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Size Distribution and Secondary Formation of Particulate Organic Nitrates in Winter in a Coastal Area

Author

Listed:
  • Ayesha Shakoor

    (Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China)

  • Xinfeng Wang

    (Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China)

  • Jing Chen

    (Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China)

  • Yiheng Liang

    (Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China)

  • Sajid Kamal

    (Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China)

  • Jawad Ali

    (Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China)

  • Jabir Hussain Syed

    (Department of Meteorology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan)

  • Likun Xue

    (Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China)

  • Wenxing Wang

    (Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China)

Abstract

Understanding the size distribution, variation patterns, and potential formation mechanisms of particulate organic nitrates (PONs) is crucial for assessing their influences on atmospheric chemistry, air quality, and the regional climate. This study investigates PONs in the coastal atmosphere of Qingdao, China by collecting size-resolved particulate matter samples and analyzing six types of organic nitrates, namely pinene keto nitrate (PKN229), monoterpene hydroxyl nitrate (MHN215), monoterpene dicarbonyl nitrate (MDCN247), oleic acid hydroxyl nitrate (OAHN361), oleic acid keto nitrate (OAKN359), and pinene sulfate organic nitrate (PSON295), using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography(mass spectrometry). The mean total concentration of organic nitrates in fine particles reaches 677 ng m −3 . The predominant compound is MHN215, followed by PKN229 and MDCN247. All six organic nitrates exhibited distinct concentration peaks in the droplet mode, with MDCN247 and OAHN361 showing a minor peak in the condensation mode. In addition, an apparent concentration peak is observed in the coarse mode for OAKN359. Comparative analyses under various conditions highlight the significant influences of primary emissions and secondary formation processes on the abundance and size distribution of organic nitrates. For instance, both firework displays during festivals and high NO x emissions from fuel combustion significantly increase the concentrations of condensation-mode organic nitrates, whereas dust particles enhanced the heterogeneous formation of coarse-mode particles. Furthermore, the high humidity of the coastal area promotes aqueous formation in droplet-mode particles.

Suggested Citation

  • Ayesha Shakoor & Xinfeng Wang & Jing Chen & Yiheng Liang & Sajid Kamal & Jawad Ali & Jabir Hussain Syed & Likun Xue & Wenxing Wang, 2023. "Size Distribution and Secondary Formation of Particulate Organic Nitrates in Winter in a Coastal Area," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:24:p:16776-:d:1298996
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