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- Peng, X., et al.
(author)
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Photodissociation of particulate nitrate as a source of daytime tropospheric Cl2
- 2022
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 13:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chlorine atoms (Cl) are highly reactive and can strongly influence the abundances of climate and air quality-relevant trace gases. Despite extensive research on molecular chlorine (Cl2), a Cl precursor, in the polar atmosphere, its sources in other regions are still poorly understood. Here we report the daytime Cl2 concentrations of up to 1 ppbv observed in a coastal area of Hong Kong, revealing a large daytime source of Cl2 (2.7 pptv s−1 at noon). Field and laboratory experiments indicate that photodissociation of particulate nitrate by sunlight under acidic conditions (pH < 3.0) can activate chloride and account for the observed daytime Cl2 production. The high Cl2 concentrations significantly increased atmospheric oxidation. Given the ubiquitous existence of chloride, nitrate, and acidic aerosols, we propose that nitrate photolysis is a significant daytime chlorine source globally. This so far unaccounted for source of chlorine can have substantial impacts on atmospheric chemistry. © 2022, The Author(s).
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- Salvador, Christian Mark, 1989, et al.
(author)
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Ambient nitro-aromatic compounds - biomass burning versus secondary formation in rural China
- 2021
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In: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 1680-7316 .- 1680-7324. ; 21:3, s. 1389-1406
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nitro-aromatic compounds (NACs) were measured hourly at a rural site in China during wintertime to monitor the changes due to local and regional impacts of biomass burning (BB). Concurrent and continuous measurements of the concentrations of 16 NACs in the gas and particle phases were performed with a time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS) equipped with a Filter Inlet for Gases and AEROsols (FIGAERO) unit using iodide as the reagent ion. NACs accounted for <2 % of the mass concentration of organic matter (OM) and total particulate matter (PM), but the total particle mass concentrations of these compounds can reach as high as 1000 ng m(-3) (299 ng m(-3) avg), suggesting that they may contribute significantly to the radiative forcing effects of atmospheric particles. Levels of gas-phase NACs were highest during the daytime (15:00-16:00 local time, LT), with a smaller night-time peak around 20:00LT. Box-model simulations showed that this occurred because the rate of NAC production from gas-phase sources exceeded the rate of loss, which occurred mainly via the OH reaction and to a lesser degree via photolysis. Data gathered during extended periods with high contributions from primary BB sources (resulting in 40 %-60 % increases in NAC concentrations) were used to characterize individual NACs with respect to gas-particle partitioning and the contributions of regional secondary processes (i.e. photochemical smog). On days without extensive BB, secondary formation was the dominant source of NACs, and NAC levels correlated strongly with the ambient ozone concentration. Analyses of individual NACs in the regionally aged plumes sampled on these days allowed precursors such as phenol and catechol to be linked to their NAC derivatives (i.e. nitrophenol and nitrocatechol). Correlation analysis using the high time resolution data and box-model simulation results constrained the relationships between these compounds and demonstrated the contribution of secondary formation processes. Furthermore, 13 of 16 NACS were classified according to primary or secondary formation process. Primary emission was the dominant source (accounting for 60 %-70 % of the measured concentrations) of 5 of the 16 studied NACs, but secondary formation was also a significant source. Photochemical smog thus has important effects on brown carbon levels even during wintertime periods dominated by primary air pollution in rural China.
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- Salvador, Christian Mark, 1989, et al.
(author)
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Assessment of Impact of Meteorology and Precursor in Long-term Trends of PM and Ozone in a Tropical City
- 2022
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In: Aerosol and Air Quality Research. - : Taiwan Association for Aerosol Research. - 1680-8584 .- 2071-1409. ; 22:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Long-term trends of atmospheric pollutants, particularly ozone (O-3) and particulate matter (PM) provide a direct evaluation of the response of the atmosphere to the environmental policies and the variability of anthropogenic and biogenic emissions. Here, we report the assessment of the temporal evolution of the air quality in a tropical urban city (Butuan) in the southern Philippines by evaluating the trends of meteorological conditions (i.e., temperature, R.H., boundary layer height), air pollutants (i.e., PM2.5, NO2, O-3) and their precursors (Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene) from 2014 to 2020. During the seven-year measurement, the mean PM2.5 and PM10 mass concentrations were 8.7 +/- 3.9 and 24.3 +/- 12.0 mu g m(-3), with no single day exceeded the daily PM limit. The max concentrations of aerosol occurred during the dry season when the loss of particles through wet deposition was limited. Speciation of PM2.5 indicated that fine aerosol was dominated by sea salt and organic matter (OM). Analysis of the ratio of OM and sulfate indicated that the main source of pollution in the city was wildfire/biomass burning. The average O-3 and NO2 mixing ratios during the same period were 22.3 +/- 9.5 ppb and 8.1 +/- 5.4 ppb while increasing at the rate of 0.409 ppb year(-1) and 0.683 ppb year(-1). The highest O-3 concentration occurred during the summer months when photochemistry enhanced the formation of tropospheric O-3. The increasing O-3 trend was attributed to the contribution of anthropogenic VOCs (AVOCs), based on their ozone-forming potentials (OFPs). The seven-year measurement also showcased the variability of the atmospheric pollutants during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, when O-3 substantially increased due to reduced vehicle transport activities. Overall, our results provide insights to better comprehend the sources of the variability of O-3 and PM on a long-term temporal scale, as well as implications on relevant environmental policies in controlling air pollutants in a tropical developing region.
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- Salvador, Christian Mark, 1989, et al.
(author)
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Contribution of terpenes to ozone formation and secondary organic aerosols in a subtropical forest impacted by urban pollution
- 2020
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In: Atmosphere. - : MDPI AG. - 2073-4433. ; 11:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The highly reactive nature of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) impacts the biosphere by acting as a precursor of ozone and aerosols that influence air quality and climate. Here, we assess the influence of BVOCs and their oxidation products on ozone formation and to submicron secondary organic aerosol (SOA) mass in a subtropical forest. A high-resolution proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS) was employed for the continuous measurement of VOCs. Isoprene, monoterpene, and sesquiterpene mixing ratios in the forest were 0.23, 0.22, and 0.03 ppb, respectively. The total ozone formation potential (OFP) of the terpenes was 12.8 μg m−3, which accounted for only 5.6% of the total OFP. Particle phase bound oxidation products were characterized using a thermal-desorption PTR-ToF-MS. Mass spectra analysis revealed the presence pinonaldehyde, pinonic, norpinonic, and pinic acid in both gas and particle phase. The overall daytime (nighttime) mixing ratio of the oxidized BVOCs in gas phases was 0.062(0.023) ppbv. On the other hand, the mean fraction of the four monoterpene oxidation products in condensed phase was estimated at 42%. Overall, the results of this study evidenced quantitatively the contribution of BVOCs to the total reactivity and SOA mass in the subtropical forest. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
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- Salvador, Christian Mark, 1989, et al.
(author)
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Extensive urban air pollution footprint evidenced by submicron organic aerosols molecular composition
- 2022
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In: Npj Climate and Atmospheric Science. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2397-3722. ; 5:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Transport and transformation of urban air pollutants are among the major factors driving the changes in the atmospheric composition in the downwind rural/remote areas of a megacity. Here, we assess the impacts of urban air pollution in a subtropical forest through characterization of the organic markers in submicron aerosol particles. The aerosol samples were collected and analyzed using TD-PTR-ToF-MS, where 163 ions were detected. The concentration of these extracted ions accounts for 83% of the mass of submicron organic aerosols, which are accordingly characterized by a median formula of C7H10O2. Molecular speciation indicates that urban and biomass burning pollution contributed substantially to the budget of organic aerosols, which were enhanced particularly by the liquid water content and acidity of the aerosols. Our results evidence that the footprint of urban air pollution was extended to its downwind forested areas and caused changes in the concentration and composition of submicron aerosols.
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- Salvador, Christian Mark, 1989, et al.
(author)
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Indoor ozone/human chemistry and ventilation strategies
- 2019
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In: Indoor Air. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1600-0668 .- 0905-6947. ; 29:6, s. 913-925
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study aimed to better understand and quantify the influence of ventilation strategies on occupant-related indoor air chemistry. The oxidation of human skin oil constituents was studied in a continuously ventilated climate chamber at two air exchange rates (1 h-1 and 3 h-1 ) and two initial ozone mixing ratios (30 and 60 ppb). Additional measurements were performed to investigate the effect of intermittent ventilation ("off" followed by "on"). Soiled t-shirts were used to simulate the presence of occupants. A time-of-flight-chemical ionization mass spectrometer (ToF-CIMS) in positive mode using protonated water clusters was used to measure the oxygenated reaction products geranyl acetone, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (6-MHO) and 4-oxopentanal (4-OPA). The measurement data were used in a series of mass balance models accounting for formation and removal processes. Reactions of ozone with squalene occurring on the surface of the t-shirts are mass transport limited; ventilation rate has only a small effect on this surface chemistry. Ozone-squalene reactions on the t-shirts produced gas-phase geranyl acetone, which was subsequently removed almost equally by ventilation and further reaction with ozone. About 70% of gas-phase 6-MHO was produced in surface reactions on the t-shirts, the remainder in secondary gas-phase reactions of ozone with geranyl acetone. 6-MHO was primarily removed by ventilation, while further reaction with ozone was responsible for about a third of its removal. 4-OPA was formed primarily on the surfaces of the shirts (~60%); gas-phase reactions of ozone with geranyl acetone and 6-MHO accounted for ~30% and ~10%, respectively. 4-OPA was removed entirely by ventilation. The results from the intermittent ventilation scenarios showed delayed formation of the reaction products and lower product concentrations compared to continuous ventilation.
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- Tsiligiannis, Epameinondas, et al.
(author)
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A Four Carbon Organonitrate as a Significant Product of Secondary Isoprene Chemistry
- 2022
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In: Geophysical Research Letters. - : American Geophysical Union (AGU). - 0094-8276 .- 1944-8007. ; 49:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Oxidation of isoprene by nitrate radicals (NO3) or by hydroxyl radicals (OH) under high NOx conditions forms a substantial amount of organonitrates (ONs). ONs impact NOx concentrations and consequently ozone formation while also contributing to secondary organic aerosol. Here we show that the ONs with the chemical formula C4H7NO5 are a significant fraction of isoprene-derived ONs, based on chamber experiments and ambient measurements from different sites around the globe. From chamber experiments we found that C4H7NO5 isomers contribute 5%-17% of all measured ONs formed during nighttime and constitute more than 40% of the measured ONs after further daytime oxidation. In ambient measurements C4H7NO5 isomers usually dominate both nighttime and daytime, implying a long residence time compared to C-5 ONs which are removed more rapidly. We propose potential nighttime sources and secondary formation pathways, and test them using a box model with an updated isoprene oxidation scheme.
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- Tsiligiannis, Epameinondas, et al.
(author)
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Effect of NOx on 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) oxidation product distribution and particle formation
- 2019
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In: Atmospheric Chemistry And Physics. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 1680-7316 .- 1680-7324. ; 19:23, s. 15073-15086
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) represents a significant fraction of the tropospheric aerosol and its precursors are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Anthropogenic VOCs (AVOC) dominate the VOC budget in many urban areas with 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) being among the most reactive aromatic AVOCs. TMB formed highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs) in an NOx-free environment, which could contribute to new particle formation (NPF) depending on oxidation conditions where elevated OH oxidation enhanced particle formation. The experiments were performed in an oxidation flow reactor, the Go:PAM unit, under controlled OH oxidation conditions. By addition of NOx to the system we investigated the effect of NOx on particle formation and on the product distribution. We show that the formation of HOMs, and especially HOM accretion products, strongly varies with NOx conditions. We observe a suppression of HOM and particle formation with increasing NOx/ΔTMB ratio and an increase in the formation of organonitrates (ONs) mostly at the expense of HOM accretion products. We propose reaction mechanisms and pathways that explain the formation and observed product distributions with respect to oxidation conditions. We hypothesise that, based on our findings from TMB oxidation studies, aromatic AVOCs may not contribute significantly to NPF under typical NOx/AVOC conditions found in urban atmospheres.
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10. |
- Zhou, L. Y., et al.
(author)
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A transition of atmospheric emissions of particles and gases from on-road heavy-duty trucks
- 2020
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In: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 1680-7316 .- 1680-7324. ; 20:3, s. 1701-1722
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The transition, in extent and characteristics, of atmospheric emissions caused by the modernization of the heavy-duty on-road fleet was studied utilizing roadside measurements. Emissions of particle number (PN), particle mass (PM), black carbon (BC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), particle size distributions, and particle volatility were measured from 556 individual heavy-duty trucks (HDTs). Substantial reductions in PM, BC, NOx, CO, and to a lesser extent PN were observed from Euro III to Euro VI HDTs by 99 %, 98 %, 93 %, and 57% for the average emission factors of PM, BC, NOx, and CO, respectively. Despite significant total reductions in NOx emissions, the fraction of NO2 in the NOx emissions increased continuously from Euro IV to Euro VI HDTs. Larger data scattering was evident for PN emissions in comparison to solid particle number (SPN) for Euro VI HDTs, indicating a highly variable fraction of volatile particle components. Particle size distributions of Euro III to enhanced environmentally friendly vehicle (EEV) HDTs were bimodal, whereas those of Euro VI HDTs were nucleation mode dominated. High emitters disproportionately contributed to a large fraction of the total emissions with the highest-emitting 10% of HDTs in each pollutant category being responsible for 65% of total PM, 70% of total PN, and 44% of total NOx emissions. Euro VI HDTs, which accounted for 53% of total kilometres driven by Swedish HDTs, were estimated to only contribute to 2 %, 6 %, 12 %, and 47% of PM, BC, NOx, and PN emissions, respectively. A shift to a fleet dominated by Euro VI HDTs would promote a transition of atmospheric emissions towards low PM, BC, NOx, and CO levels. Nonetheless, reducing PN, SPN, and NO2 emissions from Euro VI HDTs is still important to improve air quality in urban environments.
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