Themed collection Atmospheric chemistry

Atmospheric sea-salt and halogen cycles in the Antarctic
Atmospheric sea-salt and halogen cycles play important roles in atmospheric science and chemistry including cloud processes and oxidation capacity in the Antarctic troposphere.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 2003-2022
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00092B
A review of aerosol chemistry in Asia: insights from aerosol mass spectrometer measurements
Aerosol mass spectrometer has been widely deployed in Asia for real-time characterization of aerosol chemistry, and has significantly improved our understanding of the sources, properties, and formation processes of aerosols in a complex environment.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1616-1653
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00212G

The atmospheric chemistry of indoor environments
The review article summarizes the wide variety of atmospheric chemistry phenomena that occur indoors.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 25-48
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00386J

Illuminating the dark side of indoor oxidants
A review of the current understanding of oxidants and their precursors in indoor environments.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1229-1239
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00111E
Modelling consortium for chemistry of indoor environments (MOCCIE): integrating chemical processes from molecular to room scales
We report on the development of a modelling consortium for chemistry in indoor environments that connects models over a range of spatial and temporal scales, from molecular to room scales and from sub-nanosecond to days, respectively.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1240-1254
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00123A
Overview on the spatial–temporal characteristics of the ozone formation regime in China
Ozone (O3), a main component in photochemical smog, is a secondary pollutant formed through complex photochemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 916-929
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00098D

Isocyanic acid (HNCO) and its fate in the atmosphere: a review
Isocyanic acid (HNCO) has recently been identified in ambient air at potentially concerning concentrations for human health. Since its first atmospheric detection, significant progress has been made in understanding its sources and sinks.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 793-808
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00003H
Interaction process between gaseous CH3I and NaCl particles: implication for iodine dispersion in the atmosphere
Gaseous iodomethane (CH3I) once emitted in the atmosphere will interact very little with sea salt aerosol particles. However, a low amount of CH3I is irreversibly adsorbed at the particle surface.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2021,23, 1771-1781
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EM00266J

Determination of acrolein in ambient air and in the atmosphere of environmental test chambers
Acrolein is released by several sources into indoor air. As it impacts human health, an easy-to-handle, fast and robust method with low detection limits is needed.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2021,23, 1729-1746
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EM00221J
Geochemical characteristics of rare earth elements in windowsill dust in Baotou, China: influence of the smelting industry on levels and composition
Smelting is one of the main sources of rare earth elements (REEs) in large scale smelting regions that have been neglected before.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 2398-2405
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00273A
Emerging investigator series: heterogeneous OH oxidation of primary brown carbon aerosol: effects of relative humidity and volatility
Changes in the composition and absorptivity of primary brown carbon aerosol generated from smoldering pine were measured during exposure to hydroxyl radical in a photo-reaction chamber.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 2162-2171
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00311E

Secondary organic aerosol tracers and related polar organic compounds between urban and rural areas in the Eastern Mediterranean region: source apportionment and the influence of atmospheric oxidants
The formation, abundance and sources of secondary organic aerosol markers and other related polar organic species were investigated at two Eastern Mediterranean sites.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 2212-2229
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00238K
Seasonal variability of trace elements in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in a coastal city of northern Poland – profile analysis and source identification
A large group of trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, Zn) was measured for the first time in 226 air samples collected at the coastal monitoring station in Gdynia (northern Poland), in the period from January 12th to August 30th, 2019.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 2230-2243
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00031K
Indoor aerosol water content and phase state in U.S. residences: impacts of relative humidity, aerosol mass and composition, and mechanical system operation
Hygroscopic particulate matter constituents promote uptake of aerosol water, depending on relative humidity, which can constrain qualities such as organic aerosol phase state and inorganic aerosol deliquescence and efflorescence.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 2031-2057
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00122H
Evidence for brown carbon absorption over the Bay of Bengal during the southwest monsoon season: a possible oceanic source
Light-absorbing brown carbon aerosols can have a marine origin over the coastal oceans and are likely associated with the sea salt component emitted from the ocean surface – significantly contributes to aerosol radiative forcing.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1743-1758
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00111B
Photodecay of guaiacol is faster in ice, and even more rapid on ice, than in aqueous solution
Guaiacol photodegradation rate constants in solution, liquid-like regions in ice (frozen solutions), and at the air–ice interface (vapor-deposited to snow).
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1666-1677
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00242A
Reconciling atmospheric water uptake by hydrate forming salts
Magnesium and calcium chloride salts contribute to the global atmospheric aerosol burden via emission of sea spray and mineral dust.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1759-1767
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00179A
Metallic elements and Pb isotopes in PM2.5 in three Chinese typical megacities: spatial distribution and source apportionment
Heavy metal pollution in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a serious environmental and health concern in China, particularly during winter.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1718-1730
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00174K

Secondary organic aerosol formation from evaporated biofuels: comparison to gasoline and correction for vapor wall losses
With an ongoing interest in displacing petroleum-based sources of energy with biofuels, we measure and model the formation and composition of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from organic compounds present in biofuels.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1461-1474
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00103A
Determination of oxoanions and water-soluble species of arsenic, selenium, antimony, vanadium, and chromium eluted in water from airborne fine particles (PM2.5): effect of acid and transition metal content of particles on heavy metal elution
Leaching of toxic heavy metal oxoanions from PM2.5 is related to acids and transition metals of PM2.5.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1514-1524
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00135J
A theoretical investigation on the atmospheric degradation of the
radical: reactions with NO, NO2,
and NO3
The mechanisms of with NO, NO2,
and NO3 were studied to reveal the atmospheric fate of
, comprehensively.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1554-1565
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00112K
Identifying patterns and sources of anthropogenic trace metals in the Argentine Central Andes by using snow samples and an atmospheric dispersion model
This study presents the first local measurements of metals in snow from the Argentine Central Andes.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1491-1501
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00096E
Trichloroacetyl chloride, CCl3COCl, as an alternative Cl atom precursor for laboratory use and determination of Cl atom rate coefficients for n-CH2
CH(CH2)xCN (x = 3–4)
Investigation of CCl3COCl as a Cl atom precursor for laboratory use in (relative) rate and product.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1347-1354
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00105H
Emerging investigator series: influence of marine emissions and atmospheric processing on individual particle composition of summertime Arctic aerosol over the Bering Strait and Chukchi Sea
Composition of individual atmospheric particles reveals the influence of marine sources, terrestrial sources, and anthropogenic sources on atmospheric chemistry in the changing Alaskan Arctic.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1201-1213
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00495E
Integrated experimental and theoretical approach to probe the synergistic effect of ammonia in methanesulfonic acid reactions with small alkylamines
Particle formation from methanesulfonic acid–amine multicomponent systems is investigated using a combined experimental and theoretical approach.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 305-328
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00431A

A global atmospheric chemistry model for the fate and transport of PFCAs and their precursors
Global model for the atmospheric chemistry of PFCA precursors.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 285-293
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00326F
Evidence for a kinetically controlled burying mechanism for growth of high viscosity secondary organic aerosol
The incorporation of organic nitrates into viscous secondary organic aerosol during particle formation is enhanced relative to expected equilibrium partitioning, and is best described by a kinetically controlled “burying” mechanism.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 66-83
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00379G
Atmosphere-terrestrial exchange of gaseous elemental mercury: parameterization improvement through direct comparison with measured ecosystem fluxes
The resistance-based models combined with a new soil re-emission parameterization reproduce the observed diel and seasonal patterns of Hg0 exchange.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1699-1712
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00341J

Overview of HOMEChem: House Observations of Microbial and Environmental Chemistry
The House Observations of Microbial and Environmental Chemistry (HOMEChem) study was a large-scale collaborative experimental investigation probing indoor air composition and chemistry.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1280-1300
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00228F
Assessing indoor gas phase oxidation capacity through real-time measurements of HONO and NOx in Guangzhou, China
The photolysis of nitrous acid (HONO) is the main initiation source of hydroxyl radical (OH) which in turn is the main oxidant controlling the oxidation capacity of the indoor atmosphere.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1393-1402
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00194H
Total surface area in indoor environments
Objects in a room add 50% to its surface area beyond the walls, ceiling, and floor.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1384-1392
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00157C

Role of location, season, occupant activity, and chemistry in indoor ozone and nitrogen oxide mixing ratios
Indoor field studies and in situ chamber experiments illustrate the interdependence of oxidants and oxidant precursors in residences.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1374-1383
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00129H

Secondary product creation potential (SPCP): a metric for assessing the potential impact of indoor air pollution on human health
Secondary Product Creation Potential (SPCP): a new metric for ranking the impact of volatile organic compounds on indoor air chemistry and human health.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1313-1322
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00140A
Human occupant contribution to secondary aerosol mass in the indoor environment
Occupancy in indoor spaces can contribute to indoor aerosol mass via reactions of oxidants such as ozone with skin constituents and subsequent partitioning of those oxidation product to existing aerosol.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1301-1312
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00097F
Sources of isocyanic acid (HNCO) indoors: a focus on cigarette smoke
The sources and sinks of isocyanic acid (HNCO), a toxic gas, in indoor environments are largely uncharacterized.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1334-1341
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00107G
Emerging investigator series: primary emissions, ozone reactivity, and byproduct emissions from building insulation materials
Insulation materials affect indoor air by (i) releasing primary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from enclosure cavities to the interior space, (ii) mitigating exposure to outdoor pollutants through reactive deposition (of oxidants, e.g., ozone) or filtration in infiltration air, and (iii) generating secondary VOCs and gas-phase byproducts from chemical reactions.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1255-1267
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00024K
Size distribution of airborne particle-bound PAHs and o-PAHs and their implications for dry deposition
Size distribution of o-PAHs vs. their parent compounds and their implications for dry deposition.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1184-1192
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00174C
Brown carbon in the continental outflow to the North Indian Ocean
In this paper, we synthesize the size distribution and optical properties of the atmospheric water-soluble fraction of light-absorbing organic carbon (brown carbon; BrC) in the continental outflow from the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) in South Asia to the North Indian Ocean.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 970-987
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00089E
About this collection
This web collection features research articles published in Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts focussed on atmospheric chemistry.