Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenqiang Zhang, Songjie Han, Dianwei Zhang, Baoqing Shan, Dongyang Wei
Summary: Coastal areas are crucial for biodiversity conservation, and maintaining good water quality is vital for this function. A study in China's coastal seas analyzed data from 2011 to 2020 and found an upward trend in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, attributed to a reduction in terrestrial anthropogenic pollutant (TAP) input. The East China Sea had lower DO content due to higher TAP input, with over 60% of the total DO being <5 mg L-1. Different species of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and macrobenthos responded differently to changes in DO, with phytoplankton species numbers showing the strongest correlation. A better DO environment was found to contribute to increased density of macrobenthos. The study highlights the importance of maintaining good DO levels and controlling TAP input for coastal ecosystem health.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huijun Zheng, Xin Wan, Shichang Kang, Pengfei Chen, Quanlian Li, Linda Maharjan, Junming Guo
Summary: Organic aerosols have significant impacts on the Tibetan Plateau, a region highly sensitive to climate change. Studying the concentration and sources of organic molecular tracers, it was found that biomass burning plays a major role in non-monsoon seasons, with significant impacts from South Asian biomass burning in the western, southern, and southeastern regions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Ruoyang Zhang, Jing Qiao, Dekun Huang, Xihuang Lin, Li Tian, Baiyun Wang, Hongyan Bao, Shuh-Ji Kao
Summary: Aerosols are an important source of dissolved black carbon (DBC) in the ocean, and the impact of anthropogenic activities on the seasonal variations of aerosol DBC concentration and condensation degree remains unclear. In this study, we collected 33 aerosol samples from a coastal site in China and analyzed the concentrations of DBC, water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), and elemental carbon (EC). Our results showed that DBC concentrations were higher in spring and winter, influenced by sources, rainfall frequency, and secondary processes. The dominant source of DBC was fossil fuel (FF) burning, with enhanced contribution from biomass burning brought by East Asian Monsoon.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-ATMOSPHERES
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Zhaohui Zhang, Huabo Yao, Bin Wu, Bin Wang, Jianfang Chen
Summary: The Yangtze River carries high loads of suspended particulate matter and phosphorus into the estuary, but primary production in coastal seas is limited by phosphorus. The release of exchangeable inorganic phosphorus (Ex-iP) from suspended particulate matter is affected by salinity, with high salinity increasing the efficiency of release. However, the contribution of Ex-iP from suspended particulate matter declines rapidly with decreasing concentrations, impacting the capacity to carry bioavailable phosphorus to coastal seas.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang Zhang, Meiyu Shi, Jihong Chen, Shanshan Fu, Huizhen Wang
Summary: This study used a Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model to analyze the influences of meteorological and socioeconomic factors on the NO2 Vertical Column Concentrations (VCDs) in coastal ports of China from 2015 to 2021, based on OMI satellite data. The results showed that most ports have experienced a decrease in NO2 VCD since 2016, and the ports with serious NO2 pollution are mainly located in northern China. The associations between NO2 VCD levels and their drivers exhibited significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Wind speed and relative humidity were found to be more helpful in alleviating NO2 pollution in ports of the Bohai Rim and the Pearl River Delta. Cargo throughput was closely associated with NO2 pollution in Beibu Gulf in recent years, but no significant association was found for Shanghai ports. The positive relationship between transportation emissions and NO2 VCD was more significant in southern ports. This study provides implications for the formulation of targeted emission reduction policies for different ports along the Chinese coast.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
LiYuan Chen, WeiJian Liu, Shu Tao, WenXin Liu
Summary: In the coastal cities of the Bohai and Yellow Seas, gaseous and particulate NPAHs and OPAHs were mainly present in the gaseous phase, with contributions from traffic exhaust, combustion of solid fuels, and secondary formation. The air concentrations of NPAHs and OPAHs were significantly lower in spring and summer, while higher in winter.
Article
Ecology
Lichao Wang, Liqun Xing, Xiankun Wu, Jie Sun, Ming Kong
Summary: Rapid industrialization and urbanization in China have led to significant air pollution issues, with PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations decreasing while O-3 concentrations remain relatively stable. The pollutants exhibit different seasonal and diurnal variations, with O-3 peaking in spring and summer, and PM10 and PM2.5 peaking in spring and winter.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Chen Zhao, Yuping Zhou, Yuntao Wang, Wei Huang, Penghui Li, Chen He, Quan Shi, Yuanbi Yi, Ding He
Summary: This study investigates the spatiotemporal chemistry of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in Xiangshan Bay, southeastern China, using various analytical methods. Results show that DOM chemistry exhibits significant seasonal variations, mainly influenced by primary productivity. Additionally, anthropogenic inputs have a substantial contribution to coastal bays in China, and decreasing nutrient inputs may enhance their long-term carbon sequestration functions.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Xin-Chu Wang, Fu-Jun Yue, Si-Liang Li, Xiao-Zheng Li, Yun-Chao Lang, Jian Hu, Hu Ding, Cong-Qiang Liu
Summary: Coastal zones are ecologically and environmentally significant. This study analyzed water samples from various sources in the Tianjin coastal zone to understand the spatial variations and key influencing factors of the nitrogen geochemical cycle. The results show that weathering dominates upstream water properties, while seawater intrusion determines downstream and midstream water chemical components. Dam regulation, evaporation, and precipitation also affect water chemical components, but to a lesser extent.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Baichuan Jin, Zuhong Lin, Weiyi Liu, Yong Xiao, Yuan Meng, Xiaolong Yao, Tingting Zhang
Summary: This study focused on the composition, spatiotemporal changes, and primary sources of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the North Canal River watershed using excitation-emission matrix (EEM) and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). The findings showed that the composition of DOM is closely related to water quality indicators, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. Seasonal and spatial variations were observed in the intensity and relative concentration of DOM components, with human-derived point sources and agricultural non-point sources identified as chief contributors in the main channel. The research results could provide valuable insights for water quality monitoring and pollution control efforts in the North Canal River watershed.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuezhi Cao, Bingbing Wang, Xinxin Liu, Jichun Cheng, Shiliang Wang
Summary: Investigation of the occurrence and behavior of OPEs in water and sediment of coastal tourist resorts in the Shandong Peninsula in China was conducted. The study revealed the concentrations, spatial variations, and potential ecological risks of 12 targeted OPEs. The results indicated the presence of OPEs in the water and sediment, with sewage treatment plants and industrial emissions being possible sources. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing the existence of OPEs and the safety of aquatic environments near coastal tourist resorts.
Article
Limnology
Hongyan Bao, Jutta Niggemann, Moge Du, Weiqiang Zhao, Dekun Huang, Yuanbi Yi, Jin-Yu Terence Yang, Thorsten Dittmar, Shuh-Ji Kao
Summary: Dissolved black carbon (DBC) is a major organic carbon pool in the ocean, but its sources and processing in coastal seas are poorly understood. A study in the East China Sea and South Yellow Sea found that mixing processes primarily control the concentration and composition of DBC. Riverine input and offshore water contributed 22% and 63% of DBC, respectively, in the study region. Atmospheric deposition and other unknown sources also contributed at least 15% of DBC.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yuyu Zhai, Haiyan Fang
Summary: In this study, the spatiotemporal FT erosion risk in the black soil region of northeastern China was evaluated using 30-year data from 247 meteorological stations. The slope was found to be the most important variable, followed by annual FT cycle days, fraction vegetation coverage, and soil structural stability. FT erosion risk differed among different land use types, with woodland, residential land, and grassland experiencing severe risk while paddy and dryland faced slight risk. Global warming was found to have mitigated the FT erosion risk over the past 30 years.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tianrui Zhang, Shuang Wu, Xiantao Fang, Zhaoqiang Han, Shuqing Li, Jinyang Wang, Shuwei Liu, Jianwen Zou
Summary: Inland freshwater ecosystems, particularly agricultural irrigation watersheds, play a significant role in the global methane budget. Despite this, the large-scale spatial variations of methane concentrations and fluxes in these areas remain poorly understood. This study examined the variations of dissolved methane concentrations and fluxes in different freshwater types within an agricultural irrigation watershed in Eastern China. The results showed that the concentrations and fluxes of methane exhibited similar temporal variations among the freshwater types, with the highest rates occurring in summer and the lowest rates in winter. The study also highlighted the importance of water velocity, wind speed, and water quality parameters in explaining the spatial variability of methane concentrations and fluxes.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Begona Perez Gomez, Ivica Vilibic, Jadranka Sepic, Iva Medugorac, Matjaz Licer, Laurent Testut, Claire Fraboul, Marta Marcos, Hassen Abdellaoui, Enrique Alvarez Fanjul, Darko Barbalic, Benjamin Casas, Antonio Castano-Tierno, Srdan Cupic, Aldo Drago, Maria Angeles Fraile, Daniele A. Galliano, Adam Gauci, Branislav Gloginja, Victor Martin Guijarro, Maja Jeromel, Marcos Larrad Revuelto, Ayah Lazar, Ibrahim Haktan Keskin, Igor Medvedev, Abdelkader Menassri, Mohamed Aissa Meslem, Hrvoje Mihanovic, Sara Morucci, Dragos Niculescu, Jose Manuel Quijano de Benito, Josep Pascual, Atanas Palazov, Marco Picone, Fabio Raicich, Mohamed Said, Jordi Salat, Erdinc Sezen, Mehmet Simav, Georgios Sylaios, Elena Tel, Joaquin Tintore, Klodian Zaimi, George Zodiatis
Summary: This paper maps the coastal sea level monitoring infrastructures and data availability in the Mediterranean and Black seas. The survey includes a description of major monitoring networks, data characteristics, and the existence of ancillary measurements. It also highlights the need for harmonization of data in different repositories. An assessment of the networks' capabilities for different sea level applications is provided as well as recommendations for further development.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zilan Wu, Tian Lin, Limin Hu, Tianfeng Guo, Zhigang Guo
Summary: The study revealed that different controlling factors affect the distribution of PAHs in sediment and porewater. Higher levels of PAHs were found in shallow sediment, while in deeper sediment, PAHs were mainly present in porewater. The diffusion of PAHs in porewater was found to be closely related to the organic carbon content of the bottom sediment.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
H. M. Yu, T. Lin, T. F. Guo, X. Sun, Y. B. Cao, L. Duan, X. S. Sun, Z. G. Guo
Summary: Continental marginal seas are important reservoirs of anthropogenic pollutants, but the understanding of air-sea exchange dynamics of PCBs in these seas is limited. This study collected samples and examined the PCB concentrations, finding that PCBs are more volatile in winter and less volatile in summer when the Taiwan Warm Current dominates. The results also indicate that the decrease in land-based input has shifted the air-sea exchange pattern of PCBs from concentration-dominated to parameter-controlled.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-ATMOSPHERES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiao Wang, Jun Li, Chongguo Tian, Zheng Zong, Qilu Liu, Hongxing Jiang, Tingting Li, Jing Li, Haoyu Jiang, Shizhen Zhao, Gan Zhang
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using quartz wool disk passive air samplers to identify and quantify nitrate concentrations and their isotopic compositions. The results show that nitrate concentration is largely influenced by regional economic development, while the regional distribution of nitrate isotopes is affected by source changes. Coal combustion and mobile sources contribute significantly to nitrate in urban areas, while biomass burning and biogenic soil emissions are more important in regions with high natural productivity and intensive agricultural activities.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zixi Chen, Chenglei Pei, Junwen Liu, Xiangyun Zhang, Ping Ding, Lan Dang, Zheng Zong, Fan Jiang, Lili Wu, Xi Sun, Shengzhen Zhou, Yanlin Zhang, Zhisheng Zhang, Junyu Zheng, Chongguo Tian, Jun Li, Gan Zhang
Summary: Ammonia is a prevalent alkaline gas in the atmosphere and plays a critical role in air pollution and public health. The debate over whether agricultural emissions dominate NH3 in urban atmosphere in China remains, and this study suggests that non-agricultural sources may dominate urban NH3 emissions in Guangzhou and possibly adjacent cities. The current emission inventory may need to be revised based on these findings.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongxing Jiang, Jiao Tang, Jun Li, Shizhen Zhao, Yangzhi Mo, Chongguo Tian, Xiangyun Zhang, Bin Jiang, Yuhong Liao, Yingjun Chen, Gan Zhang
Summary: Excitation emission matrix (EEM) spectra coupled with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) have been used to characterize brown carbon (BrC). The molecular composition of PARAFAC components is not well understood in atmospheric science, which has impeded the accurate interpretation of the chemical changes and source apportionment of BrC using EEM-PARAFAC methods. Through Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), numerous formulas were assigned to each PARAFAC-derived fluorescent component (FC) in atmospheric PM2.5 samples, revealing differences in molecular characteristics and sources between atmospheric and hydrospheric FCs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Tao Huang, Jianmin Ma, Shijie Song, Zaili Ling, Robie W. Macdonald, Hong Gao, Shu Tao, Huizhong Shen, Yuan Zhao, Xinrui Liu, Chongguo Tian, Yifan Li, Hongliang Jia, Lulu Lian, Xiaoxuan Mao
Summary: The Green Revolution has contributed significantly to the social and economic development of less developed countries by increasing crop yields. However, it has also led to the burning of crop residues, resulting in adverse environmental and health consequences. This study evaluates the impact of crop residue burning on the pollution of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a highly carcinogenic compound, and finds a significant increase in BaP emission and contamination in India during the period of the Green Revolution. The study suggests that reducing open crop residue burning during specific periods can effectively reduce BaP contamination and associated health risks.
NPJ CLIMATE AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiao Wang, Jun Li, Xiangyun Zhang, Zhineng Cheng, Haoyu Jiang, Hongxing Jiang, Boji Lin, Sanyuan Zhu, Shizhen Zhao, Junwen Liu, Chongguo Tian, Ruijie Zhang, Gan Zhang
Summary: A new method for measuring the concentrations of black carbon (BC) and its radiocarbon isotope (C-14) using quartz wool disk passive air samplers (Pas-QW) was developed in this study. The method was calibrated at two sampling sites and found to be reproducible with low coefficients of variation. Passive sampling conducted at multiple sites in the Indo-China Peninsula showed high BC concentrations and a dominance of biomass burning emissions.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haoyu Jiang, Jun Li, Jiaqi Wang, Hongxing Jiang, Yangzhi Mo, Jiao Tang, Ruijie Zhang, Wanwisa Pansak, Guangcai Zhong, Shizhen Zhao, Jicai Ning, Chongguo Tian, Gan Zhang
Summary: This study deployed PUF-PASs to monitor atmospheric monosaccharides and biomass burning-related biomarkers in the ICP and Southwest China, revealing fluctuations in BB emissions concentrations before and after the monsoon season. The importance of resolving MODIS unresolved fires for accurately estimating regional atmospheric pollutants was emphasized.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jingqian Xie, Gaoxin Zhang, Qiang Wu, Min Luo, Duofu Chen, Yu Zhang, Lisheng He, Yingming Li, Qinghua Zhang, Tian Lin, Guibin Jiang
Summary: This study analyzed the concentrations, influencing factors, and potential sources of PBDEs and NBFRs in hadal sediments and amphipods from the Mariana, Mussau, and New Britain trenches. The dominant PBDEs congener was BDE 209, and the dominant NBFRs was DBDPE. There was no significant correlation between TOC contents and PBDEs or NBFRs levels in sediment. The lipid content and body length were important factors affecting pollutant concentrations in amphipods, while the pollution levels of viscera were mainly influenced by sex and lipid content. PBDEs and NBFRs might reach trench surface seawater through long-range atmospheric transport and oceans currents but with little contribution from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Determination of carbon and nitrogen isotopes indicated that the pollutants were transported and accumulated in amphipods and sediment via different pathways. This study provides new insights into the influencing factors and sources of PBDEs and NBFRs in the deepest oceans.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaofei Geng, Jordahna Haig, Boji Lin, Chongguo Tian, Sanyuan Zhu, Zhineng Cheng, Yupeng Yuan, Yan Zhang, Junyi Liu, Mei Zheng, Jun Li, Guangcai Zhong, Shizhen Zhao, Michael Ian Bird, Gan Zhang
Summary: Using dual-carbon isotope technology, we identified six isotopic provinces of aerosol black carbon (BC) in a large oceanic region, each with distinct sources. This is essential for understanding extreme climate events and oceanic carbon cycling.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zheng Zong, Tao Wang, Jiajue Chai, Yue Tan, Pengfei Liu, Chongguo Tian, Jun Li, Yunting Fang, Gan Zhang
Summary: This study developed a novel method using stable nitrogen and oxygen isotopes to identify the sources and formation processes of HONO in an urban area. The results showed that secondary formation, particularly the NO2 heterogeneous reaction, was the dominant process contributing to HONO formation during both day and night. Bayesian simulation demonstrated the contributions of coal combustion, biomass burning, vehicle exhaust, and soil emissions to HONO.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jingqian Xie, Qiang Wu, Ling Tao, Feng Wu, Shuyi Tu, Duofu Chen, Tian Lin, Tiejun Li
Summary: Tuna and billfish, widely distributed in oceans worldwide, depend on the proper balance of essential and non-essential elements for their survival. A comprehensive evaluation of the elements in the livers of these fishes was conducted, revealing similar orders of magnitude for essential and non-essential elements. Physicochemical properties and behaviors contributed to the categorization of these elements into four distinct clusters. The distribution pattern of the elements also indicated the presence of four sample groups based on regions and categories. Fish category was found to be the most influential factor, with certain elements being influenced by body size, trophic level, feeding habits, and sampling regions.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fan Jiang, Junwen Liu, Zhineng Cheng, Ping Ding, Sanyuan Zhu, Xin Yuan, Wei Chen, Zhisheng Zhang, Zheng Zong, Chongguo Tian, Weiwei Hu, Junyu Zheng, Soenke Szidat, Jun Li, Gan Zhang
Summary: This study used a combination of dual-carbon isotopes and macro tracers in the PRDAIO campaign in Guangzhou, China to investigate the sources and behaviors of organic carbon aerosol (OC) in the atmospheric environment. The results showed that non-fossil sources such as biomass burning activities and biogenic emissions accounted for a significant portion of OC. The study also found that non-fossil secondary OC was the largest contributor to OC, followed by fossil secondary OC, fossil primary OC, biomass burning OC, and cooking OC. Additionally, the study explored the impact of aging processes on OC and found that atmospheric aging was highly sensitive to the emission sources of seed OC particles.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiangyun Zhang, Jun Li, Sanyuan Zhu, Junwen Liu, Ping Ding, Shutao Gao, Chongguo Tian, Yingjun Chen, Ping'an Peng, Gan Zhang
Summary: The accurate identification of elemental carbon (EC) sources in aerosol based on radiocarbon (C-14) depends on the method of EC isolation. The lack of aerosol EC reference materials makes it impossible to evaluate the accuracy of various methods for the analysis of C-14-EC in aerosols. In this study, different EC isolation methods were evaluated using biomass burning, vehicle exhaust, and coal combustion samples, and the results showed that the hydropyrolysis (Hypy) method was a more effective and stable approach for the matrix-independent C-14 quantification of EC in aerosols.
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Li, Jun Li, Zeyu Sun, Hongxing Jiang, Chongguo Tian, Gan Zhang
Summary: Due to anthropogenic activities, the release of reactive nitrogen (Nr) has significantly changed the sources of atmospheric nitrogen aerosol. This study measured the concentrations and stable isotopes (d(15)N) of NH4+ and NO3- in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in a subtropical megacity in South China to understand their levels, sources, and environmental fate. The results showed that NH4+ and NO3- were essential components of atmospheric nitrogen aerosol, with N-NH4+ and N-NO3- contributing 45.8% and 23.2% to total nitrogen (TN), respectively. The dominant sources for NH4+ and NO3- were anthropogenic combustion activities, such as coal combustion, biomass burning, and vehicles, contributing 63.2% and 88.3%, respectively. Overall, this study highlights the significant impact of human activities on inorganic Nr and emphasizes the importance of adopting clean energy and efficient biomass use to reduce nitrogen emissions and mitigate air pollution.
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)