Aerosol-photolysis interaction reduces particulate matter during wintertime haze events.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 32300007.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1073/pnas.1916775117 and PMC identifier 7211923.
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Abstract
Aerosol-radiation interaction (ARI) plays a significant role in the accumulation of fine particulate matter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) by stabilizing the planetary boundary layer and thus deteriorating air quality during haze events. However, modification of photolysis by aerosol scattering or absorbing solar radiation (aerosol-photolysis interaction or API) alters the atmospheric oxidizing capacity, decreases the rate of secondary aerosol formation, and ultimately alleviates the ARI effect on PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution. Therefore, the synergetic effect of both ARI and API can either aggravate or even mitigate PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution. To test the effect, a fully coupled Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)-Chem model has been used to simulate a heavy haze episode in North China Plain. Our results show that ARI contributes to a 7.8% increase in near-surface PM<sub>2.5</sub> However, API suppresses secondary aerosol formation, and the combination of ARI and API results in only 4.8% net increase of PM<sub>2.5</sub> Additionally, API increases the solar radiation reaching the surface and perturbs aerosol nucleation and activation to form cloud condensation nuclei, influencing aerosol-cloud interaction. The results suggest that API reduces PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution during haze events, but adds uncertainties in climate prediction.