Review of atmospheric water-soluble ionic species in Asia during 1998-2001

Anthropogenic acid precursor emissions in Asia are increasing at a significant rate and this is expected to continue for the next several years. This paper comprises of studies that included sulfate, nitrate and ammonium around Asian countries (China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan) in recent years. The paper also provides the water-soluble ionic fine and coarse particulate concentrations in these Asian countries in recent years. Fine and coarse particulates in Taiwan (Kaohsiung and Talchung) and China (Nanjing and Shanghai) were found to have higher sulfate (average 18.68 and 15.75 microg/m3) and nitrate (average 12.77 and 7.71 microg/m3) concentrations than any other Asian country. The average sulfate concentrations for Japan and Korea were 7.31 and 5.84 microg/m3, respectively. The average nitrate concentrations for Japan and Korea were 6.73 and 4.65 microg/m3, respectively during the years 1998-2001. The different sample collection devices, analysis methods and pollutant concentrations are discussed in this study. The purpose of this study is to arrange the atmospheric water-soluble ionic species (SO4(2-) and NO3) investigations in the Asian region. The data obtained here can also help to understand the sources, concentrations, phase distribution and health impact of atmospheric water-soluble ionic species (SO4(2-) and NO3-) in other Asian regions.