Work

Study on the source of nitrate in atmospheric particulate matter in Beijing using nitrogen and oxygen dual isotopes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Nitrate (NO 3 – ) is a crucial component of atmospheric pollutants, and understanding its sources and formation mechanisms holds significant importance for air pollution control. In this study, stable isotope techniques and Bayesian Mixing Models (Mix SIAR) were applied to analyze the primary sources and formation processes of NO 3 − in PM 2.5 and PM 10 in Beijing in 2022. The results indicate that the contribution of vehicle exhaust, coal combustion, biomass burning, and soil emissions to NO 3 − in PM 2.5 were 33.9%, 20.5%, 29.8%, and 15.9%, respectively, while for PM 10 , the contributions were 30.6%, 21.6%, 29.9%, and 17.9% respectively. An analysis of δ 18 O-NO 3 − values indicated that the contribution of N 2 O 5 hydrolysis to NO 3 − in PM 2.5 and PM 10 over the year was 64.0% and 75.6%, respectively, highlighting its predominant role in nitrate formation. Nevertheless, the gas-phase reaction of NO 2 with ·OH radicals was notably more pronounced in summer. Compared to PM 10 , the gas-phase reaction of NO 2 with ·OH radicals contributes more to NO 3 − in PM 2.5 . These results offer a vital foundation for further research into the sources and formation mechanisms of atmospheric NO 3 − and provide scientific support for measures to prevent and control air pollution.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-01179-9

Authors: Shaosong Zhen, Min Luo, Yang Shao, Diandou Xu, Lingling Ma

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of High Energy Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Atmospheric chemistry and aerosols

Subfield: Atmospheric Science

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690