Emission source-based ozone isopleth and isosurface diagrams and their significance in ozone pollution control strategies

Abstract

In the past decade, ozone (O3) pollution has been continuously worsening in most developing countries. The accurate identification of the nonlinear relationship between O3 and its precursors is a prerequisite for formulating effective O3 control measures. At present, precursor-based O3 isopleth diagrams are widely used to infer O3 control strategy at a particular location. However, there is frequently a large gap between the O3-precursor nonlinearity delineated by the O3 isopleths and the emission source control measures to reduce O3 levels. Consequently, we developed an emission source-based O3 isopleth diagram that directly illustrates the O3 level changes in response to synergistic control on two types of emission sources using a validated numerical modeling system and the latest regional emission inventory. Isopleths can be further upgraded to isosurfaces when co-control on three types of emission sources is investigated. Using Guangzhou and Foshan as examples, we demonstrate that similar precursor-based O3 isopleths can be associated with significantly different emission source co-control strategies. In Guangzhou, controlling solvent use emissions was the most effective approach to reduce peak O3 levels. In Foshan, co-control of on-road mobile, solvent use, and fixed combustion sources with a ratio of 3:1:2 or 3:1:3 was best to effectively reduce the peak O3 levels below 145 ppbv. This study underscores the importance of using emission source-based O3 isopleths and isosurface diagrams to guide a precursor emission control strategy that can effectively reduce the peak O3 levels in a particular area.