuma, Y., Brüggemann, E., Gnauk, T., Müller, K., Andreae, M. O., Helas, G., Parmar, R., and Herrmann, H.: Source characterization of biomass burning particles: The combustion of selected European conifers, African hardwood, savanna grass, and German and Indonesian peat, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 112, D08209, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006JD007120, 2007.
Iinuma, Y., Boge, O., Graefe, R., and Herrmann, H.: Methyl-Nitrocatechols: Atmospheric Tracer Compounds for Biomass Burning Secondary Organic Aerosols, Environ. Sci. Technol., 44, 8453–8459, https://doi.org/10.1021/es102938a, 2010.
Jakober, C. A., Riddle, S. G., Robert, M. A., Destaillats, H., Charles, M. J., Green, P. G., and Kleeman, M. J.: Quinone emissions from gasoline and diesel motor vehicles, Environ. Sci. Technol., 41, 4548–4554, https://doi.org/10.1021/es062967u, 2007.
Kahnt, A., Behrouzi, S., Vermeylen, R., Shalamzari, M. S., Vercauteren, J., Roekens, E., Claeys, M., and Maenhaut, W.: One-year study of nitro-organic compounds and their relation to wood burning in PM10 aerosol from a rural site in Belgium, Atmos. Environ., 81, 561–568, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2013.09.041, 2013.
Kashiwakura, K. and Sakamoto, K.: Emission Characteristics and Cancer Risks of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Emissions from Diesel-fueled Vehicles Complying with Recent Regulations, J. Health Sci., 56, 200–207, https://doi.org/10.1248/jhs.56.200, 2010.
Kitanovski, Z., Shahpoury, P., Samara, C., Voliotis, A., and Lammel, G.: Composition and mass size distribution of nitrated and oxygenated aromatic compounds in ambient particulate matter from southern and central Europe – implications for the origin, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 2471–2487, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-2471-2020, 2020.
Lammel, G., Kitanovski, Z., Kukucka, P., Novák, J., and Wietzoreck, M.: Oxygenated and nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs, NPAHs) in ambient air - levels, phase partitioning, mass size distributions and inhalation bioaccessibility, Environ. Sci. Technol., 54, 2615–2625, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b06820, 2020.
Li, J., Wang, G., Ren, Y., Wang, J., Wu, C., Han, Y., Zhang, L., Cheng, C., and Meng, J.: Identification of chemical compositions and sources of atmospheric aerosols in Xi'an, inland China during two types of haze events, Sci. Total. Environ., 566, 230–237, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.05.057, 2016.
Li, J. J., Wang, G. H., Wang, X. M., Cao, J. J., Sun, T., Cheng, C. L., Meng, J. J., Hu, T. F., and Liu, S. X.: Abundance, composition and source of atmospheric PM2.5 at a remote site in the Tibetan Plateau, China, Tellus B., 65, 20281, https://doi.org/10.3402/tellusb.v65i0.20281, 2013.
Li, X., Yang, Y., Liu, S., Zhao, Q., Wang, G., and Wang, Y.: Light absorption properties of brown carbon (BrC) in autumn and winter in Beijing: Composition, formation and contribution of nitrated aromatic compounds, Atmos. Environ., 223, 117289, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117289, 2020.
Li, Y. and Wang, L.: The atmospheric oxidation mechanism of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene initiated by OH radicals, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 16, 17908–17917, https://doi.org/10.1039/c4cp02027h, 2014.
Li, Y., Bai, X., Ren, Y., Gao, R., Ji, Y., Wang, Y., and Li, H.: PAHs and nitro-PAHs in urban Beijing from 2017 to 2018: Characteristics, sources, transformation mechanism and risk assessment, J. Hazard. Mater., 436, 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129143, 2022.
Liang, Y., Wang, X., Dong, S., Liu, Z., Mu, J., Lu, C., Zhang, J., Li, M., Xue, L., and Wang, W.: Size distributions of nitrated phenols in winter at a coastal site in north China and the impacts from primary sources and secondary formation, Chemosphere, 250, 126256, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126256, 2020.
Lin, P., Liu, J., Shilling, J. E., Kathmann, S. M., Laskin, J., and Laskin, A.: Molecular characterization of brown carbon (BrC) chromophores in secondary organic aerosol generated from photo-oxidation of toluene, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 17, 23312–23325, https://doi.org/10.1039/c5cp02563j, 2015a.
Lin, Y., Ma, Y., Qiu, X., Li, R., Fang, Y., Wang, J., Zhu, Y., and Hu, D.: Sources, transformation, and health implications of PAHs and their nitrated, hydroxylated, and oxygenated derivatives in PM2.5 in Beijing, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 120, 7219–7228, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JD023628, 2015b.
Lin, P., Bluvshtein, N., Rudich, Y., Nizkorodov, S. A., Laskin, J., and Laskin, A.: Molecular Chemistry of Atmospheric Brown Carbon Inferred from a Nationwide Biomass Burning Event, Environ. Sci. Technol., 51, 11561–11570, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.7b02276, 2017.
Lu, C., Wang, X., Li, R., Gu, R., Zhang, Y., Li, W., Gao, R., Chen, B., Xue, L., and Wang, W.: Emissions of fine particulate nitrated phenols from residential coal combustion in China, Atmos. Environ., 203, 10–17, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2019.01.047, 2019.
Lu, C., Wang, X., Zhang, J., Liu, Z., Liang, Y., Dong, S., Li, M., Chen, J., Chen, H., Xie, H., Xue, L., and Wang, W.: Substantial emissions of nitrated aromatic compounds in the particle and gas phases in the waste gases from eight industries, Environ. Pollut., 283, 117132, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117132, 2021.
Luo, M., Ji, Y., Ren, Y., Gao, F., Zhang, H., Zhang, L., Yu, Y., and Li, H.: Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of PM2.5-Bound PAHs during Heavy Air Pollution Episodes in Winter in Urban Area of Beijing, China, Atmosphere, 12, https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12030323, 2021.
Ma, L., Li, B., Liu, Y., Sun, X., Fu, D., Sun, S., Thapa, S., Geng, J., Qi, H., Zhang, A., and Tian, C.: Characterization, sources and risk assessment of PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrated PAHs (NPAHs) in Harbin, a cold city in Northern China, J. Clean. Prod., 264, 121673, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121673, 2020.
Mayorga, R. J., Zhao, Z., and Zhang, H.: Formation of secondary organic aerosol from nitrate radical oxidation of phenolic VOCs: Implications for nitration mechanisms and brown carbon formation, Atmos. Environ., 244, 117910, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117910, 2021.
Mohr, C., Lopez-Hilfiker, F. D., Zotter, P., Prévôt, A. S. H., Xu, L., Ng, N. L., Herndon, S. C., Williams, L. R., Franklin, J. P., Zahniser, M. S., Worsnop, D. R., Knighton, W. B., Aiken, A. C., Gorkowski, K. J., Dubey, M. K., Allan, J. D., and Thornton, J. A.: Contribution of Nitrated Phenols to Wood Burning Brown Carbon Light Absorption in Detling, United Kingdom during Winter Time, Environ. Sci. Technol., 47, 6316–6324, https://doi.org/10.1021/es400683v, 2013.
Oda, J., Nomura, S., Yasuhara, A., and Shibamoto, T.: Mobile sources of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a roadway tunnel, Atmos. Environ., 35, 4819–4827, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1352-2310(01)00262-X, 2001.
Ohura, T., Amagai, T., Fusaya, M., and Matsushita, H.: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in indoor and outdoor environments and factors affecting their concentrations, Environ. Sci. Technol., 38, 77–83, https://doi.org/10.1021/es030512o, 2004.
Pedersen, D. U., Durant, J. L., Taghizadeh, K., Hemond, H. F., Lafleur, A. L., and Cass, G. R.: Human cell mutagens in respirable airborne particles from the northeastern United States. 2. Quantification of mutagens and other organic compounds, Environ. Sci. Technol., 39, 9547–9560, https://doi.org/10.1021/es050886c, 2005.
Peng, B., Dong, Q., Li, F., Wang, T., Qiu, X., and Zhu, T.: A systematic review of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivatives: occurrences, levels, biotransformation, exposure biomarkers, and toxicity, Environ. Sci. Technol., 57, 15314–15335, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c03170, 2023.
Ren, Y., Zhou, B., Tao, J., Cao, J., Zhang, Z., Wu, C., Wang, J., Li, J., Zhang, L., Han, Y., Liu, L., Cao, C., and Wang, G.: Composition and size distribution of airborne particulate PAHs and oxygenated PAHs in two Chinese megacities, Atmos. Res., 183, 322–330, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2016.09.015, 2017.
Ren, Y., Wei, J., Wu, Z., Ji, Y., Bi, F., Gao, R., Wang, X., Wang, G., and Li, H.: Chemical components and source identification of PM2.5 in non-heating season in Beijing: The influences of biomass burning and dust, Atmos. Res., 105412, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2020.105412, 2021.
Ren, Y., Wei, J., Wang, G., Wu, Z., Ji, Y., and Li, H.: Evolution of aerosol chemistry in Beijing under strong influence of anthropogenic pollutants: Composition, sources, and secondary formation of fine particulate nitrated aromatic compounds, Environ. Res., 204, 111982, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.111982, 2022.
Ren, Y., Wang, G., Wei, J., Tao, J., Zhang, Z., and Li, H.: Contributions of primary emissions and secondary formation to nitrated aromatic compounds in themountain background region of Southeast China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 6835–6848, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-6835-2023, 2023.
Ren, Y., Wu, Z., Ji, Y., Bi, F., Li, J., Zhang, H., Zhang, H., Li, H., and Wang, G.: Non-negligible secondary contribution to brown carbon in autumn and winter: inspiration from particulate nitrated and oxygenated aromatic compounds in urban Beijing, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6525–6538, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6525-2024, 2024.
Roman, C., Arsene, C., Bejan, I. G., and Olariu, R. I.: Investigations into the gas-phase photolysis and OH radical kinetics of nitrocatechols: implications of intramolecular interactions on their atmospheric behaviour, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 2203–2219, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-2203-2022, 2022.
Sarigiannis, D. A., Karakitsios, S. P., Dimitrios, Z., Spyridoula, N., and Marianthi, K.: Lung cancer risk from PAHs emitted from biomass combustion, Environ. Res., 137, 147–156, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2014.12.009, 2015.
Shen, G., Yang, Y., Wang, W., Tao, S., Zhu, C., Min, Y., Xue, M., Ding, J., Wang, B., and Wang, R.: Emission factors of particulate matter and elemental carbon for crop residues and coals burned in typical household stoves in China, Environ. Sci. Technol., 44, 7157–7162, https://doi.org/10.1021/es101313y, 2010.
Shenghur, A., Weber, K. H., Nguyen, N. D., Sontising, W., and Tao, F.-M.: Theoretical Study of the Hydrogen Abstraction of Substituted Phenols by Nitrogen Dioxide as a Source of HONO, J. Phys. Chem. A, 118, 11002–11014, https://doi.org/10.1021/jp508516c, 2014.
Song, M., Liu, Y., Li, X., and Lu, S.: Advances on Atmospheric Oxidation Mechanism of Typical Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Acta Chim. Sin., 79, 1214–1231, https://doi.org/10.6023/a21050224, 2021.
Takano, Y. and Houk, K. N.: Benchmarking the Conductor-like Polarizable Continuum Model (CPCM) for Aqueous Solvation Free Energies of Neutral and Ionic Organic Molecules, J. Chem. Theor. Computat., 1, 70–77, https://doi.org/10.1021/ct049977a, 2005.
Teich, M., van Pinxteren, D., Wang, M., Kecorius, S., Wang, Z., Müller, T., Močnik, G., and Herrmann, H.: Contributions of nitrated aromatic compounds to the light absorption of water-soluble and particulate brown carbon in different atmospheric environments in Germany and China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 1653–1672, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-1653-2017, 2017.
Turpin, B. J. and Lim, H. J.: Species Contributions to PM2.5 Mass Concentrations: Revisiting Common Assumptions for Estimating Organic Mass, Aerosol Sci. Technol., 35, 602–610, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786820119445, 2001.
Wang, G., Kawamura, K., Xie, M., Hu, S., Gao, S., Cao, J., An, Z., and Wang, Z.: Size-distributions of n-alkanes, PAHs and hopanes and their sources in the urban, mountain and marine atmospheres over East Asia, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 9, 8869–8882, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-9-8869-2009, 2009.
Wang, G., Zhang, S., Wu, C., Zhu, T., Xu, X., Ge, S., Sun, H., Sun, Z., Wang, J., Ji, Y., Gao, J., Ren, Y., Li, H., Zhang, F., Wang, Y., Seinfeld, J. H., and Hartmann, D.: Atmospheric sulfate aerosol formation enhanced by interfacial anions, PNAS Nexus, 4, pgaf058, https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf058, 2025.
Wang, L., Wang, X., Gu, R., Wang, H., Yao, L., Wen, L., Zhu, F., Wang, W., Xue, L., Yang, L., Lu, K., Chen, J., Wang, T., Zhang, Y., and Wang, W.: Observations of fine particulate nitrated phenols in four sites in northern China: concentrations, source apportionment, and secondary formation, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 4349–4359, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-4349-2018, 2018.
Wang, L., Dong, S., Liu, M., Tao, W., Xiao, B., Zhang, S., Zhang, P., and Li, X.: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in atmospheric PM2.5 and PM10 in the semi-arid city of Xi'an, Northwest China: Seasonal variations, sources, health risks, and relationships with meteorological factors, Atmos. Res., 229, 60–73, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2019.06.014, 2019a.
Wang, T., Zhao, J., Liu, Y., Peng, J., Wu, L., and Mao, H.: PM2.5-Bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Nitrated PAHs (NPAHs) and Oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs) in Typical Traffic-Related Receptor Environments, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 127, e2021JD035951, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JD035951, 2022.
Wang, W., Jariyasopit, N., Schrlau, J., Jia, Y., Tao, S., Yu, T.-W., Dashwood, R. H., Zhang, W., Wang, X., and Simonich, S. L. M.: Concentration and photochemistry of PAHs, NPAHs, and OPAHs and toxicity of PM2.5 during the Beijing Olympic Games, Environ. Sci. Technol., 45, 6887–6895, https://doi.org/10.1021/es201443z, 2011.
Wang, X., Gu, R., Wang, L., Xu, W., Zhang, Y., Chen, B., Li, W., Xue, L., Chen, J., and Wang, W.: Emissions of fine particulate nitrated phenols from the burning of five common types of biomass, Environ. Pollut., 230, 405–412, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.06.072, 2017.
Wang, Y., Hu, M., Li, X., and Xu, N.: Chemical Composition, Sources and Formation Mechanisms of Particulate Brown Carbon in the Atmosphere, Prog. Chem., 32, 627–645, https://doi.org/10.7536/PC190917, 2020 (in Chinese).
Wang, Y., Hu, M., Wang, Y., Zheng, J., Shang, D., Yang, Y., Liu, Y., Li, X., Tang, R., Zhu, W., Du, Z., Wu, Y., Guo, S., Wu, Z., Lou, S., Hallquist, M., and Yu, J. Z.: The formation of nitro-aromatic compounds under high NOx and anthropogenic VOC conditions in urban Beijing, China, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 7649–7665, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-7649-2019, 2019b.
Wei, C., Bandowe, B. A. M., Han, Y., Cao, J., Watson,J. G., Chow, J. C., and Wilcke, W.: Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs, oxygenated PAHs, nitrated PAHs, and azaarenes) in air from four climate zones of China: Occurrence, gas/particle partitioning, and health risks, Sci. Total. Environ., 786, 147234, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147234, 2021.
Wu, C., Wang, G., Li, J., Li, J., Cao, C., Ge, S., Xie, Y., Chen, J., Li, X., Xue, G., Wang, X., Zhao, Z., and Cao, F.: The characteristics of atmospheric brown carbon in Xi'an, inland China: sources, size distributions and optical properties, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 2017–2030, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-2017-2020, 2020.
Xie, M., Chen, X., Hays, M. D., Lewandowski, M., Offenberg, J. H., Kleindienst, T. E., and Holder, A. L.: Light Absorption of Secondary Organic Aerosol: Composition and Contribution of Nitroaromatic Compounds, Environ. Sci. Technol., 51, 11607–11616, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.7b03263, 2017.
Yhab, D., Xxab, C., Dan, L. E., Xjab, C., Zha, B., Yca, B., Lxa, B., Mla, B., Hong, W. G., and Han, Z.: Air pollution increases human health risks of PM2.5-bound PAHs and nitro-PAHs: a case study in the Yangtze River Delta, China, Sci. Total. Environ., 770, 145402, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145402, 2021.
Yuan, B., Liggio, J., Wentzell, J., Li, S.-M., Stark, H., Roberts, J. M., Gilman, J., Lerner, B., Warneke, C., Li, R., Leithead, A., Osthoff, H. D., Wild, R., Brown, S. S., and de Gouw, J. A.: Secondary formation of nitrated phenols: insights from observations during the Uintah Basin Winter Ozone Study (UBWOS) 2014, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 2139–2153, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2139-2016, 2016a.
Yuan, B., Liggio, J., Wentzell, J., Li, S.-M., Stark, H., Roberts, J. M., Gilman, J., Lerner, B., Warneke, C., Li, R., Leithead, A., Osthoff, H. D., Wild, R., Brown, S. S., and de Gouw, J. A.: Secondary formation of nitrated phenols: insights from observations during the Uintah Basin Winter Ozone Study (UBWOS) 2014, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 2139–2153, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2139-2016, 2016b.
Zhang, J., Yang, L., Mellouki, A., Chen, J., Chen, X., Gao, Y., Jiang, P., Li, Y., Yu, H., and Wang, W.: Diurnal concentrations, sources, and cancer risk assessments of PM2.5-bound PAHs, NPAHs, and OPAHs in urban, marine and mountain environments, Chemosphere, 209, 147–155, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.06.054, 2018.
Zhang, R., Wang, G., Guo, S., L.Zamora, M., Ying, Q., Lin, Y., Wang, W., Hu, M., and Wang, Y.: Formation of Urban Fine Particulate Matter, Chem. Rev., 115, 3803–3855, 2015.
Zhang, Y. Y., Müller, L., Winterhalter, R., Moortgat, G. K., Hoffmann, T., and Pöschl, U.: Seasonal cycle and temperature dependence of pinene oxidation products, dicarboxylic acids and nitrophenols in fine and coarse air particulate matter, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 7859–7873, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-10-7859-2010, 2010.
Zhao, Y. and Truhlar, D. G.: The M06 suite of density functionals for main group thermochemistry, thermochemical kinetics, noncovalent interactions, excited states, and transition elements: two new functionals and systematic testing of four M06-class functionals and 12 other functionals, Theor. Chem. Acc., 120, 215–241, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00214-007-0310-x, 2007.
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.
The daily concentrations of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs),...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint