Atmospheric Carbonyl Compounds at Shangdianzi, Beijing: Autumn-to-Winter Variation, Ozone Formation Potential, and Source Apportionment

TL;DR

This study analyzed carbonyl compounds in the atmosphere at a Beijing background site during autumn and winter, revealing their seasonal variations, ozone formation potential, and sources.

Contribution

The study provides the first insights into carbonyl pollution characteristics and source profiles at the Shangdianzi site during autumn and winter.

Findings

Average Σ24OVOCs concentration was 2.70 ± 1.55 ppb, with formaldehyde, acetone, and acetaldehyde as dominant species.

Autumn concentrations were 2.1 times higher than winter, and diurnal patterns showed nighttime accumulation and daytime depletion.

Formaldehyde contributed 86.9% to ozone formation potential, and sources varied seasonally between natural and anthropogenic influences.

Abstract

Based on continuous field observations conducted at the Shangdianzi Regional Atmospheric Background Station from 21 October to 20 November 2024 and from 1 December 2024, to 2 January 2025, this study systematically analyzed the concentration levels, seasonal variations, diurnal patterns, and ozone formation potential (OFP) of 24 carbonyl compounds (OVOCs) in the atmosphere during autumn and winter. Source apportionment was further investigated using characteristic ratios, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression. The results indicate that the average concentration of Σ24OVOCs during the observation period was 2.70 ± 1.55 ppb. Formaldehyde, acetone, and acetaldehyde were the dominant species, accounting for 94.5% of the total concentration in this background area. A significant seasonal difference in carbonyl concentrations was observed, with the average concentration in autumn (3.68 ± 1.66 ppb) being approximately 2.1 times higher than that in winter (1.78 ± 0.58 ppb). The diurnal variation in most carbonyls exhibited a pattern of nighttime accumulation and daytime depletion, which was consistent with the trend of NO2. The OFP results show that the average OFP of Σ24OVOCs was 30 ± 16 μg/m3, with formaldehyde contributing 86.9%, identifying it as a key precursor for ozone formation in the background region. Source analysis revealed that carbonyl compounds in autumn were influenced by combined natural, vehicular, and industrial sources, with significant secondary formation (27–36%) observed for C2 (acetaldehyde) and C3 (mainly acetone and propanal) species. In winter, anthropogenic contributions to carbonyls increased, with C2 and C3 species primarily originating from combustion sources, vehicle emissions, and industrial releases. This study provides the first insights into the pollution characteristics and source profiles of carbonyl compounds during autumn and winter at the Shangdianzi background site, offering a scientific basis for understanding regional atmospheric oxidative capacity and formulating integrated air pollution control strategies.

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