Exploring the formation of secondary aerosols in elemental carbon at the lower free troposphere

In this study, we studied the chemical components, potential contribution and mixing state of element carbon (EC)-containing particles using a single particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS) with high-time resolution in the western summit of mountain Hua (Mt. Hua), and further investigated the role of EC in the formation and evolution of secondary aerosols. Combined the results of back trajectories and concentration-weighted trajectory, the effect of regional and upward transport on the chemical characteristics of different EC-containing particles revealed in this study, which improve our knowledge and understanding of its role in the formation of secondary aerosols in the lower free troposphere. The findings from this study provide a new perspective for discussing the EC types and environmental effects in troposphere ambient.

本研究于华山（Mt. Hua）西峰，利用高时间分辨率单颗粒气溶胶质谱仪（single particle aerosol mass spectrometer, SPAMS），针对含元素碳（element carbon, EC）颗粒的化学组成、潜在贡献及混合状态展开分析，并进一步探究了EC在二次气溶胶形成与演化过程中的作用。本研究结合后向轨迹与浓度权重轨迹分析结果，揭示了区域输送与抬升传输对不同含EC颗粒化学特性的影响，深化了学界对其在低层自由对流层二次气溶胶形成过程中作用的认知。本研究的发现为探讨对流层环境中的EC类型与环境效应提供了全新视角。