Widespread 2013-2020 decreases and reduction challenges of organic aerosol in China

Journal Article · 25 May 2024 · Nature Communications

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-48902-0 · OSTI ID:2367230

Chen, Qi ; Miao, Ruqian ; Geng, Guannan ; Shrivastava, Manish ; Dao, Xu; Xu, Bingye; Sun, Jiaqi; Zhang, Xian; Liu, Mingyuan; Tang, Guigang; Tang, Qian; Hu, Hanwen; Huang, Ru-Jin ; Wang, Hao; Zheng, Yan; Qin, Yue ; Guo, Song ; Hu, Min; Zhu, Tong

Abstract High concentrations of organic aerosol (OA) occur in Asian countries, leading to great health burdens. Clean air actions have resulted in significant emission reductions of air pollutants in China. However, long-term nation-wide trends in OA and their causes remain unknown. Here, we present both observational and model evidence demonstrating widespread decreases with a greater reduction in primary OA than in secondary OA (SOA) in China during the period of 2013 to 2020. Most of the decline is attributed to reduced residential fuel burning while the interannual variability in SOA may have been driven by meteorological variations. We find contrasting effects of reducing NO _x and SO ₂ on SOA production which may have led to slight overall increases in SOA. Our findings highlight the importance of clean energy replacements in multiple sectors on achieving air-quality targets because of high OA precursor emissions and fluctuating chemical and meteorological conditions.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: Early Career Research Program
• OSTI ID: 2367230
• Journal Information: Nature Communications, Journal Name: Nature Communications Vol. 15 Journal Issue: 1; ISSN 2041-1723
• Publisher: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English