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Source Apportionment of Regional Ozone Pollution Observed at Mount Tai, North China: Application of Lagrangian Photochemical Trajectory Model and Implications for Control Policy
Author(s) -
Zhang Yingnan,
Xue Likun,
Li Hongyong,
Chen Tianshu,
Mu Jiangshan,
Dong Can,
Sun Lei,
Liu Hengde,
Zhao Yong,
Wu Di,
Wang Xinfeng,
Wang Wenxing
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: atmospheres
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-8996
pISSN - 2169-897X
DOI - 10.1029/2020jd033519
Subject(s) - lagrangian , environmental science , apportionment , pollution , trajectory , nox , ozone , biomass burning , atmospheric sciences , china , air pollution , biomass (ecology) , meteorology , climatology , chemistry , geography , combustion , aerosol , oceanography , physics , ecology , organic chemistry , archaeology , astronomy , geology , political science , law , biology , mathematical physics
To better understand the characteristics and trace the sources of regional ozone (O 3 ) in the North China Plain (NCP), we analyzed 1‐year continuous observations obtained at Mount Tai in 2018 and compared with previous data from 2006–2009. In the warm seasons (April–September), O 3 pollution (defined as a maximum daily 8‐h average O 3 mixing ratio that exceeds 75 ppbv) occurred frequently (59%–92% of days) and O 3 concentrations significantly increased (especially in July–September) from 2006–2009 to 2018. We applied the Lagrangian photochemical trajectory model, built on the coupling of the Lagrangian backward trajectory model and Master Chemical Mechanism box model, to identify the source regions, key precursors, and emission sectors. The NCP was identified as the major source region with an average contribution of 74% ± 27% to the regional O 3 concentrations during the O 3 episodes in April–September. Regional O 3 formation was highly NOx‐sensitive in air masses traveling from the southern part of the NCP but limited by anthropogenic hydrocarbons (especially alkenes) in air masses from the northern part of the NCP. The reduction of emissions from transportation and industry sectors would significantly reduce the regional O 3 concentrations. Biomass burning also exerts a significant influence on regional O 3 concentrations under certain circumstances. This study demonstrates that the regional background O 3 at mountaintop levels is a good indicator of surface O 3 pollution over a wide spatial coverage, and provides guidance for regional collaboration on emission control to mitigate photochemical air pollution over the NCP.