Increased inorganic aerosol fraction contributes to air pollution and haze in China
<p>The detailed formation mechanism of an increased number of haze events in China is still not very clear. Here, we found that reduced surface visibility from 1980 to 2010 and an increase in satellite-derived columnar concentrations of inorganic precursors from 2002 to 2012 are connected with...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2019-05-01
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| Series: | Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics |
| Online Access: | https://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/19/5881/2019/acp-19-5881-2019.pdf |
| Summary: | <p>The detailed formation mechanism of an increased number of haze
events in China is still not very clear. Here, we found that reduced surface
visibility from 1980 to 2010 and an increase in satellite-derived columnar
concentrations of inorganic precursors from 2002 to 2012 are connected with each
other. Typically, higher inorganic mass fractions lead to increased aerosol
water uptake and light-scattering ability in elevated relative humidity.
Satellite observation of aerosol precursors of <span class="inline-formula">NO<sub>2</sub></span> and
<span class="inline-formula">SO<sub>2</sub></span> showed increased concentrations during the study period. Our
in situ measurement of aerosol chemical composition in Beijing also confirmed
increased contribution of inorganic aerosol fraction as a function of
the increased particle pollution level. Our investigations demonstrate that the
increased inorganic fraction in the aerosol particles is a key component in
the frequently occurring haze days during the study period, and particularly
the reduction of nitrate, sulfate and their precursor gases would contribute
towards better visibility in China.</p> |
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| ISSN: | 1680-7316 1680-7324 |