Articles | Volume 25, issue 15
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8719-2025
© 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-25-8719-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
11 Aug 2025
Research article |
| 11 Aug 2025
| 11 Aug 2025
Enhanced atmospheric oxidation and particle reductions driving changes to nitrate formation mechanisms across coastal and inland regions of north China
Zhenze Liu
Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
Jianhua Qi
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
Yuanzhe Ni
Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Likun Xue
Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
Xiaohuan Liu
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
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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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By integrating field measurements with an interpretable ensemble machine learning framework, we comprehensively identified key driving factors of nitro-aromatic compounds (NACs), demonstrated complex interrelationships, and quantified their contributions across different locations. This work provides a reliable modeling approach for recognizing causes of NAC pollution, enhances our understanding of variations of atmospheric NACs, and highlights the necessity of strengthening emission controls.
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
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2855, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2855, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
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Rainwater samples collected at the summit of Mount Tai were analyzed for ice-nucleating particles (INPs). Our findings revealed that INP concentrations peaked in spring, driven predominantly by long-range transport of dust aerosols. Mineral dust contributed 43.6 % of annual INPs, with its contribution rising sharply to 71.7 % in spring. Satellite observations further revealed that the long-range transport of dust in spring promotes large-scale cloud formation over the NCP region.
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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This study established a bottom-up approach that employs real-time traffic flows and interpolation to obtain a spatially continuous on-road vehicle emission mapping for the main urban area of Jinan. The diurnal variation, spatial distribution, and emission hotspots were analyzed with clustering and hotspot analysis, showing unique fine-scale variation characteristics of on-road vehicle emissions. Future scenario analysis demonstrates remarkable benefits of electrification on emission reduction.
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
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3756, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3756, 2025
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East Asia and Southeast Asia has been identified as a global hot spot with the fastest ozone increase. This paper presents the most comprehensive observational view of ozone distributions and evolution over East Asia and Southeast Asia across different spatiotemporal scales in the past two decades, which will have important implications for assessing ozone impacts on public health and crop yields, and for developing future ozone control strategies.
Zizhen Han, Yuqiang Zhang, Zhou Liu, Kexin Zhang, Zhuyi Wang, Bin Luo, Likun Xue, and Xinfeng Wang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2951, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2951, 2024
Preprint archived
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During the COVID-19 lockdown, changes in air pollutants offered a real-world test of emission reductions. JPL’s chemical reanalysis data showed a general decrease in CO, NO2, O3, and nitrate aerosols across most African countries, but an increase in SO2, sulfate aerosols, and O3 in Southern Africa during winter. We concluded that air quality changes are influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors, emphasizing the need for stricter emission standards and clean energy promotion in Africa.
Hongyong Li, Xiaopu Lyu, Likun Xue, Yunxi Huo, Dawen Yao, Haoxian Lu, and Hai Guo
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7085–7100, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7085-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7085-2024, 2024
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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.
Wei Sun, Xiaodong Hu, Yuzhen Fu, Guohua Zhang, Yujiao Zhu, Xinfeng Wang, Caiqing Yan, Likun Xue, He Meng, Bin Jiang, Yuhong Liao, Xinming Wang, Ping'an Peng, and Xinhui Bi
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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The formation pathways of nitrogen-containing compounds (NOCs) in the atmosphere remain unclear. We investigated the composition of aerosols and fog water by state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and compared the formation pathways of NOCs. We found that NOCs in aerosols were mainly formed through nitration reaction, while ammonia addition played a more important role in fog water. The results deepen our understanding of the processes of organic particulate pollution.
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
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3241–3256, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3241-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3241-2024, 2024
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Field observations were conducted at the summit of Changbai Mountain in northeast Asia. The cumulative number concentration of ice-nucleating particles (INPs) varied from 1.6 × 10−3 to 78.3 L−1 over the temperature range of −5.5 to −29.0 ℃. Biological INPs (bio-INPs) accounted for the majority of INPs, and the proportion exceeded 90% above −13.0 ℃. Planetary boundary layer height, valley breezes, and long-distance transport of air mass influence the abundance of bio-INPs.
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
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14761–14778, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14761-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14761-2023, 2023
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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.
Youwei Hong, Keran Zhang, Dan Liao, Gaojie Chen, Min Zhao, Yiling Lin, Xiaoting Ji, Ke Xu, Yu Wu, Ruilian Yu, Gongren Hu, Sung-Deuk Choi, Likun Xue, and Jinsheng Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 10795–10807, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-10795-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-10795-2023, 2023
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Particle uptakes of HCHO and the impacts on PM2.5 and O3 production remain highly uncertain. Based on the investigation of co-occurring wintertime O3 and PM2.5 pollution in a coastal city of southeast China, we found enhanced heterogeneous formation of hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) and increased ROx concentrations and net O3 production rates. The findings of this study are helpful to better explore the mechanisms of key precursors for co-occurring PM2.5 and O3 pollution.
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
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 4355–4374, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4355-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4355-2022, 2022
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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.
Liang Xu, Xiaohuan Liu, Huiwang Gao, Xiaohong Yao, Daizhou Zhang, Lei Bi, Lei Liu, Jian Zhang, Yinxiao Zhang, Yuanyuan Wang, Qi Yuan, and Weijun Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 17715–17726, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17715-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17715-2021, 2021
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We quantified different types of marine aerosols and explored the Cl depletion of sea salt aerosol (SSA) in the eastern China seas and the northwestern Pacific Ocean. We found that anthropogenic acidic gases in the troposphere were transported longer distances compared to the anthropogenic aerosols and could significantly impact remote marine aerosols. Meanwhile, variations of chloride depletion in SSA can serve as a potential indicator for anthropogenic gaseous pollutants in remote marine air.
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.
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.
Liya Ma, Yujiao Zhu, Mei Zheng, Yele Sun, Lei Huang, Xiaohuan Liu, Yang Gao, Yanjie Shen, Huiwang Gao, and Xiaohong Yao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 183–200, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-183-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-183-2021, 2021
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In this study, we investigate three patterns of new particles growing to CCN (cloud condensation nuclei) size, i.e., one-stage growth and two-stage growth-A and growth-B patterns. Combining the observations of gaseous pollutants and measured or modeled particulate chemical species, the three growth patterns were discussed regarding the spatial heterogeneity, formation of secondary aerosols, and evaporation of semivolatile particulates as was the survival probability of new particles to CCN size.
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.
Tianshu Chen, Likun Xue, Penggang Zheng, Yingnan Zhang, Yuhong Liu, Jingjing Sun, Guangxuan Han, Hongyong Li, Xin Zhang, Yunfeng Li, Hong Li, Can Dong, Fei Xu, Qingzhu Zhang, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 7069–7086, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-7069-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-7069-2020, 2020
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Oil production is a significant source of ambient VOCs, but its impact on air quality has long been overlooked in China. We addressed this gap by conducting field campaigns in an oil field region followed by chemical modeling analyses. The VOC speciation profiles from the oil field emissions were directly measured for the first time in China. This study emphasizes the importance of oil extraction to photochemical pollution and atmospheric chemistry in the oil production regions of China.
Yanhong Zhu, Andreas Tilgner, Erik Hans Hoffmann, Hartmut Herrmann, Kimitaka Kawamura, Lingxiao Yang, Likun Xue, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 6725–6747, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-6725-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-6725-2020, 2020
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The formation and processing of secondary inorganic and organic compounds at Mt. Tai, the highest mountain on the North China Plain, are modeled using a multiphase chemical model. The concentrations of key radical and non-radical oxidations in the formation processes are investigated. Sensitivity tests assess the impacts of emission data and glyoxal partitioning constants on modeled results. The key precursors of secondary organic compounds are also identified.
Gen Zhang, Honghui Xu, Hongli Wang, Likun Xue, Jianjun He, Wanyun Xu, Bing Qi, Rongguang Du, Chang Liu, Zeyuan Li, Ke Gui, Wanting Jiang, Linlin Liang, Yan Yan, and Xiaoyan Meng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 5391–5403, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-5391-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-5391-2020, 2020
Chuan Yu, Zhe Wang, Men Xia, Xiao Fu, Weihao Wang, Yee Jun Tham, Tianshu Chen, Penggang Zheng, Hongyong Li, Ye Shan, Xinfeng Wang, Likun Xue, Yan Zhou, Dingli Yue, Yubo Ou, Jian Gao, Keding Lu, Steven S. Brown, Yuanhang Zhang, and Tao Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 4367–4378, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-4367-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-4367-2020, 2020
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This study provides a holistic picture of N2O5 heterogeneous uptake on ambient aerosols and the influencing factors under various climatic and chemical conditions in China, and it proposes an observation-based empirical parameterization. The empirical parameterization can be used in air quality models to improve the prediction of PM2.5 and photochemical pollution in China and similar polluted regions of the world.
Jun Zhang, Xinfeng Wang, Rui Li, Shuwei Dong, Yingnan Zhang, Penggang Zheng, Min Li, Tianshu Chen, Yuhong Liu, Likun Xue, Wei Nie, Aijun Ding, Mingjin Tang, Xuehua Zhou, Lin Du, Qingzhu Zhang, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2019-757, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2019-757, 2019
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This study presents the concentrations, variation characteristics, and key influencing factors of particulate organic nitrates at four urban and rural sites in eastern China. The effects of anthropogenic activities (i.e. biomass burning and coal combustion) and meteorological conditions (in particular the humidity) on the secondary formation of organic nitrates have been investigated. The results highlight the greater role of SO2 in organic nitrate chemistry than previously assumed.
Xiaopu Lyu, Nan Wang, Hai Guo, Likun Xue, Fei Jiang, Yangzong Zeren, Hairong Cheng, Zhe Cai, Lihui Han, and Ying Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 3025–3042, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-3025-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-3025-2019, 2019
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Through analyses on the synoptic systems, pollution characteristics of O3 precursors, and modeling of local O3 formation and processes influencing O3 level, we found that this O3 pollution event was induced by a uniform pressure field over the Shandong Peninsula and also aggravated by a low-pressure trough in the last few days. This finding indicated that the NCP might be an O3 source region, which exported photochemical pollution to the adjoining regions or even to the neighboring countries.
Lei Sun, Likun Xue, Yuhang Wang, Longlei Li, Jintai Lin, Ruijing Ni, Yingying Yan, Lulu Chen, Juan Li, Qingzhu Zhang, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 1455–1469, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1455-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1455-2019, 2019
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We quantified the detailed impacts of meteorology and anthropogenic emissions on surface O3 increase in central eastern China between 2003 and 2015 using GEOS-Chem. The emission change plays a more important role than the meteorological change, while the regions with a larger O3 increase are more sensitive to meteorology. NMVOC emission change dominated the O3 increase in eastern CEC, while NOx emission change led to an O3 increase in western and central CEC and O3 decrease in urban areas.
Yujiao Zhu, Kai Li, Yanjie Shen, Yang Gao, Xiaohuan Liu, Yang Yu, Huiwang Gao, and Xiaohong Yao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 89–113, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-89-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-89-2019, 2019
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In this paper, we investigate new particle formation (NPF) events during seven cruises. NPF events were observed on 25 days and were most likely associated with the long-range transport of anthropogenic air pollutants. The relationship between the net generated amount of new particles and their apparent formation rate is established and explained in terms of the roles of different vapor precursors. The survival probability of new particles to CCN size is also discussed.
Liang Wen, Likun Xue, Xinfeng Wang, Caihong Xu, Tianshu Chen, Lingxiao Yang, Tao Wang, Qingzhu Zhang, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 11261–11275, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-11261-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-11261-2018, 2018
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We present the first piece of observational evidence of the increasing trend of fine nitrate aerosol in the North China Plain (NCP) during 2005–2015. The summertime nitrate formation mechanism is dissected with a multiphase chemical box model based on observations at three different sites. The nitrate formation is most sensitive to NO2 and to a lesser extent to O3. NH3 plays a significant role in prompting the nitrate formation, but it is usually in excess in summer in the NCP region.
Yanhong Zhu, Lingxiao Yang, Jianmin Chen, Kimitaka Kawamura, Mamiko Sato, Andreas Tilgner, Dominik van Pinxteren, Ying Chen, Likun Xue, Xinfeng Wang, Isobel J. Simpson, Hartmut Herrmann, Donald R. Blake, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 10741–10758, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10741-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10741-2018, 2018
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Molecular distributions of dicarboxylic acids, oxocarboxylic acids and α-dicarbonyls in the free troposphere are identified, and their concentration variations between 2014 and 2006 are presented. High nighttime concentrations were probably due to precursor emissions and aqueous-phase oxidation. Biomass burning was significant, but its tracer levoglucosan in 2014 was 5 times lower than 2006 concentrations. Finally, regional emission from anthropogenic activities was identified as a major source.
Liwei Wang, Xinfeng Wang, Rongrong Gu, Hao Wang, Lan Yao, Liang Wen, Fanping Zhu, Weihao Wang, Likun Xue, Lingxiao Yang, Keding Lu, Jianmin Chen, Tao Wang, Yuanghang Zhang, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 4349–4359, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-4349-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-4349-2018, 2018
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This study presents concentrations, variation characteristics, sources and secondary formations of nitrated phenols, a major component of brown carbon, in typical seasons at four sites in northern China. The results highlight the strong influences and contributions of anthropogenic activities, in particular coal combustion and the aging processes, to the atmospheric nitrated phenols in this region.
Jianhua Qi, Xiaohuan Liu, Xiaohong Yao, Ruifeng Zhang, Xiaojing Chen, Xuehui Lin, Huiwang Gao, and Ruhai Liu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 571–586, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-571-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-571-2018, 2018
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Inorganic nitrogen has a great impact on marine productivity when deposited to the ocean via atmospheric deposition. Do dust events always increase the atmospheric input of inorganic nitrogen to the ocean? The estimated deposition flux of NNH4++NO3- varied greatly from event to event. A simple assumption of a linear increase in inorganic nitrogen with increasing dust load could lead to a considerable overestimation of the dry deposition flux of nutrients into the oceans.
Jiarong Li, Xinfeng Wang, Jianmin Chen, Chao Zhu, Weijun Li, Chengbao Li, Lu Liu, Caihong Xu, Liang Wen, Likun Xue, Wenxing Wang, Aijun Ding, and Hartmut Herrmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 9885–9896, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9885-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9885-2017, 2017
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Cloud events at Mt. Tai were investigated for the chemical composition and size distribution of cloud droplets. An obvious rise in pH was found for elevated NH+4 during the last decade. Higher PM2.5 levels resulted in higher concentrations of water-soluble ions, smaller sizes and higher numbers of cloud droplets. The mechanism of cloud-droplet formation and the mass transfer between aerosol–gas–cloud phases were summarized to enrich the knowledge of cloud chemical and microphysical properties.
Yee Jun Tham, Zhe Wang, Qinyi Li, Hui Yun, Weihao Wang, Xinfeng Wang, Likun Xue, Keding Lu, Nan Ma, Birger Bohn, Xin Li, Simonas Kecorius, Johannes Größ, Min Shao, Alfred Wiedensohler, Yuanhang Zhang, and Tao Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 14959–14977, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-14959-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-14959-2016, 2016
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This work addresses the unclear global significance of chlorine activation processes in the troposphere. The first high-quality measurement data set of ClNO2 in northern China revealed strong ClNO2 production in the residual layers, and demonstrated its significant effects on radical budget and ozone production. Our findings imply the widespread effects of ClNO2 over the polluted regions of northern China, which may increase photochemical and haze pollution.
Qinyi Li, Li Zhang, Tao Wang, Yee Jun Tham, Ravan Ahmadov, Likun Xue, Qiang Zhang, and Junyu Zheng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 14875–14890, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-14875-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-14875-2016, 2016
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The regional distributions and impacts of N2O5 and ClNO2 remain poorly understood. To address the problem, we developed a chemical transport model further and conducted the first high-resolution simulation of the distributions of the two species. Our research demonstrated the significant impacts of the two gases on the lifetime of nitrogen oxides, secondary nitrate production and ozone formation in southern China and highlighted the necessity of considering this chemistry in air quality models.
Lei Sun, Likun Xue, Tao Wang, Jian Gao, Aijun Ding, Owen R. Cooper, Meiyun Lin, Pengju Xu, Zhe Wang, Xinfeng Wang, Liang Wen, Yanhong Zhu, Tianshu Chen, Lingxiao Yang, Yan Wang, Jianmin Chen, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 10637–10650, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-10637-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-10637-2016, 2016
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We compiled the available observations of surface O3 at Mt. Tai – the highest mountain in the North China Plain, and found a significant increase of O3 concenrations from 2003 to 2015. The observed O3 increase was mainly due to the increase of O3 precursors, especially VOCs. Our analysis shows that controlling NOx alone, in the absence of VOC controls, is not sufficient to reduce regional O3 levels in North China in a short period.
Likun Xue, Rongrong Gu, Tao Wang, Xinfeng Wang, Sandra Saunders, Donald Blake, Peter K. K. Louie, Connie W. Y. Luk, Isobel Simpson, Zheng Xu, Zhe Wang, Yuan Gao, Shuncheng Lee, Abdelwahid Mellouki, and Wenxing Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 9891–9903, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-9891-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-9891-2016, 2016
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The chemical budgets and principal sources of ROx and NO3 radicals during a multi-day photochemical smog episode in Hong Kong are elucidated by an observation-constrained MCM model. NO3 was shown to be an important oxidant even during daytime in a pollution case when high aerosol loading attenuated the solar irradiation. This study suggests the potential important role of daytime NO3 chemistry in polluted atmospheres under conditions with the co-existence of abundant O3, NO2, VOCs, and aerosols.
L. K. Xue, S. M. Saunders, T. Wang, R. Gao, X. F. Wang, Q. Z. Zhang, and W. X. Wang
Geosci. Model Dev., 8, 3151–3162, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-8-3151-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-8-3151-2015, 2015
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A detailed chemical mechanism including 205 reactions is developed for use in the Master Chemical Mechanism. With this new chlorine mechanism, it was found that the nocturnal formation of ClNO2 has high potential to perturb the next day's atmospheric photochemistry, by enhancing the radical production and cycling, VOC oxidation and O3 formation, in the polluted coastal environments.
L. K. Xue, T. Wang, J. Gao, A. J. Ding, X. H. Zhou, D. R. Blake, X. F. Wang, S. M. Saunders, S. J. Fan, H. C. Zuo, Q. Z. Zhang, and W. X. Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 13175–13188, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-13175-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-13175-2014, 2014
X. Wang, T. Wang, C. Yan, Y. J. Tham, L. Xue, Z. Xu, and Q. Zha
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 7, 1–12, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-7-1-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-7-1-2014, 2014
L. K. Xue, T. Wang, J. Gao, A. J. Ding, X. H. Zhou, D. R. Blake, X. F. Wang, S. M. Saunders, S. J. Fan, H. C. Zuo, Q. Z. Zhang, and W. X. Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acpd-13-27243-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acpd-13-27243-2013, 2013
Revised manuscript not accepted
L. K. Xue, T. Wang, H. Guo, D. R. Blake, J. Tang, X. C. Zhang, S. M. Saunders, and W. X. Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 8551–8567, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-8551-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-8551-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Subject: Aerosols | Research Activity: Atmospheric Modelling and Data Analysis | Altitude Range: Troposphere | Science Focus: Chemistry (chemical composition and reactions)
Atmospheric fate of organosulfates through gas-phase and aqueous-phase reactions with hydroxyl radicals: implications for inorganic sulfate formation
Opinion: The role of AerChemMIP in advancing climate and air quality research
Uncertainties in the effects of organic aerosol coatings on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations and their estimated health effects
Source-explicit estimation of brown carbon in the polluted atmosphere over the North China Plain: implications for distribution, absorption, and the direct radiative effect
Implications of reduced-complexity aerosol thermodynamics on organic aerosol mass concentration and composition over North America
Trends and drivers of soluble iron deposition from East Asian dust to the Northwest Pacific: a springtime analysis (2001–2017)
Modelling of atmospheric variability in gas and aerosols during the ACROSS campaign 2022 of the greater Paris area: evaluation of the meteorology, dynamics and chemistry
Spatial–temporal patterns in anthropogenic and biomass burning emission contributions to air pollution and mortality burden changes in India from 1995 to 2014
A comprehensive global modeling assessment of nitrate heterogeneous formation on desert dust
AERO-MAP: a data compilation and modeling approach to understand spatial variability in fine- and coarse-mode aerosol composition
Long-term trends in aerosol properties derived from AERONET measurements
Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis kinetics of organic hydroperoxides: Computational strategy and structure-activity relationship
Impacts of sea ice leads on sea salt aerosols and atmospheric chemistry in the Arctic
Dimethyl sulfide chemistry over the industrial era: comparison of key oxidation mechanisms and long-term observations
Driving factors of aerosol acidity: a new hierarchical quantitative analysis framework and its application in Changzhou, China
Understanding the long-term trend of organic aerosol and the influences from anthropogenic emission and regional climate change in China
Competing multiple oxidation pathways shape atmospheric limonene-derived organonitrates simulated with updated explicit chemical mechanisms
Population exposure to outdoor NO2, black carbon, and ultrafine and fine particles over Paris with multi-scale modelling down to the street scale
Predicted impacts of heterogeneous chemical pathways on particulate sulfur over Fairbanks (Alaska), the Northern Hemisphere, and the Contiguous United States
Critical load exceedances for North America and Europe using an ensemble of models and an investigation of causes of environmental impact estimate variability: an AQMEII4 study
The influence of ammonia emissions on the size-resolved global atmospheric aerosol composition and acidity
Toxic Dust Emission from Drought-Exposed Lakebeds – A New Air Pollution Threat from Dried Lakes
Observationally Constrained Analysis on the Distribution of Fine and Coarse Mode Nitrate in Global Climate Models
Dust pollution substantially weakens the impact of ammonia emission reduction on particulate nitrate formation
Impacts of meteorology and emission reductions on haze pollution during the lockdown in the North China Plain
Impact of mineral dust on the global nitrate aerosol direct and indirect radiative effect
Aerosol impacts on regional climate: chaotic or physical effect?
The surface tension and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activation of sea spray aerosol particles
Exploring the processes controlling secondary inorganic aerosol: evaluating the global GEOS-Chem simulation using a suite of aircraft campaigns
Incorporation of multi-phase halogen chemistry into Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model
Changes in the impacts of ship emissions on PM2.5 and its components in China under the staged fuel oil policies
Influence of land cover change on atmospheric organic gases, aerosols, and radiative effects
Quantifying the impacts of marine aerosols over the southeast Atlantic Ocean using a chemical transport model: implications for aerosol–cloud interactions
Quantifying the impact of global nitrate aerosol on tropospheric composition fields and its production from lightning NOx
Aerosol Composition Trends during 2000–2020: In depth insights from model predictions and multiple worldwide observation datasets
Rapid oxidation of phenolic compounds by O3 and HO●: effects of the air–water interface and mineral dust in tropospheric chemical processes
Modeling the contribution of leads to sea spray aerosol in the high Arctic
Importance of aerosol composition and aerosol vertical profiles in global spatial variation in the relationship between PM2.5 and aerosol optical depth
The co-benefits of a low-carbon future for PM2.5 and O3 air pollution in Europe
Assessing the effectiveness of SO2, NOx, and NH3 emission reductions in mitigating winter PM2.5 in Taiwan using CMAQ
Modelling of atmospheric concentrations of fungal spores: a 2-year simulation over France using CHIMERE
Cluster-dynamics-based parameterization for sulfuric acid–dimethylamine nucleation: comparison and selection through box and three-dimensional modeling
Observed and CMIP6-model-simulated organic aerosol response to drought in the contiguous United States during summertime
Cooling radiative forcing effect enhancement of atmospheric amines and mineral particles caused by heterogeneous uptake and oxidation
Source-resolved atmospheric metal emissions, concentrations, and deposition fluxes into the East Asian seas
Analysis of secondary inorganic aerosols over the greater Athens area using the EPISODE–CityChem source dispersion and photochemistry model
Global estimates of ambient reactive nitrogen components during 2000–2100 based on the multi-stage model
The role of naphthalene and its derivatives in the formation of secondary organic aerosol in the Yangtze River Delta region, China
Unveiling the optimal regression model for source apportionment of the oxidative potential of PM10
Investigating the contribution of grown new particles to cloud condensation nuclei with largely varying preexisting particles – Part 2: Modeling chemical drivers and 3-D new particle formation occurrence
Narcisse Tsona Tchinda, Xiaofan Lv, Stanley Numbonui Tasheh, Julius Numbonui Ghogomu, and Lin Du
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 8575–8590, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8575-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8575-2025, 2025
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This study examines the transformation of organosulfates through reaction with HO• radicals. The results show that the nature of substituents on the carbon chain can effectively affect the decomposition rate of organosulfates, and ozone is unveiled as a complementary oxidant in the intermediate steps of this decomposition. The primary products from these reactions include carbonyl compounds and inorganic sulfate, which highlights the role of organosulfates in altering aerosol chemical composition.
Paul T. Griffiths, Laura J. Wilcox, Robert J. Allen, Vaishali Naik, Fiona M. O'Connor, Michael Prather, Alex Archibald, Florence Brown, Makoto Deushi, William Collins, Stephanie Fiedler, Naga Oshima, Lee T. Murray, Bjørn H. Samset, Chris Smith, Steven Turnock, Duncan Watson-Parris, and Paul J. Young
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 8289–8328, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8289-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8289-2025, 2025
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The Aerosol Chemistry Model Intercomparison Project (AerChemMIP) aimed to quantify the climate and air quality impacts of aerosols and chemically reactive gases. We review its contribution to AR6 (Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and the wider understanding of the role of these species in climate and climate change. We identify challenges and provide recommendations to improve the utility and uptake of climate model data, detailed summary tables of CMIP6 models, experiments, and emergent diagnostics.
Sijia Lou, Manish Shrivastava, Alexandre Albinet, Sophie Tomaz, Deepchandra Srivastava, Olivier Favez, Huizhong Shen, and Aijun Ding
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 8163–8183, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8163-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8163-2025, 2025
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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), emitted from incomplete combustion, pose serious health risks due to their carcinogenic properties. This research demonstrates that viscous organic aerosol coatings significantly hinder PAH oxidation, with spatial distributions sensitive to the degradation modeling approach. Our findings emphasize the need for accurate modeling of PAH oxidation processes in risk assessments, considering both fresh and oxidized PAHs in evaluating human health risks.
Jiamao Zhou, Jiarui Wu, Xiaoli Su, Ruonan Wang, Imad EI Haddad, Xia Li, Qian Jiang, Ting Zhang, Wenting Dai, Junji Cao, Andre S. H. Prevot, Xuexi Tie, and Guohui Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 7563–7580, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7563-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7563-2025, 2025
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Brown carbon (BrC) is a type of airborne particle produced from various combustion sources which is light absorption. Historically, climate models have categorizing organic particles as either non-absorbing or purely reflective. Our study shows that BrC can reduce the usual cooling effect of organic particles. While BrC is often linked to biomass burning, however, BrC from fossil fuels contributes significantly to atmospheric heating.
Camilo Serrano Damha, Kyle Gorkowski, and Andreas Zuend
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 5773–5792, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5773-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5773-2025, 2025
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We implemented the BAT-VBS (Binary Activity Thermodynamics volatility basis set) aerosol thermodynamics model in the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model to efficiently account for organic aerosol water uptake, nonideal mixing, and impacts on the gas–particle partitioning of semi-volatile organics. Compared to GEOS-Chem's complex (dry) scheme, we show that the BAT-VBS model can predict substantial enhancements in organic aerosol mass concentration at moderate-to-high relative humidity.
Hanzheng Zhu, Yaman Liu, Man Yue, Shihui Feng, Pingqing Fu, Kan Huang, Xinyi Dong, and Minghuai Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 5175–5197, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5175-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5175-2025, 2025
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Dust-soluble iron deposition from East Asia plays an important role in the marine ecology of the Northwest Pacific. Using the developed model, our findings highlight a dual trend: a decrease in the overall deposition of soluble iron from dust but an increase in the solubility of the iron itself due to the enhanced atmospheric processing. The study underscores the critical roles of both dust emission and atmospheric processing in soluble iron deposition and marine ecology.
Ludovico Di Antonio, Matthias Beekmann, Guillaume Siour, Vincent Michoud, Christopher Cantrell, Astrid Bauville, Antonin Bergé, Mathieu Cazaunau, Servanne Chevaillier, Manuela Cirtog, Joel F. de Brito, Paola Formenti, Cecile Gaimoz, Olivier Garret, Aline Gratien, Valérie Gros, Martial Haeffelin, Lelia N. Hawkins, Simone Kotthaus, Gael Noyalet, Diana L. Pereira, Jean-Eudes Petit, Eva Drew Pronovost, Véronique Riffault, Chenjie Yu, Gilles Foret, Jean-François Doussin, and Claudia Di Biagio
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4803–4831, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4803-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4803-2025, 2025
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The summer of 2022 has been considered a proxy for future climate scenarios due to its hot and dry conditions. In this paper, we use the measurements from the Atmospheric Chemistry of the Suburban Forest (ACROSS) campaign, conducted in the Paris area in June–July 2022, along with observations from existing networks, to evaluate a 3D chemistry transport model (WRF–CHIMERE) simulation. Results are shown to be satisfactory, allowing us to explain the gas and aerosol variability at the campaign sites.
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.
Rubén Soussé Villa, Oriol Jorba, María Gonçalves Ageitos, Dene Bowdalo, Marc Guevara, and Carlos Pérez García-Pando
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4719–4753, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4719-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4719-2025, 2025
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Desert dust forms nitrate coatings as it travels through the atmosphere. However, current models that predict this process vary greatly due to different methods and inaccuracies. We examined how nitrate forms in a global model, focusing on how gases condense on dust, the lifespan of different particles, and the impact of alkalinity. Our findings show that models work best when they consider reversible gas condensation with alkalinity. This should lead to better estimates of climate impacts.
Natalie M. Mahowald, Longlei Li, Julius Vira, Marje Prank, Douglas S. Hamilton, Hitoshi Matsui, Ron L. Miller, P. Louis Lu, Ezgi Akyuz, Daphne Meidan, Peter Hess, Heikki Lihavainen, Christine Wiedinmyer, Jenny Hand, Maria Grazia Alaimo, Célia Alves, Andres Alastuey, Paulo Artaxo, Africa Barreto, Francisco Barraza, Silvia Becagli, Giulia Calzolai, Shankararaman Chellam, Ying Chen, Patrick Chuang, David D. Cohen, Cristina Colombi, Evangelia Diapouli, Gaetano Dongarra, Konstantinos Eleftheriadis, Johann Engelbrecht, Corinne Galy-Lacaux, Cassandra Gaston, Dario Gomez, Yenny González Ramos, Roy M. Harrison, Chris Heyes, Barak Herut, Philip Hopke, Christoph Hüglin, Maria Kanakidou, Zsofia Kertesz, Zbigniew Klimont, Katriina Kyllönen, Fabrice Lambert, Xiaohong Liu, Remi Losno, Franco Lucarelli, Willy Maenhaut, Beatrice Marticorena, Randall V. Martin, Nikolaos Mihalopoulos, Yasser Morera-Gómez, Adina Paytan, Joseph Prospero, Sergio Rodríguez, Patricia Smichowski, Daniela Varrica, Brenna Walsh, Crystal L. Weagle, and Xi Zhao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4665–4702, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4665-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4665-2025, 2025
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Aerosol particles are an important part of the Earth system, but their concentrations are spatially and temporally heterogeneous, as well as being variable in size and composition. Here, we present a new compilation of PM2.5 and PM10 aerosol observations, focusing on the spatial variability across different observational stations, including composition, and demonstrate a method for comparing the data sets to model output.
Zhenyu Zhang, Jing Li, Huizheng Che, Yueming Dong, Oleg Dubovik, Thomas Eck, Pawan Gupta, Brent Holben, Jhoon Kim, Elena Lind, Trailokya Saud, Sachchida Nand Tripathi, and Tong Ying
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4617–4637, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4617-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4617-2025, 2025
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We used ground-based remote sensing data from the Aerosol Robotic Network to examine long-term trends in aerosol characteristics. We found aerosol loadings generally decreased globally, and aerosols became more scattering. These changes are closely related to variations in aerosol compositions, such as decreased anthropogenic emissions over East Asia, Europe, and North America; increased anthropogenic sources over northern India; and increased dust activity over the Arabian Peninsula.
Qiaojing Zhao, Fangfang Ma, Hui Zhao, Qian Xu, Rujing Yin, Hong-Bin Xie, Xin Wang, and Jingwen Chen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1662, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1662, 2025
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The scarcity of kinetic data for key aerosol aqueous-phase reactions contributes to large uncertainties in atmospheric models. We establish a computational strategy to rapidly predict acid-catalyzed hydrolysis kinetics of organic hydroperoxides, an aerosol constituent with high abundance. The kinetic parameters can be integrated into atmospheric models to improve simulations of the global hydrogen peroxide budget and secondary organic aerosol production.
Erin J. Emme and Hannah M. Horowitz
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4531–4545, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4531-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4531-2025, 2025
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There is uncertainty in the sources of Arctic cold-season (November–April) sea salt aerosols. Using a chemical transport model and satellite observations, we quantify Arctic-wide sea salt aerosol emissions from fractures in sea ice, called open sea ice leads, and their atmospheric chemistry impacts for the cold season. We show that sea ice leads contribute to Arctic sea salt aerosols and bromine, especially in under-observed regions.
Ursula A. Jongebloed, Jacob I. Chalif, Linia Tashmim, William C. Porter, Kelvin H. Bates, Qianjie Chen, Erich C. Osterberg, Bess G. Koffman, Jihong Cole-Dai, Dominic A. Winski, David G. Ferris, Karl J. Kreutz, Cameron P. Wake, and Becky Alexander
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4083–4106, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4083-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4083-2025, 2025
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Marine phytoplankton emit dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which forms methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and sulfate. MSA concentrations in ice cores decreased over the industrial era, which has been attributed to pollution-driven changes in DMS chemistry. We use a model to investigate DMS chemistry compared to observations of DMS, MSA, and sulfate. We find that modeled DMS, MSA, and sulfate are influenced by pollution-sensitive oxidant concentrations, characterization of DMS chemistry, and other variables.
Xiaolin Duan, Guangjie Zheng, Chuchu Chen, Qiang Zhang, and Kebin He
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3919–3928, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3919-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3919-2025, 2025
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Aerosol acidity is an important parameter in atmospheric chemistry, while its driving factors, especially chemical profiles versus meteorological conditions, are not yet fully understood. Here, we established a hierarchical quantitative analysis framework to understand the driving factors of aerosol acidity on different timescales. Its application in Changzhou, China, revealed distinct driving factors and corresponding mechanisms of aerosol acidity from annual trends to random residuals.
Wenxin Zhang, Yaman Liu, Man Yue, Xinyi Dong, Kan Huang, and Minghuai Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3857–3872, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3857-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3857-2025, 2025
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Understanding long-term organic aerosol (OA) trends and their driving factors is important for air quality management. Our modeling revealed that OA in China increased by 5.6 % from 1990 to 2019, primarily due to a 32.3 % increase in secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) and an 8.1 % decrease in primary organic aerosols (POAs), both largely driven by changes in anthropogenic emissions. Biogenic SOA increased due to warming but showed little response to changes in anthropogenic nitrogen oxide emissions.
Qinghao Guo, Haofei Zhang, Bo Long, Lehui Cui, Yiyang Sun, Hao Liu, Yaxin Liu, Yunting Xiao, Pingqing Fu, and Jialei Zhu
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1058, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1058, 2025
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Limonene, a natural compound from plants, reacts with pollutants to form airborne particles that influence air quality and climate. Using advanced models with explicit chemical mechanisms, we show how different reaction pathways shape organonitrate formation, with some increasing and others decreasing particle levels. This approach enhancing predictions of pollution and climate impacts while deepening our understanding of how natural and human-made emissions interact in the atmosphere.
Soo-Jin Park, Lya Lugon, Oscar Jacquot, Youngseob Kim, Alexia Baudic, Barbara D'Anna, Ludovico Di Antonio, Claudia Di Biagio, Fabrice Dugay, Olivier Favez, Véronique Ghersi, Aline Gratien, Julien Kammer, Jean-Eudes Petit, Olivier Sanchez, Myrto Valari, Jérémy Vigneron, and Karine Sartelet
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3363–3387, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3363-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3363-2025, 2025
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To accurately represent the population exposure to outdoor concentrations of pollutants of interest to health (NO2, PM2.5, black carbon, and ultrafine particles), multi-scale modelling down to the street scale is set up and evaluated using measurements from field campaigns. An exposure scaling factor is defined, allowing regional-scale simulations to be corrected to evaluate population exposure. Urban heterogeneities strongly influence NO2, black carbon, and ultrafine particles but less strongly PM2.5.
Sara L. Farrell, Havala O. T. Pye, Robert Gilliam, George Pouliot, Deanna Huff, Golam Sarwar, William Vizuete, Nicole Briggs, Fengkui Duan, Tao Ma, Shuping Zhang, and Kathleen Fahey
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3287–3312, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3287-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3287-2025, 2025
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In this work we implement heterogeneous sulfur chemistry into the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. This new chemistry accounts for the formation of sulfate via aqueous oxidation of SO2 in aerosol liquid water and the formation of hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) – often confused by measurement techniques as sulfate. Model performance in predicting sulfur PM2.5 in Fairbanks, Alaska, and other places that experience dark and cold winters is improved.
Paul A. Makar, Philip Cheung, Christian Hogrefe, Ayodeji Akingunola, Ummugulsum Alyuz, Jesse O. Bash, Michael D. Bell, Roberto Bellasio, Roberto Bianconi, Tim Butler, Hazel Cathcart, Olivia E. Clifton, Alma Hodzic, Ioannis Kioutsioukis, Richard Kranenburg, Aurelia Lupascu, Jason A. Lynch, Kester Momoh, Juan L. Perez-Camanyo, Jonathan Pleim, Young-Hee Ryu, Roberto San Jose, Donna Schwede, Thomas Scheuschner, Mark W. Shephard, Ranjeet S. Sokhi, and Stefano Galmarini
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3049–3107, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3049-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3049-2025, 2025
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The large range of sulfur and nitrogen deposition estimates from air quality models results in a large range of predicted impacts. We used models and deposition diagnostics to identify the processes controlling atmospheric sulfur and nitrogen deposition variability. Controlling factors included the uptake of gases and aerosols by hydrometeors, aerosol inorganic chemistry, particle dry deposition, ammonia bidirectional fluxes, gas deposition via plant cuticles and soil, and land use data.
Xurong Wang, Alexandra P. Tsimpidi, Zhenqi Luo, Benedikt Steil, Andrea Pozzer, Jos Lelieveld, and Vlassis A. Karydis
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-527, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-527, 2025
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Ammonia (NH3) is an abundant alkaline gas and key precursor in particulate matter formation. While SO2 and NOx emissions have decreased, global NH3 emissions are stable or rising. This study investigates NH3 emission impacts on size-resolved aerosol composition and acidity using the EMAC model, analyzing three emission schemes. Sulphate-nitrate-ammonium aerosols in fine mode sizes are most sensitive to NH3 changes. Regional responses vary. NH3 buffers aerosol acidity, mitigating pH shifts.
Qianqian Gao, Guochao Chen, Xiaohui Lu, Jianmin Chen, Hongliang Zhang, and Xiaofei Wang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-596, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-596, 2025
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Numerous lakes are shrinking due to climate change and human activities, releasing pollutants from dried lakebeds as dust aerosols. The health risks remain unclear. Recently, Poyang and Dongting Lakes faced record droughts, exposing 99 % and 88 % of their areas. We show lakebed dust can raise PM10 to 637.5 μg/m³ and exceed non-carcinogenic (HQ=4.13) and Cr carcinogenic (~2.10×10⁻⁶) risk thresholds, posing growing health threats.
Mingxuan Wu, Hailong Wang, Zheng Lu, Xiaohong Liu, Huisheng Bian, David Cohen, Yan Feng, Mian Chin, Didier A. Hauglustaine, Vlassis A. Karydis, Marianne T. Lund, Gunnar Myhre, Andrea Pozzer, Michael Schulz, Ragnhild B. Skeie, Alexandra P. Tsimpidi, Svetlana G. Tsyro, and Shaocheng Xie
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-235, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-235, 2025
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A key challenge in simulating the lifecycle of nitrate aerosol in global climate models is to accurately represent mass size distribution of nitrate aerosol, which lacks sufficient observational constraints. We found that most climate models underestimate the mass fraction of fine-mode nitrate at surface in all regions. Our study highlights the importance of gas-aerosol partitioning parameterization and simulation of dust and sea salt in correctly simulating mass size distribution of nitrate.
Hanrui Lang, Yunjiang Zhang, Sheng Zhong, Yongcai Rao, Minfeng Zhou, Jian Qiu, Jingyi Li, Diwen Liu, Florian Couvidat, Olivier Favez, Didier Hauglustaine, and Xinlei Ge
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-231, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-231, 2025
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This study investigates how dust pollution influences particulate nitrate formation. We found that dust pollution could reduce the effectiveness of ammonia emission controls by altering aerosol chemistry. Using field observations and modeling, we showed that dust particles affect nitrate distribution between gas and particle phases. Our findings highlight the need for pollution control strategies that consider both human emissions and dust sources for better urban air quality management.
Lang Liu, Xin Long, Yi Li, Zengliang Zang, Fengwen Wang, Yan Han, Zhier Bao, Yang Chen, Tian Feng, and Jinxin Yang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 1569–1585, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1569-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1569-2025, 2025
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This study uses WRF-Chem to assess how meteorological conditions and emission reductions affected fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the North China Plain (NCP). It highlights regional disparities: in the northern NCP, adverse weather negated emission reduction effects. In contrast, the southern NCP featured a PM2.5 decrease due to favorable weather and emission reductions. The research highlighted the interaction between emissions, meteorology, and PM2.5.
Alexandros Milousis, Klaus Klingmüller, Alexandra P. Tsimpidi, Jasper F. Kok, Maria Kanakidou, Athanasios Nenes, and Vlassis A. Karydis
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 1333–1351, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1333-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1333-2025, 2025
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This study investigates the impact of dust on the global radiative effect of nitrate aerosols. The results indicate both positive and negative regional shortwave and longwave radiative effects due to aerosol–radiation interactions and cloud adjustments. The global average net REari and REaci of nitrate aerosols are −0.11 and +0.17 W m−2, respectively, mainly affecting the shortwave spectrum. Sensitivity simulations evaluated the influence of mineral dust composition and emissions on the results.
Jiawang Feng, Chun Zhao, Jun Gu, Gudongze Li, Mingyue Xu, Shengfu Lin, and Jie Feng
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-4037, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-4037, 2025
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Climate models help study aerosol impacts on regional climate. However, the atmosphere's chaotic nature makes it hard to separate true aerosol impacts from chaotic effects. Our ensemble experiments show that while large-scale aerosol effects are consistent, regional aerosol impacts vary significantly among experiments. We give a formula showing the relationship between chaotic effects and ensemble sizes, emphasizing the necessity of adequate ensemble members to capture reliable aerosol impacts.
Judith Kleinheins, Nadia Shardt, Ulrike Lohmann, and Claudia Marcolli
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 881–903, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-881-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-881-2025, 2025
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We model the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activation of sea spray aerosol particles with classical Köhler theory and with a new model approach that takes surface tension lowering into account. We categorize organic compounds into weak, intermediate, and strong surfactants, and we outline for which composition surface tension lowering is important. The results suggest that surface tension lowering allows sea spray aerosol particles in the Aitken mode to be a source of CCN in marine updraughts.
Olivia G. Norman, Colette L. Heald, Solomon Bililign, Pedro Campuzano-Jost, Hugh Coe, Marc N. Fiddler, Jaime R. Green, Jose L. Jimenez, Katharina Kaiser, Jin Liao, Ann M. Middlebrook, Benjamin A. Nault, John B. Nowak, Johannes Schneider, and André Welti
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 771–795, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-771-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-771-2025, 2025
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This study finds that one component of secondary inorganic aerosols, nitrate, is greatly overestimated by a global atmospheric chemistry model compared to observations from 11 flight campaigns. None of the loss and production pathways explored can explain the nitrate bias alone. The model’s inability to capture the variability in the observations remains and requires future investigation to avoid biases in policy-related studies (i.e., air quality, health, climate impacts of these aerosols).
Kiyeon Kim, Chul Han Song, Kyung Man Han, Greg Yarwood, Ross Beardsley, and Saewung Kim
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-23, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-23, 2025
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Despite the crucial role of halogen radicals in the atmosphere, the current CMAQ model does not account for multi-phase halogen processes. To address this issue, we incorporated 177 halogen reactions, together with anthropogenic and natural halogen emissions into the CMAQ model. Our findings reveal that incorporation of these halogen processes significantly improves model performances compared to ground observations. In addition, we emphasize the influence of halogen radicals on air quality.
Guangyuan Yu, Yan Zhang, Qian Wang, Zimin Han, Shenglan Jiang, Fan Yang, Xin Yang, and Cheng Huang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3892, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3892, 2025
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China has carried out staged low-sulfur fuel policies since 2017. This study simulated the changing spatiotemporal patterns of the impacts of ship emissions on PM2.5 from 2017 to 2021 based on the updated emission inventories and mapping of chemical species in the CMAQ. Fuel policies caused evident relative changes in inorganic and organic components of the shipping-related PM2.5 over China’s port cities. The driving factors of the interannual, seasonal, and diurnal patterns were discussed.
Ryan Vella, Matthew Forrest, Andrea Pozzer, Alexandra P. Tsimpidi, Thomas Hickler, Jos Lelieveld, and Holger Tost
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 243–262, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-243-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-243-2025, 2025
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This study examines how land cover changes influence biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions and atmospheric states. Using a coupled chemistry–climate–vegetation model, we compare present-day land cover (deforested for crops and grazing) with natural vegetation and an extreme reforestation scenario. We find that vegetation changes significantly impact global BVOC emissions and organic aerosols but have a relatively small effect on total aerosols, clouds, and radiative effects.
Mashiat Hossain, Rebecca M. Garland, and Hannah M. Horowitz
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 14123–14143, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-14123-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-14123-2024, 2024
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Our research examines aerosol dynamics over the southeast Atlantic, a region with significant uncertainties in aerosol radiative forcings. Using the GEOS-Chem model, we find that at cloud altitudes, organic aerosols dominate during the biomass burning season, while sulfate aerosols, driven by marine emissions, prevail during peak primary production. These findings highlight the need for accurate representation of marine aerosols in models to improve climate predictions and reduce uncertainties.
Ashok K. Luhar, Anthony C. Jones, and Jonathan M. Wilkinson
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 14005–14028, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-14005-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-14005-2024, 2024
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Nitrate aerosol is often omitted in global chemistry–climate models, partly due to the chemical complexity of its formation process. Using a global model, we show that including nitrate aerosol significantly impacts tropospheric composition fields, such as ozone, and radiation. Additionally, lightning-generated oxides of nitrogen influence both nitrate aerosol mass concentrations and aerosol size distribution, which has important implications for radiative fluxes and indirect aerosol effects.
Alexandra P. Tsimpidi, Susanne M. C. Scholz, Alexandros Milousis, Nikolaos Mihalopoulos, and Vlassis A. Karydis
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3590, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3590, 2024
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This study examines global changes in air pollution from 2000 to 2020, focusing on fine aerosols that impact climate and health. Using models and global data, it finds organic aerosols dominate in many regions, especially with wildfires or natural emissions. Pollution from sulfate and nitrate has decreased in Europe and North America due to regulations, while trends in Asia are more complex. The findings improve understanding and support policies for cleaner air and healthier environments.
Yanru Huo, Mingxue Li, Xueyu Wang, Jianfei Sun, Yuxin Zhou, Yuhui Ma, and Maoxia He
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 12409–12423, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12409-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12409-2024, 2024
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This work found that the air–water (A–W) interface and TiO2 clusters promote the oxidation of phenolic compounds (PhCs) to varying degrees compared with the gas phase and bulk water. Some byproducts are more harmful than their parent compounds. This work provides important evidence for the rapid oxidation observed in O3/HO• + PhC experiments at the A–W interface and in mineral dust.
Rémy Lapere, Louis Marelle, Pierre Rampal, Laurent Brodeau, Christian Melsheimer, Gunnar Spreen, and Jennie L. Thomas
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 12107–12132, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12107-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12107-2024, 2024
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Elongated open-water areas in sea ice, called leads, can release marine aerosols into the atmosphere. In the Arctic, this source of atmospheric particles could play an important role for climate. However, the amount, seasonality and spatial distribution of such emissions are all mostly unknown. Here, we propose a first parameterization for sea spray aerosols emitted through leads in sea ice and quantify their impact on aerosol populations in the high Arctic.
Haihui Zhu, Randall V. Martin, Aaron van Donkelaar, Melanie S. Hammer, Chi Li, Jun Meng, Christopher R. Oxford, Xuan Liu, Yanshun Li, Dandan Zhang, Inderjeet Singh, and Alexei Lyapustin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 11565–11584, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11565-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11565-2024, 2024
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Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) contributes to 4 million deaths globally each year. Satellite remote sensing of aerosol optical depth (AOD), coupled with a simulated PM2.5–AOD relationship (η), can provide global PM2.5 estimations. This study aims to understand the spatial patterns and driving factors of η to guide future measurement and modeling efforts. We quantified η globally and regionally and found that its spatial variation is strongly influenced by aerosol composition.
Connor J. Clayton, Daniel R. Marsh, Steven T. Turnock, Ailish M. Graham, Kirsty J. Pringle, Carly L. Reddington, Rajesh Kumar, and James B. McQuaid
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 10717–10740, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10717-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10717-2024, 2024
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We demonstrate that strong climate mitigation could improve air quality in Europe; however, less ambitious mitigation does not result in these co-benefits. We use a high-resolution atmospheric chemistry model. This allows us to demonstrate how this varies across European countries and analyse the underlying chemistry. This may help policy-facing researchers understand which sectors and regions need to be prioritised to achieve strong air quality co-benefits of climate mitigation.
Ping-Chieh Huang, Hui-Ming Hung, Hsin-Chih Lai, and Charles C.-K. Chou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 10759–10772, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10759-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10759-2024, 2024
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Models were used to study ways to reduce particulate matter (PM) pollution in Taiwan during winter. After considering various factors, such as physical processes and chemical reactions, we found that reducing NOx or NH3 emissions is more effective at mitigating PM2.5 than reducing SO2 emissions. When considering both efficiency and cost, reducing NH3 emissions seems to be a more suitable policy for the studied environment in Taiwan.
Matthieu Vida, Gilles Foret, Guillaume Siour, Florian Couvidat, Olivier Favez, Gaelle Uzu, Arineh Cholakian, Sébastien Conil, Matthias Beekmann, and Jean-Luc Jaffrezo
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 10601–10615, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10601-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10601-2024, 2024
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We simulate 2 years of atmospheric fungal spores over France and use observations of polyols and primary biogenic factors from positive matrix factorisation. The representation of emissions taking into account a proxy for vegetation surface and specific humidity enables us to reproduce very accurately the seasonal cycle of fungal spores. Furthermore, we estimate that fungal spores can account for 20 % of PM10 and 40 % of the organic fraction of PM10 over vegetated areas in summer.
Jiewen Shen, Bin Zhao, Shuxiao Wang, An Ning, Yuyang Li, Runlong Cai, Da Gao, Biwu Chu, Yang Gao, Manish Shrivastava, Jingkun Jiang, Xiuhui Zhang, and Hong He
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 10261–10278, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10261-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-10261-2024, 2024
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We extensively compare various cluster-dynamics-based parameterizations for sulfuric acid–dimethylamine nucleation and identify a newly developed parameterization derived from Atmospheric Cluster Dynamic Code (ACDC) simulations as being the most reliable one. This study offers a valuable reference for developing parameterizations of other nucleation systems and is meaningful for the accurate quantification of the environmental and climate impacts of new particle formation.
Wei Li and Yuxuan Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9339–9353, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9339-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9339-2024, 2024
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Droughts immensely increased organic aerosol (OA) in the contiguous United States in summer (1998–2019), notably in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) and Southeast (SEUS). The OA rise in the SEUS is driven by the enhanced formation of epoxydiol-derived secondary organic aerosol due to the increase in biogenic volatile organic compounds and sulfate, while in the PNW, it is caused by wildfires. A total of 10 climate models captured the OA increase in the PNW yet greatly underestimated it in the SEUS.
Weina Zhang, Jianhua Mai, Zhichao Fan, Yongpeng Ji, Yuemeng Ji, Guiying Li, Yanpeng Gao, and Taicheng An
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9019–9030, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9019-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9019-2024, 2024
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This study reveals heterogeneous oxidation causes further radiative forcing effect (RFE) enhancement of amine–mineral mixed particles. Note that RFE increment is higher under clean conditions than that under polluted conditions, which is contributed to high-oxygen-content products. The enhanced RFE of amine–mineral particles caused by heterogenous oxidation is expected to alleviate warming effects.
Shenglan Jiang, Yan Zhang, Guangyuan Yu, Zimin Han, Junri Zhao, Tianle Zhang, and Mei Zheng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8363–8381, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8363-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8363-2024, 2024
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This study aims to provide gridded data on sea-wide concentrations, deposition fluxes, and soluble deposition fluxes with detailed source categories of metals using the modified CMAQ model. We developed a monthly emission inventory of six metals – Fe, Al, V, Ni, Zn, and Cu – from terrestrial anthropogenic, ship, and dust sources in East Asia in 2017. Our results reveal the contribution of each source to the emissions, concentrations, and deposition fluxes of metals in the East Asian seas.
Stelios Myriokefalitakis, Matthias Karl, Kim A. Weiss, Dimitris Karagiannis, Eleni Athanasopoulou, Anastasia Kakouri, Aikaterini Bougiatioti, Eleni Liakakou, Iasonas Stavroulas, Georgios Papangelis, Georgios Grivas, Despina Paraskevopoulou, Orestis Speyer, Nikolaos Mihalopoulos, and Evangelos Gerasopoulos
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7815–7835, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7815-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7815-2024, 2024
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A state-of-the-art thermodynamic model has been coupled with the city-scale chemistry transport model EPISODE–CityChem to investigate the equilibrium between the inorganic gas and aerosol phases over the greater Athens area, Greece. The simulations indicate that the formation of nitrates in an urban environment is significantly affected by local nitrogen oxide emissions, as well as ambient temperature, relative humidity, photochemical activity, and the presence of non-volatile cations.
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
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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.
Fei Ye, Jingyi Li, Yaqin Gao, Hongli Wang, Jingyu An, Cheng Huang, Song Guo, Keding Lu, Kangjia Gong, Haowen Zhang, Momei Qin, and Jianlin Hu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7467–7479, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7467-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7467-2024, 2024
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Naphthalene (Nap) and methylnaphthalene (MN) are key precursors of secondary organic aerosol (SOA), yet their sources and sinks are often inadequately represented in air quality models. In this study, we incorporated detailed emissions, gas-phase chemistry, and SOA parameterization of Nap and MN into CMAQ to address this issue. The findings revealed remarkably high SOA formation potentials for these compounds despite their low emissions in the Yangtze River Delta region during summer.
Vy Dinh Ngoc Thuy, Jean-Luc Jaffrezo, Ian Hough, Pamela A. Dominutti, Guillaume Salque Moreton, Grégory Gille, Florie Francony, Arabelle Patron-Anquez, Olivier Favez, and Gaëlle Uzu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7261–7282, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7261-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7261-2024, 2024
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The capacity of particulate matter (PM) to generate reactive oxygen species in vivo is represented by oxidative potential (OP). This study focuses on finding the appropriate model to evaluate the oxidative character of PM sources in six sites using the PM sources and OP. Eight regression techniques are introduced to assess the OP of PM. The study highlights the importance of selecting a model according to the input data characteristics and establishes some recommendations for the procedure.
Ming Chu, Xing Wei, Shangfei Hai, Yang Gao, Huiwang Gao, Yujiao Zhu, Biwu Chu, Nan Ma, Juan Hong, Yele Sun, and Xiaohong Yao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6769–6786, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6769-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6769-2024, 2024
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We used a 20-bin WRF-Chem model to simulate NPF events in the NCP during a three-week observational period in the summer of 2019. The model was able to reproduce the observations during June 29–July 6, which was characterized by a high frequency of NPF occurrence.
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Short summary
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.
Our research investigated nitrate formation in air pollution across inland and coastal cities in...
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