Articles | Volume 26, issue 13
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-9793-2026
© Author(s) 2026. 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-26-9793-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Chemical characteristics and environmental drivers of nitrogen-containing organic aerosol formation in coastal and inland urban atmospheres in Myanmar
Ning Zhang
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Intelligent Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Carbon–Pollution Co-control, NUIST-UdA Joint Laboratory of Air Impact Research (AIR-LAB), Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CIC-AEET), School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
Jialiang Feng
School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
Simon Patrick O'Meara
Department for Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
National Centre for Atmospheric Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
Ziyi Liu
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
Yingge Ma
Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
State of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of the Formation and Prevention of Urban Air Complex, Shanghai, 200233, China
Xinlei Ge
School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
Wenjing Li
Meteorological Development and Planning Institute of China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, 100081, China
China Meteorological Administration Key Open Laboratory of Transforming Climate Resource to Economy, Chongqing, 401147, China
Piero Chiacchiaretta
Department of Advanced Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University “G.d'Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
Center for Advanced Studies and Technology-CAST, Chieti 66100, Italy
Piero Di Carlo
Department of Advanced Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University “G.d'Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
Center for Advanced Studies and Technology-CAST, Chieti 66100, Italy
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Intelligent Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Carbon–Pollution Co-control, NUIST-UdA Joint Laboratory of Air Impact Research (AIR-LAB), Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CIC-AEET), School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
Eleonora Aruffo
Center for Advanced Studies and Technology-CAST, Chieti 66100, Italy
Department of Science, University “G.d'Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
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EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3360, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3360, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
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Air pollution involves complex interactions between airborne particles and gases, but these links are not fully understood. We analyzed individual particles and gases across different emission levels. We found that relative sulfur and nitrogen levels influence how gases interact with particles and alter their properties. These processes vary by particle type and humidity, helping explain how pollution forms and evolves. Our findings provide new evidence for particle-gas interactions.
Chenjie Yu, Ludovico Di Antonio, Peter F. DeCarlo, Benjamin A. Nault, Alejandra Velazquez-Garcia, Eleonora Aruffo, Piero Di Carlo, Cyrielle Denjean, Sarah Tinorua, Thierry Bourrianne, Diana L. Pereira, Kevin Tu, Edouard Pangui, Mathieu Cazaunau, Astrid Bauville, Noël Grand, Antonin Bergé, Claudia Di Biagio, Aline Gratien, Matthias Beekmann, Guillaume Siour, Gilles Foret, Barbara D'Anna, Julien Kammer, Huihui Wu, Christopher Cantrell, Paola Formenti, and Vincent Michoud
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3147, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3147, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
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This study used coordinated airborne and ground-based measurements in Paris and its downwind regions to quantify the effects of 2–6 h of urban plume aging on aerosol properties. Aging enhanced secondary organic aerosol production and PM1 mass and shifted optical properties toward higher SSA, higher real and lower imaginary refractive indices, and stronger brown carbon absorption. These results highlight the need to account for aerosol aging in atmospheric models and remote-sensing retrievals.
Zhaolian Ye, Dandan Hu, Qiuyan Chen, Xiangpeng Huang, and Xinlei Ge
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 8255–8274, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-8255-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-8255-2026, 2026
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Few studies have compared the molecular and optical evolution of smoke extracts during aqueous photooxidation. Here, OH-initiated aqueous photodegradation of two smoke extracts was investigated. Optical and molecular changes were characterized using a combination of analytical techniques. Reactive oxygen species contributions and potential reaction mechanisms were also examined. These results improve understanding of aqueous photochemistry and support more accurate representation in atmospheric models.
Lorenzo Gentile, Eleonora Aruffo, Alessandra Mascitelli, Piero Chiacchiaretta, and Piero Di Carlo
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1262, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1262, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Measurement Techniques (AMT).
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Low-cost sensors are continuously improved by manufacturers. This study evaluated three commercial sensor platforms in their factory primary calibration during a three-week field campaign, through comparison with certified reference instruments. Results show strong agreement for meteorological variables, moderate agreement for gaseous pollutants, and partial agreement for particulate matter. Analysis of data also showed sensors detection of emission patterns during rush hours and holidays.
Jie Fang, Yunjiang Zhang, Didier Hauglustaine, Bo Zheng, Ming Wang, Jingyi Li, Yong Sun, Haiwei Li, Junfeng Wang, Yun Wu, Bin Yuan, Mindong Chen, and Xinlei Ge
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 851–867, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-851-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-851-2026, 2026
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Surface ozone pollution is a pressing global challenge driven by human activities and a warming climate. Using nationwide observations (2013–2023) across China together with satellite data, we developed a new machine learning approach to decouple the impacts of emission controls and weather changes. Our results show that while emission reductions improved ozone in some regions, climate change is increasingly offsetting these gains, underscoring the need for joint air quality and climate actions.
Xu Yu, Min Zhou, Shuhui Zhu, Liping Qiao, Jinjian Li, Yingge Ma, Zijing Zhang, Kezheng Liao, Hongli Wang, and Jian Zhen Yu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 9061–9074, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-9061-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-9061-2025, 2025
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Online measurements of bulk aerosol organic nitrogen (ON), in conjunction with a comprehensive array of source markers, have revealed five emission sources and five potentially significant formation processes of nitrogenous organic aerosols. This study provides a first quantitative source analysis of ON aerosol and valuable observational evidence of secondary ON aerosol formation through NH3 and NOx chemistries.
Yuan Dai, Junfeng Wang, Houjun Wang, Shijie Cui, Yunjiang Zhang, Haiwei Li, Yun Wu, Ming Wang, Eleonora Aruffo, and Xinlei Ge
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9733–9748, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9733-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9733-2024, 2024
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Short-term strict emission control can improve air quality, but its effectiveness needs assessment. During the 2021 summer COVID-19 lockdown in Yangzhou, we found that PM2.5 levels did not decrease despite reduced primary emissions. Aged black-carbon particles increased substantially due to higher O3 levels and transported pollutants. High humidity and low wind also played key roles. The results highlight the importance of a regionally balanced control strategy for future air quality management.
Yiqun Lu, Yingge Ma, Dan Dan Huang, Shengrong Lou, Sheng'ao Jing, Yaqin Gao, Hongli Wang, Yanjun Zhang, Hui Chen, Yunhua Chang, Naiqiang Yan, Jianmin Chen, Christian George, Matthieu Riva, and Cheng Huang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 3233–3245, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3233-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3233-2023, 2023
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N-containing oxygenated organic molecules have been identified as important precursors of aerosol particles. We used an ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometer coupled with an online sample inlet to accurately measure their molecular composition, concentration level and variation patterns. We show their formation process and influencing factors in a Chinese megacity involving various volatile organic compound precursors and atmospheric oxidants, and we highlight the influence of PM2.5 episodes.
Rui Li, Kun Zhang, Qing Li, Liumei Yang, Shunyao Wang, Zhiqiang Liu, Xiaojuan Zhang, Hui Chen, Yanan Yi, Jialiang Feng, Qiongqiong Wang, Ling Huang, Wu Wang, Yangjun Wang, Jian Zhen Yu, and Li Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 3065–3081, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3065-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3065-2023, 2023
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Molecular markers in organic aerosol (OA) provide specific source information on PM2.5, and the contribution of cooking emissions to OA is significant, especially in urban environments. This study investigates the variation in concentrations and oxidative degradation of fatty acids and corresponding oxidation products in ambient air, which can be a guide for the refinement of aerosol source apportionment and provide scientific support for the development of emission source control policies.
Min Zhou, Guangjie Zheng, Hongli Wang, Liping Qiao, Shuhui Zhu, DanDan Huang, Jingyu An, Shengrong Lou, Shikang Tao, Qian Wang, Rusha Yan, Yingge Ma, Changhong Chen, Yafang Cheng, Hang Su, and Cheng Huang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 13833–13844, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-13833-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-13833-2022, 2022
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The trend of aerosol pH and its drivers is crucial in understanding the multiphase formation pathways of aerosols. We reported the first trend analysis of aerosol pH from 2011 to 2019 in eastern China. Although significant variations of aerosol compositions were observed from 2011 to 2019, the aerosol pH estimated by model only slightly declined by 0.24. Our work shows that the opposite effects of SO42− and non-volatile cation changes play key roles in determining the moderate pH trend.
Shijie Cui, Dan Dan Huang, Yangzhou Wu, Junfeng Wang, Fuzhen Shen, Jiukun Xian, Yunjiang Zhang, Hongli Wang, Cheng Huang, Hong Liao, and Xinlei Ge
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 8073–8096, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-8073-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-8073-2022, 2022
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Refractory black carbon (rBC) aerosols are important to air quality and climate change. rBC can mix with many other species, which can significantly change its properties and impacts. We used a specific set of techniques to exclusively characterize rBC-containing (rBCc) particles in Shanghai. We elucidated their composition, sources and size distributions and factors that affect their properties. Our findings are very valuable for advancing the understanding of BC and controlling BC pollution.
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Short summary
We investigated how nitrogen-containing organic compounds form and evolve in fine particles using field measurements in Myanmar and box-model simulations. We show that relative humidity, photochemistry, and precursor availability jointly control the formation and gas–particle partitioning of light-absorbing nitrophenolic compounds. These findings improve understanding of their impacts on air quality and climate.
We investigated how nitrogen-containing organic compounds form and evolve in fine particles...
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