The underlying mechanisms of PM2.5 and O3 synergistic pollution in East China: Photochemical and heterogeneous interactions

Abstract

The rapid development of Chinese cities is accompanied by air pollution. Although the implementation of air pollution control strategies in recent years has alleviated PM2.5 pollution, O3 pollution and the synergistic pollution of PM2.5 and O3 have become more serious. To understand the underlying chemical interaction mechanisms between PM2.5 and O3, we applied the modified Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) to study the effects of aerosol-photolysis feedback and heterogeneous reactions on the two pollutants and revealed the contribution of different mechanisms in different seasons and regions in Yangtze River Delta (YRD) in eastern China. We found that, through the aerosol-photolysis feedback, PM2.5 decreased the surface photolysis rates JNO2 and JO1D, resulting in a decrease in O3 concentration in the VOC-sensitive area and a slight increase in the NOx-sensitive area. The heterogeneous reactions reduced O3 concentration in the YRD in spring, autumn and winter by consuming HxOy. While in summer, the heterogeneous absorption of NOx decreased O3 in the NOx-sensitive areas and increased O3 in the VOC-sensitive areas. Heterogeneous reactions also promoted the secondary formation of fine sulfate and nitrate aerosols, especially in winter. Through the combined effect of two chemical processes, PM2.5 can lead to a decrease in O3 concentration of −3.3 ppb (−7.6 %), −2.2 ppb (−4.0 %), −2.9 ppb (−6.3 %), and − 5.9 ppb (−18.7 %), in spring, summer, autumn and winter in YRD. Therefore, if the PM2.5 concentration decreases, the weakening effect of PM2.5 on the ozone concentration will be reduced, resulting in the aggravation of ozone pollution. This study is important for understanding the synergistic pollution mechanism and provides a scientific basis for the coordinated control of urban air pollution.