Possible heterogeneous chemistry of hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) in northern China winter haze
Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: . Chemical mechanisms responsible for rapid sulfate production, an important driver of winter haze formation in northern China, remain unclear. Here, we propose a potentially important heterogeneous hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) chemical mechanism. Through analyzing field measurements with aerosol mass spectrometry, we show evidence for a possible significant existence in haze aerosols of organosulfur primarily as HMS, misidentified as sulfate in previous observations. We estimate that HMS can account for up to about one-third of the sulfate concentrations unexplained by current air quality models. In addition, HMS in the presence of hydroxyl radicals can trigger rapid sulfate production in aerosol water. Heterogeneous production of HMS by SO2 and formaldehyde is favored under northern China winter haze conditions due to high aerosol water content, moderately acidic pH values, high gaseous precursor levels, and low temperature. These analyses identify an unappreciated importance of formaldehyde in secondary aerosol formation and calls for more research on sources and on the chemistry of formaldehyde in northern China winter.
Institutions: Harvard University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry, Institute of Urban Environment, Aerodyne Research, Jinan University, China National Environmental Monitoring Center, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather, University of Houston, Tsinghua University
Language: English
Subfield: Atmospheric Science
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,725
OpenAlex ID: W2914808723