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Atmospheric Carbonyl Compounds at Shangdianzi, Beijing: Autumn-to-Winter Variation, Ozone Formation Potential, and
Yufei Song1, Xiaoshuai Gao1, Junling Li1
1State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
Toxics
|February 26, 2026
Summary
Atmospheric carbonyl compounds (OVOCs) were higher in autumn than winter at a background site. Formaldehyde, acetone, and acetaldehyde dominated, with formaldehyde being a key ozone precursor.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Air Pollution Research
Background:
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are crucial precursors to secondary pollutants.
- Carbonyl compounds (OVOCs) are significant oxygenated VOCs impacting atmospheric chemistry.
- Understanding OVOCs in background regions is vital for regional air quality management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the concentration, seasonal and diurnal variations, and ozone formation potential (OFP) of 24 OVOCs.
- To identify the primary sources of OVOCs at a regional atmospheric background station.
- To provide insights into atmospheric oxidative capacity and inform pollution control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Continuous field observations at Shangdianzi Regional Atmospheric Background Station.
- Analysis of 24 carbonyl compounds (OVOCs) concentrations and OFP.
- Source apportionment using characteristic ratios, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression.
Main Results:
- Average Σ24OVOCs concentration was 2.70 ± 1.55 ppb, dominated by formaldehyde, acetone, and acetaldehyde.
- Autumn concentrations (3.68 ± 1.66 ppb) were 2.1 times higher than winter (1.78 ± 0.58 ppb).
- Formaldehyde was the main ozone precursor (86.9% OFP), with secondary formation significant in autumn and anthropogenic sources dominant in winter.
Conclusions:
- OVOC pollution characteristics differ significantly between autumn and winter at background sites.
- Formaldehyde is a critical driver of ozone formation in this region.
- Anthropogenic sources, including vehicle emissions and industrial releases, are major contributors to winter OVOC pollution.
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