Hydrogen peroxide serves as pivotal fountainhead for aerosol aqueous sulfate formation from a global perspective

Abstract

Abstract Traditional atmospheric chemistry posits that sulfur dioxide (SO2) can be oxidized to sulfate (SO4 2–) through aqueous-phase reactions in clouds and gas-phase oxidation. Despite adequate knowledge of traditional mechanisms, several studies have highlighted the potential for SO2 oxidation within aerosol water. Given the widespread presence of tropospheric aerosols, SO4 2− production through aqueous-phase oxidation in aerosol water could have a pervasive global impact. Here, we quantify the potential contributions of aerosol aqueous pathways to global sulfate formation based on the GEOS-Chem simulations and subsequent theoretical calculations. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) oxidation significantly influences continental regions both horizontally and vertically. Over the past two decades, shifts in the formation pathways within typical cities reveal an intriguing trend: despite reductions in SO2 emissions, the increased atmospheric oxidation capacities, like rising H2O2 levels, prevent a steady decline in SO4 2− concentrations. Abating oxidants would facilitate the benefit of SO2 reduction and the positive feedback in sulfate mitigation.