PRESS-NEWS.org - Press Release Distribution
PRESS RELEASES DISTRIBUTION

Cooperative SO2 and NOx aerosol formation in haze pollution

2014-01-29
(Press-News.org) Contact information: YAN Bei
yanbei@scichina.org
86-106-400-8316
Science China Press
Cooperative SO2 and NOx aerosol formation in haze pollution

Air pollution in China has exhibited noticeable changes over the past 30 years, shifting from point-source pollution (around factories and industrial plants) in the 1980s to urban pollution in the 1990s. Since the start of this century, air pollution has become increasingly regional and more complex. Recent research has indicated that the cooperative transition of SO2 and NOx into secondary aerosols (sulfate and nitrate) played a critical role in the haze pollution episode in China in January 2013.

The coexistence of high concentrations of primary and secondary gaseous and particulate pollutants results in numerous heterogeneous reactions occurring on the surfaces of fine particles. These reactions change the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere, chemical compositions, and the physicochemical and optical properties of the particulate matter. The overall effect is that air pollution and haze formation is accelerated. It is, therefore, important to explore the formation mechanisms of secondary aerosols during air pollution episodes. The paper, "Mechanism for the formation of the January 2013 heavy haze pollution episode over central and eastern China", Science China: Earth Sciences, No. 1, 2014, by Professor Wang and co-workers shows that the formation of secondary sulfate aerosols from SO2 increases in the presence of NOx.

This study explores the cooperative transition of SO2 and NOx into secondary aerosols on the surfaces of carbon-containing particles through heterogeneous reactions. The formation of sulfates from SO2 is promoted by the existence of NOx. Results show that as the particle size increases, the fractional contributions of secondary inorganic ions, such as sulfate and nitrate, also increase (Figure 1). The hygroscopicity of the particles increase and the increased water content can accelerate the gas–liquid–solid reactions of SO2 and NOx, which further increases the hygroscopicity of the particles. These processes form a positive feedback mechanism that enhances the conversion of primary gas pollutants into secondary aerosols. Consequently, it is important to reduce emissions of the precursor gases of PM2.5 to reduce the overall PM2.5 concentrations in the atmosphere. The authors conclude that in central and eastern China, SO2 and NOx should be controlled synchronously to reduce PM2.5 concentrations.



INFORMATION:

Corresponding author:

LIU Zirui
lzr@dq.cern.ac.cn

See the article:

WANG, Y. S., YAO, L., WANG, L. L., LIU, Z. R., JI, D. S., TANG, G. Q., ZHANG, J. K., HU, B., XIN, J. Y. Mechanism for the formation of the January 2013 heavy haze pollution episode over central and eastern China. SCIENCE CHINA Earth Sciences, 2014, doi: 10.1007/s11430-013-4773-4.

links: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11430-013-4773-4.

Science China Press Co., Ltd. (SCP) is a scientific journal publishing company of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). For 60 years, SCP takes its mission to present to the world the best achievements by Chinese scientists on various fields of natural sciences researches.



ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Autism Speaks study finds advances towards universal early screening

2014-01-29
NEW YORK, N.Y. (January 29, 2014) – A new study from researchers at Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science ...

Ocean acidification research should increase focus on species' ability to adapt

2014-01-28
Not enough current research on marine ecosystems focuses on species' long-term adaptation to ocean acidification creating a murky picture of our ocean's future, according ...

Research uncovers historical rise, fall and re-emergence of plague strains

2014-01-28
One branch of a deadly pathogen's family tree may have ended centuries ago, but from its ancient traces researchers can read a lineage with links to the modern world. An international ...

New studies needed to predict how marine organisms may adapt to the future's acidic oceans

2014-01-28
SAN FRANCISCO, January 27, 2014 -- The world's oceans are becoming more acidic, changing in a way that hasn't happened for millions of years. But will marine organisms ...

Brain regions thought to be uniquely human share many similarities with monkeys

2014-01-28
New research suggests a surprising degree of similarity in the organization of regions of the brain that control language and complex thought processes in humans and monkeys. The study, publishing ...

H.M.'s brain yields new evidence

2014-01-28
During his lifetime, Henry G. Molaison (H.M.) was the best-known and possibly the most-studied patient of modern neuroscience. Now, thanks to the postmortem ...

What makes us human?: Unique brain area linked to higher cognitive powers

2014-01-28
Oxford University researchers have identified an area of the human brain that appears unlike anything in the brains of some of our closest relatives. The brain ...

UH researchers create new flexible, transparent conductor

2014-01-28
University of Houston researchers have developed a new stretchable and transparent electrical conductor, bringing the potential for ...

Converting adult human cells to hair-follicle-generating stem cells

2014-01-28
PHILADELPHIA - If the content of many a situation comedy, not to mention late-night TV advertisements, is to be believed, there's ...

Fertilizer nutrient imbalance to limit food production in Africa

2014-01-28
Underuse of phosphorus-based fertilizers in Africa currently contributes to a growing yield gap—the difference between how much crops could produce in ideal circumstances ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

UK heatwaves overwhelm natural ecological safeguards to increase wildfire risk

Key ExoMars Rover part ships from Aberystwyth

90% of Science Is Lost: Frontiers’ revolutionary AI-powered service transforms data sharing to deliver breakthroughs faster

Skin symptoms may forewarn mental health risks

Brain test predicts ability to achieve orgasm – but only in patients taking antidepressants

‘New reality’ as world reaches first climate tipping point

Non-English primary language may raise risk of delirium after surgery, study finds

Children fast from clear liquids much longer before surgery than guidelines recommend, large study shows

Food insecurity, loneliness can increase the risk of developing chronic pain after surgery

Cesarean delivery linked to higher risk of pain and sleep problems after childbirth

New global burden of disease study: Mortality declines, youth deaths rise, widening health inequities

Chemobiological platform enables renewable conversion of sugars into core aromatic hydrocarbons of petroleum

Individualized perioperative blood pressure management in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Proactive vs reactive treatment of hypotension during surgery

Different types of depression linked to different cardiometabolic diseases

Ketogenic diet may protect against stress experienced in the womb

Adults 65 years and older not immune to the opioid epidemic, new study finds

Artificial intelligence emerging as powerful patient safety tool in pediatric anesthesia

Mother’s ZIP code, lack of access to prenatal care can negatively impact baby’s health at birth, new studies show

American Society of Anesthesiologists honors John M. Zerwas, M.D., FASA, with Distinguished Service Award

A centimeter-scale quadruped piezoelectric robot with high integration and strong robustness

Study confirms that people with ADHD can be more creative. The reason may be that they let their mind wander

Research gives insight into effect of neurodegenerative diseases on speech rhythm

Biochar and plants join forces to clean up polluted soils and boost ecosystem recovery

Salk scientist Joseph Ecker awarded McClintock Prize for Plant Genetics and Genome Studies

ADHD: Women are diagnosed five years later than men, despite symptoms appearing at the same age.

Power plants may emit more pollution during government shutdowns

Increasing pressures for conformity de-skilling and demotivating teachers, study warns

Researchers develop smarter menstrual product with potential for wearable health monitoring

Microwaves for energy-efficient chemical reactions

[Press-News.org] Cooperative SO2 and NOx aerosol formation in haze pollution