npj Climate and Atmospheric Science (May 2024)

Complexities of peroxyacetyl nitrate photochemistry and its control strategies in contrasting environments in the Pearl River Delta region

  • Tao Liu,
  • Yu Wang,
  • Huang Cai,
  • Hao Wang,
  • Chunlin Zhang,
  • Jun Chen,
  • Yan Dai,
  • Wenlong Zhao,
  • Jiangyong Li,
  • Daocheng Gong,
  • Duohong Chen,
  • Yuhong Zhai,
  • Yan Zhou,
  • Tong Liao,
  • Boguang Wang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-024-00669-3
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
pp. 1 – 12

Abstract

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Abstract Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) is a hazardous secondary pollutant and a nitrogen reservoir in the troposphere, while comprehensive studies on its spatiotemporal distribution, chemical sources, and control strategies are limited. This study addressed these issues based on 1-year multi-site observations in the Pearl River Delta region, showing a pattern of higher PAN levels in the cold season, particularly in coastal areas. Moreover, in situ modeling indicated a net photochemical PAN formation in the warm season, while PAN was dominated by regional transport in the cold season (i.e., rural and coastal areas), releasing NO2 and PA radicals and promoting ozone (O3) formation. In addition, the feasibility of joint control of PAN and O3 was confirmed by their isopleth diagrams. C7–C9 aromatics and C4–C5 alkenes, largely from vehicle exhaust and solvent usage, were identified as the predominant contributors to PAN formation in this region. Overall, this study deepens our understanding of PAN chemistry and provides valuable insights into its control measures.