Article
Environmental Sciences
Sahir Azmi, Mukesh Sharma
Summary: A study has found that controlling anthropogenic emissions can effectively prevent the formation of biogenic secondary organic aerosols (b-SOA). Among the pollutants considered, the control of carbonaceous aerosols and nitrogen oxides (TC and NOx) showed the greatest potential. Residential combustion was found to be the main source of TC emissions, while vehicles and coal-based power plants were the main sources of NOx emissions.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Li Xu, Zhaomin Yang, Narcisse T. Tsona, Xinke Wang, Christian George, Lin Du
Summary: This study found that under dark conditions, the aerosol yield can be significantly enhanced by nitrogen dioxide or sulfur dioxide within a certain ratio range of inorganic gases to biogenic volatile organic compounds, while ammonia showed a slight increase. The nitrogen- and sulfur-containing aerosol components were derived from nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, and sulfur dioxide, with organic nitrates and organosulfates identified in the experiments. These interactions among various compounds during the night could serve as a potential pathway for the formation of particulate nitrogen- and sulfur-containing organics in polluted regions with both anthropogenic and biogenic influences.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brian T. Dinkelacker, Spyros N. Pandis
Summary: Developing a parameterization for biogenic SOA formation as a result of aging using recent laboratory results, the study applied this parameterization in PMCAMx over the eastern United States to simulate summertime conditions. The predictions showed modest increases in predicted domain average biogenic SOA, with alternative parameterization resulting in small increases. Model performance evaluation against measurements showed modest and mixed differences, consistent with the relatively small effect of the proposed parameterization on total organic aerosol levels.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md. Mozammel Haque, Santosh Kumar Verma, Dhananjay K. Deshmukh, Bhagawati Kunwar, Kimitaka Kawamura
Summary: We collected TSP samples from a deciduous forest in Sapporo from January 2010 to December 2010 and used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze biogenic secondary organic aerosols (BSOAs) in the samples. The results showed that isoprene SOA (iSOA) and alpha/beta-pinene SOA (pSOA) were the predominant components in the forest aerosols, with their concentrations varying seasonally.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xinyi Dong, Yaman Liu, Xiao Li, Man Yue, Yawen Liu, Zongwei Ma, Haotian Zheng, Ruqi Huang, Minghuai Wang
Summary: This study used simulations to examine the response of biogenic secondary organic aerosol (BSOA) to anthropogenic emissions in China. The results showed that sulfate (SO4) significantly promoted the formation of BSOA, while high levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) suppressed its production. The study also predicted a slightly increased contribution of BSOA to PM2.5 in the future.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fabian Mahrt, Elli Newman, Yuanzhou Huang, Markus Ammann, Allan K. Bertram
Summary: The research found that internal mixtures of POA and SOA in the atmosphere almost always formed two phases when the O/C ratio of the POA was less than 0.11. When the O/C ratio of the POA was between 0.11 and 0.29, the mixtures mostly resulted in particles with one liquid phase. However, depending on the types of SOA and POA surrogates, two liquid phases were also observed in some cases, and an increase in phase-separated particles was observed when increasing the relative humidity within this O/C range.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing Ding, Qili Dai, Yufen Zhang, Jiao Xu, Yanqi Huangfu, Yinchang Feng
Summary: This study found that air humidity had a significant impact on particulate chemical composition during winter haze episodes in North China Plain, with nitrate being more related to absolute humidity and sulfate being more related to relative humidity. Daytime high water vapor content and solar radiation promoted oxidation of NOx, while nighttime temperature drop favored nitric acid and N2O5 reactions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Li Xu, Lin Du, Narcisse T. Tsona, Maofa Ge
Summary: Anthropogenic emissions significantly impact the formation of biogenic secondary organic aerosol through changes in radical chemistry, gas-particle partitioning, and sulfuric acid formation. Effective pollutant mitigation policies are crucial in reducing the formation of biogenic SOA and improving the overall air quality.
ADVANCES IN ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuanyuan Li, Zhanfang Hou, Yachen Wang, Tonglin Huang, Yanhui Wang, Jiangkai Ma, Xiuna Chen, Aimei Chen, Min Chen, Xiaoting Zhang, Jingjing Meng
Summary: This study investigates the temporal variations and formation processes of biogenic secondary organic aerosol (BSOA) tracers in PM2.5 samples collected at the foot of Mt. Huang in East China during the summer of 2019. The concentrations of BSOA tracers were higher at night than in the daytime, mainly derived from the photo-oxidation of BVOCs and acid-catalyzed aqueous-phase oxidation. Increased humidity and liquid water content at night promoted the higher concentrations of BSOA tracers. Biomass burning from long-range transport also contributed to BSOA formation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaofei Dong, Bin Chen, Akihiro Yamazaki, Guangyu Shi, Ning Tang
Summary: Atmospheric aerosols play a significant role in climate and environment, making the study of aerosol optical properties crucial for understanding climate change and atmospheric conditions. The variations in Beijing's aerosol optical properties were examined based on SKYNET data from March 2016 to December 2019. Higher values of AOD and AE during summer suggest the need to focus on fine particle pollution during this season. Comparisons between SKYNET and AERONET data show consistent monthly variations in aerosol optical depth. The identification of different aerosol modes provides insights into their optical and radiative properties, highlighting the dominance of weakly absorbing aerosols in Beijing's radiation transport. The combination of CALIPSO and SKYNET data further validates the scientific relevance of the findings. The use of the random forest algorithm effectively interpolates missing AOD500nm observations, as confirmed by the fitting with MODIS. This research is of great significance in understanding the impacts of aerosols on climate and the environment and reducing uncertainties in the Earth's radiation budget. It also provides scientific support for pollution prevention and control measures.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Baowen Zhang, Lili Qiao, Huijuan Han, Wenxia Xie, Lingyu Li
Summary: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by plant foliage, influenced by leaf age, have significant effects on ozone (O-3) and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. This study measured the VOCs emissions from leaves of different ages and estimated their potential to form O-3 and SOA. Results showed significant differences in emission rates and compositions of VOCs among leaves of different ages. Young leaves had the highest total VOCs emission rate, while senescent leaves had the lowest. Monoterpenes were the dominant VOCs, with isoprene having the lowest contribution. With increasing leaf age, the proportion of monoterpenes emission increased and sesquiterpenes decreased. The potentials of VOCs to form O-3 and SOA varied significantly among leaves of different ages.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
He Ren, Jane A. Sedlak, Matthew J. Elrod
Summary: This study developed a method to study the reaction of sulfate radicals with various olefinic precursors, accurately controlling dissolved oxygen levels and using isomer-specific NMR to definitively identify and quantify the reaction products. Specific mechanisms for each precursor and a generalized mechanism for predicting sulfate radical reaction pathways were established, showing that carbon backbone fragmentation pathways dominate the mechanism. The observed organosulfate products in field observations of SOA indicate the potential relevance of this mechanism in the atmosphere.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peter Brimblecombe
Summary: Over the past quarter century, Hong Kong's secondary inorganic aerosol has changed, with primary air pollutants decreasing while secondary pollutants show an overall decline. An increase in the NO3-:SO42- ratio is attributed to automotive sources. Insufficient NH3 to neutralize acid from aerosols leaves free acid in the atmosphere.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Min Yao, Yue Zhao, Chongxuan Chang, Shunyao Wang, Ziyue Li, Chenxi Li, Arthur W. H. Chan, Huayun Xiao
Summary: This study investigates the reactions between SO2 and POs in monoterpene-derived secondary organic aerosol. The results show that the reactivity of PO-S(IV) is consistent with pure SOA when the particles are phase-separated, but varies substantially when the organic and inorganic phases are miscible. The measured kinetics suggest that the PO-S(IV) reaction is an important sulfate formation pathway in aerosols, with the reaction kinetics dominated by general acid catalysis.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shaojun Lv, Can Wu, Fanglin Wang, Xiaodi Liu, Si Zhang, Yubao Chen, Fan Zhang, Yi Yang, Hongli Wang, Cheng Huang, Qingyan Fu, Yusen Duan, Gehui Wang
Summary: We conducted simultaneous measurements of gaseous and particulate WSOCs in Shanghai during the summer of 2020 to understand the gas-to-particle-phase partitioning process. The results showed that WSOCs had higher partitioning coefficients during nitrate-dominated episodes compared to sulfate-dominated episodes. The efficiency of gas-to-particle-phase partitioning of atmospheric WSOCs in China has increased in the past 20 years due to the increasing abundance of nitrate relative to sulfate.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Manpreet Takhar, Yunchun Li, Jenna C. Ditto, Arthur W. H. Chan
Summary: Cooking emissions, especially aldehyde species, contribute significantly to urban volatile organic compounds and organic aerosol. This study investigates the formation mechanisms of aldehydes from heated cooking oil emissions, focusing on the role of antioxidants and oil composition in modulating oxidation chemistry. The results demonstrate that gaseous emissions are driven by radical-mediated autoxidation reactions, and the composition of cooking oils strongly influences the reaction mechanisms. Antioxidants have a dual effect on aldehyde emissions depending on the rates of radical propagation reactions. A mechanistic framework is proposed for understanding and predicting cooking emissions under different cooking conditions. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the rates and mechanisms of autoxidation and other reactions in cooking oils for accurately predicting gas and particle emissions from food cooking in urban atmospheres.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Madeline E. Cooke, N. Cazimir Armstrong, Ziying Lei, Yuzhi Chen, Cara M. Waters, Yue Zhang, Nicolas A. Buchenau, Monica Q. Dibley, Isabel R. Ledsky, Tessa Szalkowski, Jamy Y. Lee, Karsten Baumann, Zhenfa Zhang, William Vizuete, Avram Gold, Jason D. Surratt, Andrew P. Ault
Summary: Oxidation of isoprene, the highest globally emitted biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC), is a significant source of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in the atmosphere. The formation of particulate organosulfates from acid-driven reactions of isoprene epoxydiol (IEPDX) isomers contributes to SOA mass. While most studies have focused on organosulfate formation on ammonium sulfate particles, recent research has shown that sea spray aerosol (SSA) in the accumulation mode undergoes further reactions with sulfuric acid to form sodium sulfate. This study demonstrates that significant SOA, including organosulfates, can also form on acidic sodium sulfate particles via laboratory experiments, suggesting that aged SSA may be an underappreciated source of SOA and organosulfates in marine environments.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Samantha M. Kruse, Jonathan H. Slade
Summary: Plastics in the ocean can transfer to the atmosphere in sea spray aerosol. Bisphenol-A (BPA), a hazardous chemical residue commonly found in consumer plastics, has been consistently measured in both terrestrial and marine air. The degradation of BPA through photochemical and heterogeneous oxidation processes in aerosols is influenced by photosensitizers and reactive chlorinespecies.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Chris C. Lim, Jeonggyo Yoon, Kelly Reynolds, Lynn B. Gerald, Andrew P. Ault, Seulkee Kleo, Michelle L. Bell
Summary: Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing globally, and the relationship between HAB aerosols and human health remains unclear. This review synthesizes current knowledge and identifies gaps in understanding this relationship. Some HAB aerosols have been linked to respiratory outcomes, but direct measurements of aerosol or toxin concentrations are lacking, and epidemiological studies are limited. Further research is needed to explore the health effects of other HAB species, dose-response relationships, effects of concurrent exposures, the impact of long-term exposures, and disparities in vulnerable populations.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zilin Zhou, Leigh R. Crilley, Jenna C. Ditto, Trevor C. Vandenboer, Jonathan P. D. Abbatt
Summary: Unsaturated triglycerides found in food and skin oils are reactive in ambient air, but their chemical fate in genuine indoor environments is not well understood. This study monitored the aging of oil coatings on glass surfaces and found that ozonolysis is the dominant degradation pathway for oil films in both commercial and office settings. Indoor photooxidation was found to accelerate radical formation on surfaces. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) observed may induce oxidative stress in human bodies and further investigation of their toxicological properties is warranted.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Michael F. Link, Jienan Li, Jenna C. Ditto, Han Huynh, Jie Yu, Stephen M. Zimmerman, Katelyn L. Rediger, Andrew Shore, Jonathan P. D. Abbatt, Lauren A. Garofalo, Delphine K. Farmer, Dustin Poppendieck
Summary: Energy-efficient residential building standards require mechanical ventilation systems, but outdoor pollution can enter indoor spaces and impact indoor air chemistry. The study found that NO pollutants can neutralize ozone and inhibit the production of NO3, which affects the oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Adam W. Cooper, Mickey M. Rogers, Kara J. Wiggin, Jonathan H. Slade
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fobang Liu, Taekyu Joo, Jenna C. Ditto, Maria G. Saavedra, Masayuki Takeuchi, Alexandra J. Boris, Yuhan Yang, Rodney J. Weber, Ann M. Dillner, Drew R. Gentner, Nga L. Ng
Summary: Exposure to PM2.5 is associated with millions of premature deaths annually. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through oxidative stress is a possible mechanism for PM2.5-induced health effects. In this study, the authors found that oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA), particularly more-oxidized OOA, is the main type of organic aerosol associated with cellular ROS production. They also identified highly unsaturated species with carbon-oxygen double bonds and aromatic rings in OOA as major contributors to cellular ROS production. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the sources and chemical characteristics of ambient OA in formulating strategies to mitigate the health impacts of PM2.5.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Javier Gonzalez-Rocha, Landon Bilyeu, Shane D. Ross, Hosein Foroutan, Stephen J. Jacquemin, Andrew P. Ault, David G. Schmale
Summary: New wind sensing technologies using model-based multirotor sUAS have been applied to measure atmospheric flow variations in aquatic environments. Flights conducted at Grand Lake St. Marys (GLSM) and calibration flights in Blacksburg demonstrated accurate wind estimates, with increasing differences in onshore and offshore wind speeds at GLSM throughout the day. These findings support further development of multirotor sUAS capabilities for resolving atmospheric flows in aquatic environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-ATMOSPHERES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Nicole E. Olson, Katie L. Boaggio, R. Byron Rice, Kristen M. Foley, Stephen D. LeDuc
Summary: Wildfire activity is increasing in the continental U.S. due to climate change, causing rising temperatures and more frequent drought conditions. This has led to increased wildfire emissions and frequency, which impact human health and ecosystems. The study found that smoke from wildfires contains elevated levels of nutrients, which can contribute to downwind algal blooms in lakes and have implications for drinking water reservoirs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jenna C. Ditto, Leigh R. Crilley, Melodie Lao, Trevor C. VandenBoer, Jonathan P. D. Abbatt, Arthur W. H. Chan
Summary: Gas and particulate emissions from commercial kitchens significantly impact urban air quality. This study analyzed volatile organic compounds and particulate matter concentrations in a well-ventilated commercial kitchen during cooking and cleaning operations. The results showed that cooking emissions primarily consist of oxygenated compounds from cooking oil degradation. The high ventilation rate effectively reduces exposure to gas-phase chemicals, but exposure to particulate matter and chlorinated gases increases during evening cleaning. This highlights the importance of careful consideration of ventilation rates and methods in commercial kitchen environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haley M. Royer, Mira L. Poehlker, Ovid Krueger, Edmund Blades, Peter Sealy, Nurun Nahar Lata, Zezhen Cheng, Swarup China, Andrew P. Ault, Patricia K. Quinn, Paquita Zuidema, Christopher Poehlker, Ulrich Poeschl, Meinrat Andreae, Cassandra J. Gaston
Summary: By comparing multiple observational campaigns from January to February 2020, this study reveals the importance of African smoke for atmospheric processes and cloud formation over the Caribbean.
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
JessicaA. Mirrielees, Rachel M. Kirpes, Savannah M. Haas, Carlton D. Rauschenberg, Patricia A. Matrai, Allison Remenapp, Vanessa L. Boschi, Amanda M. Grannas, Kerri A. Pratt, Andrew P. Ault
Summary: This study investigates the chemical composition of sea spray aerosol (SSA) generated in coastal regions using an integrated analytical measurement approach. The findings reveal the diverse chemical composition and morphology of SSA particles. These findings are significant for accurately parameterizing the direct and indirect aerosol effects, as well as understanding the impacts of SSA in estuaries, river outflows, and areas of snow and ice melt.
ACS MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AU
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qianjie Chen, Jessica A. Mirrielees, Sham Thanekar, Nicole A. Loeb, Rachel M. Kirpes, Lucia M. Upchurch, Anna J. Barget, Nurun Nahar Lata, Angela R. W. Raso, Stephen M. McNamara, Swarup China, Patricia K. Quinn, Andrew P. Ault, Aaron Kennedy, Paul B. Shepson, Jose D. Fuentes, Kerri A. Pratt
Summary: Sea salt aerosols have a significant impact on the radiation budget and atmospheric composition in the rapidly changing Arctic. This study found that both open leads in Arctic sea ice and blowing snow contribute to the production of sea salt aerosols. Blowing snow conditions led to an increase in aerosol particle concentrations and changes in size distribution.
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Landon Bilyeu, Bryan Bloomfield, Regina Hanlon, Javier Gonzalez-Rocha, Stephen J. Jacquemin, Andrew P. Ault, Johnna A. Birbeck, Judy A. Westrick, Hosein Foroutan, Shane D. Ross, Craig W. Powers, David G. Schmale
Summary: Little is known about the transport and fate of aerosolized particles associated with harmful algal blooms (HABs). An Airborne DROne Particle-monitoring System (AirDROPS) was developed and used to monitor, collect, and characterize airborne particles over two HABs in Grand Lake St Marys (GLSM) and Lake Erie (LE), Ohio USA in August 2019. The AirDROPS consisted of an impinging device (ID) and an optical particle counter (OPC) mounted on a large commercial quadcopter (DJI Inspire 2). The sensor package was mounted above the airframe to limit the effects of propeller downwash that can corrupt measurements taken below the drone. Nineteen flights were conducted 10 m above water level (AWL) at GLSM, and five flights were conducted 10 m AWL at LE. The sampling height was chosen to minimize the effects of propwash on aerosolization from the lake surface. One intercomparison flight was conducted at GLSM over land adjacent to a sonic anemometer mounted on the top of a flagpole 15 m above ground level (AGL). Particle counts generally decreased from morning to afternoon flights, ranging from >4000 in the morning to <1000 later in the day. Decreased particle counts were associated with an increase in windspeed that corresponded with time of day, ranging from >4000 below 4 m s(-1) to <2500 above 4 m s(-1). Flow cytometry was used to image particles trapped in a liquid impinger onboard the AirDROPS. Sixty percent (15/25) of the impinger samples contained at least one biotic (fluorescent) object. Impinger samples were also analyzed for a suite of potential cyanotoxins using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), but no cyanotoxins were detected in any of these air samples (water samples collected during a similar time contained greater than 20 mu g L-1 microcystins). Additional work is needed to understand the environmental factors associated with the potential aerosolization and transport of cyanobacterial cells and toxins in aquatic environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-ATMOSPHERES
(2022)