
Spatial and Temporal Variations in the Atmospheric Age Distribution of Primary and Secondary Inorganic Aerosols in China
Xiaodong Xie, Qi Ying, Hongliang Zhang, Jianlin Hu
Engineering ›› 2023, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (9) : 117-129.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in the Atmospheric Age Distribution of Primary and Secondary Inorganic Aerosols in China
The aging timescale of particles is a key parameter in determining their impacts on air quality, human health, and climate. In this study, a one-year simulation of the age distributions of the primary and secondary inorganic fine particulate matter (PM2.5) components was conducted over China using an age-resolved Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. The results indicate that primary PM2.5 (PPM) and ammonium mainly originate from fresh local emissions, with approximately 60%-80% concentrated in 0-24 h age bins in most of China throughout the year. The average age is about 15-25 h in most regions in summer, but increases to 40-50 h in southern region of China and the Sichuan Basin (SCB) in winter. Sulfate is more aged than PPM, indicating an enhanced contribution from regional transport. Aged sulfate with atmospheric age > 48 h account for 30%-50% of total sulfate in most regions and seasons, and the concentrations in the > 96 h age bin can reach up to 15 µg·m−3 in SCB during winter. Dramatic seasonal variations occur in the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and SCB, with highest average age of 60-70 h in winter and lowest of 40-45 h in summer. The average age of nitrate is 20-30 h in summer and increases to 40-50 h in winter. The enhanced deposition rate of nitric acid vapor combined with the faster chemical reaction rate of nitrogen oxides leads to a lower atmospheric age in summer. Additionally, on pollution days, the contributions of old age bins (> 24 h) increase notably for both PPM and secondary inorganic aerosols in most cities and seasons, suggesting that regional transport plays a vital role during haze events. The age information of PM2.5, provided by the age-resolved CMAQ model, can help policymakers design effective emergent emission control measures to eliminate severe haze episodes.
Atmospheric age / PM2.5 / CMAQ model / Control strategy
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