Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Qin Ren, Jie Wei, Yuan Yuan Ji, Zhen Hai Wu, Fang Bi, Rui Gao, Xue Zhong Wang, Hong Li
Summary: The study shows that primary emission and secondary formation have significant impacts on the organic compositions of fine aerosols in summer Beijing. Coal combustion is an important source of OC during polluted period, while biomass burning is the main contributor during clean period. The study also highlights the importance of atmospheric oxidants and particle acidity in the formation of secondary organic carbon during high pollution periods in Beijing.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Long Jia, YongFu Xu, MinZheng Duan
Summary: Aerosol particles have significant effects on local environment and global climate. The mechanism of explosive growth of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) during severe haze events is unclear. Through chamber experiments and kinetic model simulations, this study revealed the microphysical mechanism for explosive organic aerosol formation. The condensation of gas-phase organics and the interaction between aerosol and fog were found to contribute to the explosive growth of SOA. The co-condensation of organic vapors with water should not be overlooked as it can significantly underestimate SOA and liquid water content in 3D models.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
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
Jie Li, Zhiwei Han, Yele Sun, Jiawei Li, Lin Liang
Summary: A regional air quality model system was developed to investigate the chemical pathways for secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in winter. The model showed significant improvement in simulating SOA by including primary S/IVOCs and aqueous reactions, with different volatile organic compounds contributing variably to SOA formation.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weiqi Xu, Wei Zhou, Zhijie Li, Qingqing Wang, Aodong Du, Bo You, Lu Qi, Andre S. H. Prevot, Junji Cao, Zifa Wang, Jiang Zhu, Yele Sun
Summary: The reductions in traffic-related emissions and fossil fuel-related organic aerosols during the 2021 Chinese New Year in Beijing were smaller than previous years, while the concentrations of secondary aerosol species increased due to a severe haze episode. The composition of organic aerosols also changed, with an increase in oxidized primary aerosols and a decrease in aqueous-phase secondary aerosols.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ying Yu, Hui Wang, Tiantian Wang, Kai Song, Tianyi Tan, Zichao Wan, Yaqin Gao, Huabin Dong, Shiyi Chen, Limin Zeng, Min Hu, Hongli Wang, Shengrong Lou, Wenfei Zhu, Song Guo
Summary: The study in Yangtze River Delta region indicates the significant impact of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation, with a good correlation between secondary organic carbon (SOC) and odd oxygen (Ox) showing the important role of photochemical reactions in SOA formation.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ying Yu, Song Guo, Hui Wang, Ruizhe Shen, Wenfei Zhu, Rui Tan, Kai Song, Zirui Zhang, Shuangde Li, Yunfa Chen, Min Hu
Summary: This study investigates the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from Chinese domestic cooking emissions using a Gothenburg potential aerosol mass reactor. It found that factors such as the types of volatile organic compounds and semivolatile/intermediate-volatility organic compounds, as well as cooking styles, have a greater impact on SOA formation from cooking emissions than the cooking materials themselves. Additionally, comprehensive characterization of semivolatile/intermediate-volatility organic compounds is urgently needed for a better understanding of SOA formation from cooking emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. Indira Murugachandran, Jackson Tang, Isabel Pena, Donatella Loru, M. Eugenia Sanz
Summary: Limonene effectively interacts with water to form various complexes, with water preferentially binding to the endocyclic double bond of limonene. These findings enrich our understanding of the interactions of limonene in the atmosphere.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mackenzie B. Humes, Jo E. Machesky, Sunhye Kim, Oladayo J. Oladeji, Drew R. Gentner, Neil M. Donahue, Albert A. Presto
Summary: Asphalt, commonly found in cities, can emit primary and secondary organic aerosols. The emission rate and composition depend on temperature, and emissions have been observed at both application temperatures and warm surface temperatures. Primary organic aerosols only form at application temperature, while secondary organic aerosols form under both conditions. Both types of aerosols are semi-volatile. Passive asphalt heating can also lead to the formation of secondary organic aerosols, making it a potential long-term source of summertime aerosols in urban environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Na Rae Choi, Yun Gyong Ahn, Ji Yi Lee, Eunhye Kim, Soontae Kim, Seung Myung Park, In Ho Song, Hye Jung Shin, Yong Pyo Kim
Summary: The study identified seven nitrosamines and three nitramines in PM2.5 collected in Seoul, South Korea, with NDMA and DMN being the most prominent. Atmospheric reactions contributed more to NDMA concentrations than to DMN, especially in winter with high NO(2) levels. Emissions played a significant role in NDMA and DMN concentrations in spring, summer, and autumn.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Zhenhao Ling, Liqing Wu, Yonghong Wang, Min Shao, Xuemei Wang, Weiwen Huang
Summary: SOA is an important component of PM2.5 in the atmosphere, but its simulations are currently unsatisfactory. This study reviews simulation models and emission inventories related to S/IVOCs and suggests future research directions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mackenzie B. Humes, Mingyi Wang, Sunhye Kim, Jo E. Machesky, Drew R. Gentner, Allen L. Robinson, Neil M. Donahue, Albert A. Presto
Summary: The study finds that aromatic compounds are the main contributors to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from volatile chemical products (VCPs), while ether and ester functional groups hinder the autoxidation process. Therefore, reducing the use of oxygenated aromatic compounds in VCPs may help decrease the generation of SOA in urban areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Long Jia, YongFu Xu
Summary: The study developed a novel CSVA model to simulate the gas-phase and particle-phase reactions of SOA as well as the evolution of particle size distribution.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
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
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Yujin J. Oak, Rokjin J. Park, Duseong S. Jo, Alma Hodzic, Jose L. Jimenez, Pedro Campuzano-Jost, Benjamin A. Nault, Hwajin Kim, Hyeonmin Kim, Eunjo S. Ha, Chang-Keun Song, Seung-Muk Yi, Glenn S. Diskin, Andrew J. Weinheimer, Donald R. Blake, Armin Wisthaler, Mihee Shim, Yoonmi Shin
Summary: This study investigates the characteristics and formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) in Seoul using airborne and ground observations, as well as a global chemical transport model. The study compares different SOA schemes in the model and evaluates their performance by comparing simulations with observations. The results show that the inclusion of semi/intermediate volatile precursors and chemical aging is important for simulating surface SOA concentrations in Seoul.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN MODELING EARTH SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zachari A. Pond, Carlos S. Hernandez, Peter J. Adams, Spyros N. Pandis, George R. Garcia, Allen L. Robinson, Julian D. Marshall, Richard Burnett, Ksakousti Skyllakou, Pablo Garcia Rivera, Eleni Karnezi, Carver J. Coleman, C. Arden Pope
Summary: The purpose of this study was to estimate the cardiopulmonary mortality associations for long-term exposure to PM2.5 species and sources. The findings suggest that EC, SOA, and vehicle sources are important contributors to the PM2.5 mortality relationship.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Aikaterini Liangou, Kalliopi Florou, Magda Psichoudaki, Evangelia Kostenidou, Epameinondas Tsiligiannis, Spyros N. Pandis
Summary: A method for measuring the water solubility distribution of atmospheric organic aerosols was presented. The method involved extracting organic aerosols collected on filters using different amounts of water and measuring the corresponding water-soluble organic carbon concentration. The results showed that approximately 60% of the analyzed urban organic aerosols had water solubility higher than 0.6 g L-1.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Georgios Kosmopoulos, Vasileios Salamalikis, Angeliki Matrali, Spyros N. Pandis, Andreas Kazantzidis
Summary: A two-year study on PM2.5 measurements was conducted in the Patras area of Greece, revealing an average concentration of 9.4 μg/m³ and higher levels in the city center. The study also identified the significant contribution of local emissions to PM2.5 levels during colder periods.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Evangelia Kostenidou, Spiro Jorga, John K. Kodros, Kalliopi Florou, Agata Kolodziejczyk, Rafal Szmigielski, Spyros N. Pandis
Summary: Norpinic acid is a major oxidation product of alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, two important biogenic volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere. This study characterized the physicochemical properties of norpinic acid aerosol and investigated its reaction with OH radicals. The results showed that the aging products of norpinic acid particles are similar to the parent molecule when measured by AMS.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Evangelia Siouti, Ksakousti Skyllakou, Ioannis Kioutsioukis, David Patoulias, George Fouskas, Spyros N. Pandis
Summary: Air pollution forecasting systems, such as SmartAQ, combine advanced meteorological and chemical models to provide detailed predictions of air pollutant concentrations. SmartAQ operates in real time and can forecast the concentrations of various pollutants, including aerosols, for the next few days.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andreas Aktypis, Christos Kaltsonoudis, Ksakousti Skyllakou, Angeliki Matrali, Christina N. Vasilakopoulou, Kalliopi Florou, Spyros N. Pandis
Summary: Two field campaigns were conducted in Patras to measure nucleation frequency. Surprisingly, only 12% of the available measurement days had new particle formation events. However, nucleation mode particles with average diameters of 20-40 nm appeared on 31% of the days. These particles did not grow and were not associated with emissions close to the measurement site, indicating they formed several hours earlier in a different area and were transported to Patras.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Konstantinos Dimitriou, Iasonas Stavroulas, Georgios Grivas, Charalampos Chatzidiakos, Georgios Kosmopoulos, Andreas Kazantzidis, Konstantinos Kourtidis, Athanasios Karagioras, Nikolaos Hatzianastassiou, Spyros N. Pandis, Nikolaos Mihalopoulos, Evangelos Gerasopoulos
Summary: Measurements of PM2.5 concentrations in five major Greek cities were conducted using low-cost sensor-based monitors. The study examined the factors influencing the spatiotemporal variability of PM2.5 levels, including local meteorological parameters and air mass residence time models.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eleni Karnezi, Liine Heikkinen, Markku Kulmala, Spyros N. Pandis
Summary: Various parameterizations of organic aerosol (OA) formation and its subsequent evolution are evaluated using ground measurements collected during the 2013 PEGASOS field campaign. The performance of different chemical aging schemes is examined, considering biogenic and anthropogenic OA components. All schemes show satisfactory results and predict similar contributions of different OA sources and pathways. Biogenic secondary OA has the highest contribution, followed by anthropogenic secondary OA and oxidation of intermediate-volatility compounds. Primary OA and long-range transport also contribute to OA formation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christos Kaltsonoudis, Olga Zografou, Angeliki Matrali, Elias Panagiotopoulos, Alexandros Lekkas, Mariangela Kosmopoulou, Dimitris Papanastasiou, Konstantinos Eleftheriadis, Spyros N. Pandis
Summary: A new gas inlet port and ionization scheme have been developed and coupled to a high-resolution TOF MS for the detection and measurement of atmospheric VOCs and IVOCs. The instrument exhibits superior performance, with linear response to a wide range of organic compounds and detection limits as low as 1 ppt.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ioannis D. Apostolopoulos, George Fouskas, Spyros N. Pandis
Summary: This study investigates different approaches for the field calibration of the low-cost air quality monitoring device ENSENSIA in Greece. The Random Forest algorithm exhibited the best performance in correcting O-3 and NO2, reducing mean error and improving R-2 values. The Long-Short Term Memory Network (LSTM) also showed good performance in correcting the measurements of the two pollutants.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brian T. Dinkelacker, Pablo Garcia Rivera, Julian D. Marshall, Peter J. Adams, Spyros N. Pandis
Summary: Machine learning approaches were used to downscale coarse-resolution CTM predictions to high spatial resolutions, successfully predicting PM2.5 concentrations and source contributions in southwestern Pennsylvania in February and July 2017. The best performing model was a random forest model, which accurately reproduced PM2.5 concentrations for all components and sources.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Evangelia Siouti, Konstantinos Kilafis, Ioannis Kioutsioukis, Spyros N. Pandis
Summary: Residential biomass burning is a major source of air pollution during winter in urban areas. However, predicting the corresponding particle emissions is difficult and models often struggle to reproduce observed particulate matter concentrations. This study combines measurements from PM sensors and a chemical transport model to estimate the spatial and temporal distribution of biomass burning emissions in an urban area. The results show high emissions from biomass burning, with peak concentrations occurring at nighttime.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Archaeology
Angeliki Matrali, John K. Kodros, Maria Papathanasiou, Spyros N. Pandis
Summary: Soiling of cultural heritage due to air pollution is a major challenge for the conservation community, and this study aims to understand the optical degradation of paintings exposed to particulate matter. The experiment shows that moderate ambient pollution can lead to perceptible color changes in less than a year, indicating the vulnerability of unprotected artwork.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kalliopi Florou, John K. Kodros, Marco Paglione, Spiro Jorga, Stefania Squizzato, Mauro Masiol, Petro Uruci, Athanasios Nenes, Spyros N. Pandis
Summary: The combustion of pellets in residential heating stoves has increased globally, but it is expected to have a negative impact on air quality. This study focused on the atmospheric aging of pellet emissions, investigating the effects of night-time aging and relative humidity. The results showed that the organic aerosol in pellet emissions can chemically evolve under low photochemical activity, leading to the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) under certain conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-ATMOSPHERES
(2023)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Stylianos Kakavas, Spyros N. Pandis, Athanasios Nenes
Summary: This study presents and evaluates ISORROPIA-lite, an accelerated and simplified version of the widely used ISORROPIA-II aerosol thermodynamics model. ISORROPIA-lite provides virtually identical results with ISORROPIA-II but reduces computational cost by 35%.
TELLUS SERIES B-CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL METEOROLOGY
(2022)