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Process-based and observation-constrained SOA simulations in China: the role of semivolatile and intermediate-volatility organic compounds and OH levels

Journal Article · · Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (Online)
 [1];  [1];  [2];  [3];  [4];  [5];  [1];  [1]
  1. Peking Univ., Beijing (China). State Key Joint Lab. of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, BIC-ESAT and IJRC
  2. Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
  3. Sichuan Academy of Environmental Policy and Planning, Chengdu (China)
  4. Peking Univ., Beijing (China). Lab. for Climate and Ocean–Atmosphere Studies
  5. Nanjing Univ. of Information Science and Technology (China). Jiangsu Key Lab. of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Cleaning Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology
Organic aerosol (OA) is a major component of tropospheric submicron aerosol that contributes to air pollution and causes adverse effects on human health. Chemical transport models have difficulties in reproducing the variability in OA concentrations in polluted areas, hindering understanding of the OA budget and sources. Herein, we apply both process-based and observation-constrained schemes to simulate OA in GEOS-Chem. Comprehensive data sets of surface OA, OA components, secondary organic aerosol (SOA) precursors, and oxidants were used for model–observation comparisons. The base models generally underestimate the SOA concentrations in China. In the revised schemes, updates were made on the emissions, volatility distributions, and SOA yields of semivolatile and intermediate-volatility organic compounds (SVOCs and IVOCs) and additional nitrous acid sources. With all the model improvements, both the process-based and observation-constrained SOA schemes can reproduce the observed mass concentrations of SOA and show spatial and seasonal consistency with each other. Our best model simulations suggest that anthropogenic SVOCs and IVOCs are the dominant source of SOA, with a contribution of over 50% in most of China, which should be considered for pollution mitigation in the future. The residential sector may be the predominant source of SVOCs and IVOCs in winter, despite large uncertainty remaining in the emissions of IVOCs from the residential sector in northern China. The industry sector is also an important source of IVOCs, especially in summer. More SVOC and IVOC measurements are needed to constrain their emissions. Besides, the results highlight the sensitivity of SOA to hydroxyl radical (OH) levels in winter in polluted environments. The addition of nitrous acid sources can lead to over 30% greater SOA mass concentrations in winter in northern China. It is important to have good OH simulations in air quality models.
Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
1832987
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA--164911
Journal Information:
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (Online), Journal Name: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (Online) Journal Issue: 21 Vol. 21; ISSN 1680-7324
Publisher:
Copernicus Publications, EGUCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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