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:

Exercise counteracts junk food's depression-like effects through gut-brain metabolic signaling

Genetic link discovered between childhood intelligence and parental longevity

Psychedelics reshape time perception offering new therapeutic pathways

Genetic inflammation markers reveal distinct depression subtypes affecting treatment response

Understanding how menopause symptoms can complicate treatment of traumatic brain injuries

Digestive issues more common during perimenopause and menopause

Oral or transdermal hormone therapy? The mental health risks are not the same

When women initiate estrogen therapy matters

Risk of eye disease increases during menopause transition

Life in the fast (and slow) lanes for salmon

Early natural menopause linked with higher risk of metabolic syndrome

Earlier menopause and reduced cardiac function can take a toll on brain health

Feeling anxious during menopause? Hormone therapy may or may not help

Likelihood of being prescribed hormone therapy may depend on the type of provider seen

The role of genetics in modifying the link between earlier menopause and memory decline

Who watches the AI watchman?

Female bodybuilders at risk of sudden cardiac death

Garment factories are sweltering. These simple fixes could keep workers safe

‘Slums’ of Victorian Manchester housed wealthy doctors and engineers, new study reveals

Winners of Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 announced

Most of Wine Country’s agricultural workers have been exposed to wildfires, new survey finds

Obesity-related cancer rising among both younger and older adults worldwide

A 'Rosetta Stone' for molecular systems

What goes up must come down – scientists unearth “universal thermal performance curve” that shackles evolution

Physical activity increases total daily energy use, study shows

National study finds public Montessori programs strengthens early learning outcomes -- at sharply lower costs compared to traditional preschool

National poll: 1 in 10 young children play outdoors as little as once a week

How do people learn new facts?

Exploring how storytelling strategies shape memories

How people process mental images versus real-life visuals 

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