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Changing aerosol chemistry is redefining HONO sources

Author

Listed:
  • Yusheng Zhang

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Yongchun Liu

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Wei Ma

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Chenjie Hua

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Feixue Zheng

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Chaofan Lian

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Weigang Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Men Xia

    (University of Helsinki)

  • Zhixin Zhao

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Jinwen Li

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Jiali Xie

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Zongcheng Wang

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Yuzheng Wang

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Xin Chen

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Ying Zhang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Zemin Feng

    (North China University of Science and Technology)

  • Chao Yan

    (University of Helsinki
    Nanjing University)

  • Biwu Chu

    (University of Helsinki)

  • Wei Du

    (University of Helsinki)

  • Veli-Matti Kerminen

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology
    University of Helsinki)

  • Federico Bianchi

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology
    University of Helsinki)

  • Tuukka Petäjä

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology
    University of Helsinki)

  • Douglas Worsnop

    (University of Helsinki)

  • Markku Kulmala

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology
    University of Helsinki)

Abstract

Heterogeneous reactions of NO2 on particulate matter have been considered an important source of HONO (Nitrous acid) in the troposphere, whereas its contribution is controversial due to the lack of uptake coefficient of NO2 (γNO2) on the surfaces of ambient particulate matter (PM). Here we investigate the the γNO2 to form HONO and its evolution based on long-term comprehensive field observations (2019–2023) in Beijing and a random forest model with Shapley additive explanations. The γNO2 on ambient PM is on the order of 10−6, decreasing markedly from 3.07 ± 5.99 × 10−6 in 2019 to 1.43 ± 3.22 × 10−6 in 2023. This decrease is driven by the increase in aerosol pH, linked to increased ratio of NH4NO3 to (NH4)2SO4, resulting from an unbalanced desulfurization and denitrification. This study implies that the role of the heterogeneous reaction of NO2 on aerosol surfaces in HONO production is declining in Beijing, providing valuable insights into the atmospheric chemistry in urban environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Yusheng Zhang & Yongchun Liu & Wei Ma & Chenjie Hua & Feixue Zheng & Chaofan Lian & Weigang Wang & Men Xia & Zhixin Zhao & Jinwen Li & Jiali Xie & Zongcheng Wang & Yuzheng Wang & Xin Chen & Ying Zhang, 2025. "Changing aerosol chemistry is redefining HONO sources," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60614-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60614-7
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