Tropospheric Ozone Concentrations Research Articles

Triticain alpha represents the major active papain-like cysteine protease in naturally senescing and ozone-treated leaves of wheat

Current background tropospheric ozone (O3) concentrations have significant adverse effects on wheat. O3 generally induces oxidative damages and premature leaf senescence leading to important yield losses. As leaf protein degradation and recycling is involved in both maintaining cell longevity during abiotic stresses and performing efficient nitrogen remobilization during senescence, we aimed to identify proteases involved in acidic endoproteolytic activities during natural and O3-induced leaf senescence in wheat. Field-grown plants of two winter wheat cultivars were exposed to ambient and semi-controlled chronic O3 concentrations, from pre-anthesis to grain harvest. Yield parameters were impacted by the most elevated O3 exposure for both cultivars. At the cellular level, our analysis revealed that both natural leaf senescence and O3 treatments induced a stimulation of acidic (pH 5.5) endoproteolytic activities, mostly due to papain-like cysteine proteases (PLCPs). Identification of active PLCPs using activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) revealed that Triticain α was the major active PLCP in senescing flag leaves and the only PLCP whose abundance increased with O3 stress, a result of positive transcriptional regulation. Our study provides novel insight into the implication of PLCP-mediated proteolysis in O3 sensitivity in a major crop.

Contribution of the anthropogenic precursor emission from multiple sectors to the tropospheric ozone concentrations: A case study in Henan Province, China

Contribution of the anthropogenic precursor emission from multiple sectors to the tropospheric ozone concentrations: A case study in Henan Province, China

ANALYSIS OF THE DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN INDUSTRIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, AND THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE. AN ECONOMETRIC APPROACH

ABSTRACT: The sustainability of socio-economic and industrial systems is a key concern, particularly within the framework of the 2030 agenda. A holistic understanding of the functioning and relationships of these systems is essential if we want to implement practical actions to achieve sustainability. This study uses econometric techniques, such as the distributed lag autoregressive model, to explore the interactions between industrial and environmental factors and the unemployment rate. The variables analyzed include working hours, wage costs, and tropospheric ozone concentration, over two periods: 2008-2020 (reduced period) and 2008-2024 (extended period). Between both periods, substantial differences have been found in the variables significantly influencing the unemployment rate. The significance of working hours and ozone (O3) concentration, determinants of the unemployment rate in the reduced period, are replaced by wage costs, determining the unemployment rate in the extended period. The results show that an initial increase in worked hours reduces unemployment, while wage increases and high levels of O3 tend to increase the unemployment rate. Granger causality analysis suggests bidirectional relationships between unemployment, wage costs, and O3 concentration, highlighting the connection between the different aspects and feedback collateral effects. The study underscores the need for balanced socioeconomic policies that promote both economic growth and environmental sustainability and the promotion of fostering of technological innovations. The importance of policies that mitigate the adverse effects of wage increases on employment is underlined, and that favor a more sustainable development model capable of decoupling economic well-being from intensive resource consumption. Keywords: Sustainability, Socioeconomic systems, ARDL techniques, Granger causality, unemployment, O3 concentration, working hours, hourly wage.

Technique for Determining Tropospheric Ozone Content from Spectral Measurements of Outgoing Thermal Radiation by the IKFS-2 Satellite Instrument

Technique for Determining Tropospheric Ozone Content from Spectral Measurements of Outgoing Thermal Radiation by the IKFS-2 Satellite Instrument

WRF-Chem Modeling of Tropospheric Ozone in the Coastal Cities of the Gulf of Finland

Ozone in the troposphere is a pollutant and greenhouse gas. Atmospheric models can add valuable information to observations for studying the spatial and temporal variations in tropospheric ozone content. The present study is intended to evaluate the variability in tropospheric ozone and its precursors near the Gulf of Finland with a focus on St. Petersburg (Russia) and Helsinki (Finland) in 2016–2019, using the WRF-Chem 3-D numerical model with a spatial resolution of 10 km, together with observations. The diurnal cycle of the near-surface ozone concentrations (NSOCs) in both cities is caused by the variability in NO2 emissions, planetary boundary layer height, and local meteorological conditions. The seasonal variations in NSOCs and tropospheric ozone content (TrOC) are caused by the variability in total ozone content and in ozone formation in the troposphere. The model reveals a VOC-limited regime in the ~0–1 km layer around St. Petersburg, Helsinki, and the Gulf of Finland and a pronounced NOx-limited regime in the 0–2 km layer in the forests of southern Finland, Karelia, some Russian regions, and the Baltic countries in July. The WRF-Chem model overestimates the measured NSOCs by 10.7–43.5% and the TrOC by 7–10.4%. The observed differences are mainly caused by the errors in chemical boundary conditions and emissions of ozone precursors and by the coarse spatial resolution of the modeling.

Dynamic monitoring of tropospheric ozone concentrations in northeast and Midwest Brazil: insights into seasonal variations and climatic influences

Dynamic monitoring of tropospheric ozone concentrations in northeast and Midwest Brazil: insights into seasonal variations and climatic influences

Cultivar-specific regulation of antioxidant enzyme activity and stomatal closure confer tolerance of wheat to elevated ozone: A two-year open-field study with five cultivars

Elevated concentrations of tropospheric ozone (O3) pose a significant threat to food production in many regions of the world. We conducted a two-year experiment with five winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, Yangmai16 (Y16), Yangmai23 (Y23), Zhenmai12 (Z12), Yangmai29 (Y29), and Yangmai30 (Y30), to assess photosynthetic traits, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant systems under ambient (A-O3) or elevated (E-O3; 1.5 times A-O3) O3 in a Free-Air O3Concentration Enrichment system (FACE). E-O3 accelerated leaf senescence, manifested by marked reductions in photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, total antioxidant capacity, and photosynthetic pigment content, accompanied by altered antioxidant enzyme activity and a significant increase in malondialdehyde content (an indicator of lipid peroxidation). Most parameters showed significant inter-cultivar differences, as well as interactions between O3 and cultivar. The response of the antioxidant system in wheat flag leaves was influenced by O3 exposure levels. The response of antioxidant enzymes at the grain filling stage and the timely closure of stomata conferred tolerance to O3. This tolerance was associated with higher antioxidant enzyme activity at the anthesis stage but was not related to the size of stomata. This study provides a crucial theoretical foundation for further breeding O3-tolerant cultivars.

Effectiveness of Green Corridor in Reducing the Level of Tropospheric Ozone Concentration in Legnica (Lower Silesia, SW Poland)

Effectiveness of Green Corridor in Reducing the Level of Tropospheric Ozone Concentration in Legnica (Lower Silesia, SW Poland)

Characterization of tropospheric ozone pollution, random forest trend prediction and analysis of influencing factors in South-western Europe

Nowadays, environmental problems have gradually become the focus of world attention. In recent years, heat waves in many parts of Europe have increased ozone concentrations, fuelling ozone pollution. Therefore, this paper investigates the spatial and temporal distribution of tropospheric column ozone concentrations in South-western Europe, future trend changes, influencing factors, and potential source regions based on remotely sensed monitoring data from the OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) from 2011 to 2021. The results show that the areas of high tropospheric column ozone concentrations are mainly concentrated in the northwest, Poland, and southeast coastal areas. At the same time, the monthly variation curve of column ozone concentration is bimodal. Trend change analyses indicate an upward trend in future column ozone concentrations in the southeastern part of the study area. The potential for increases also exists in parts of Germany, France, and Poland, which will need to be monitored. Random forest model projections found a slight decrease in column ozone concentrations in 2022 and 2023 of about 1–4 DU compared to tropospheric column ozone concentrations in 2021. The health risk assessment found that the number of all-cause premature deaths due to exposure to ozone was the highest in Germany. During the summer, when ozone pollution is high, the potential source area in the southeastern part of the study area is located at the border of the three countries, and synergistic management is recommended. In exploring the correlation between the influencing factors and ozone, it was found that there is a significant difference between the long-time and short-time series. In addition, the pathway analysis shows that the population size, distribution density, and forested area in southwestern Europe may be more sensitive to the production of tropospheric ozone.

Effect of tropospheric ozone and its protectants on gas exchange parameters, antioxidant enzymes and quality of Garlic (Allium sativum. L).

An experimental study was conducted to assess the detrimental effect of ground-level ozone (O3) on garlic physiology and to find out appropriate control measures against ground-level O3, at TNAU-Horticultural Research farm, Udhagamandalam. Elevated ground ozone levels significantly decreased garlic leaf chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, total soluble solids and pungency. The garlic chlorophyll content was highest in ambient ozone level and lowest in elevated ozone@200ppb, highest stomatal conductance was recorded in ambient ozone with foliar spray of 3%Panchagavya, and the lowest was observed in elevated ozone@200ppb. Since the elevated O3 had reduced in garlic photosynthetic rate significantly the lowest was observed in elevated O3@200ppb and the highest photosynthetic rate was observed in ambient Ozone with foliar spray 3% of panchagavya after a week. The antioxidant enzymes of garlic were increased with increased concentration of tropospheric ozone. The highest catalase (60.97µg of H2O2/g of leaf) and peroxidase (9.13 ΔA/min/g of leaf) concentration was observed at 200ppb elevated ozone level. Garlic pungency content was highest in ambient ozone with foliar spray of 0.1% ascorbic acid and the lowest was observed under elevated O3@200ppb. Highest total soluble solids were observed in ambient ozone with foliar spray of 3%Panchagavya and the lowest observed in elevated ozone@200ppb. Thus, tropospheric ozone has a detrimental impact on the physiology of crops, which reduced crop growth and yield. Under elevated O3 levels, ascorbic acid performed well followed by panchagavya and neem oil. The antioxidant such as catalase and peroxidase had positive correlation among themselves and had negative correlation with chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, pungency and TSS. The photosynthetic rate has high positive correlation with chlorophyll content, pungency and TSS. Correlation analysis confirmed the negative effects of tropospheric ozone and garlic gas exchange parameters and clove quality. The ozone protectants will reduce stomatal opening by which the entry of O3 in to the cell will be restricted and other hand they also will alleviate ROS and allied stresses.

Assessing Tropospheric Ozone Influence on Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Rhizosphere Microbial Activity

The study conducted at the Climate Change Observatory, Woodhouse Farm, HRS, Ooty, during 2018-2019 focused on investigating the impact of ozone and ozone protectants on rhizosphere microbial activity in garlic cultivation. Specifically, the experiment evaluated the response of the commercial local variety Ooty-1 garlic to varying ozone levels and ozone protectants. Results from the study demonstrated notable variations in microbial activity, including bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes, within the rhizosphere of garlic plants under different experimental conditions. Notably, the highest increase in bacterial activity was observed under ambient conditions with panchagavya spray, recording a significant log10 cfu/g of 8.9. Similarly, fungal and actinomycetes activity exhibited higher levels under ambient conditions, with respective log10 cfu/g values of 4.8 and 4.7. Conversely, elevated ozone levels at 150 ppb and 200 ppb led to a decline in bacterial, fungal, and actinomycetes activity within the rhizosphere. The reductions were substantial, with bacterial activity dropping to 2.5 log10 cfu/g and 1.9 log10 cfu/g, fungal activity to 1.1 log10 cfu/g and 0.9 log10 cfu/g, and actinomycetes activity to 2.4 log10 cfu/g and 2.1 log10 cfu/g at the respective ozone levels. However, the application of ozone protectants, including 3% panchagavya, 3% neem oil, and 0.1% ascorbic acid, demonstrated a mitigating effect on the negative impacts of tropospheric ozone on rhizosphere microbial diversity. This finding suggests that escalating concentrations of tropospheric ozone have a detrimental effect on the soil microbial activity of garlic. Still, the use of ozone protectants can significantly alleviate these effects by promoting microbial growth. Overall, the study underscores the importance of understanding the complex interactions between ozone levels, ozone protectants, and rhizosphere microbial activity in garlic cultivation, offering valuable insights for sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change challenges.

Prediction of tropospheric ozone concentration with Bagging-MLP method

Prediction of tropospheric ozone concentration with Bagging-MLP method

Ozone responses to reduced precursor emissions: A modeling analysis on how attainable goals can improve air quality in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area

High tropospheric ozone (O3) concentrations prevent the improvement of the air quality in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA). Although the problem has improved considerably since the 1990s, a rebound in O3 levels in recent years has raised concerns about the deteriorating air quality. The nonlinear relationship between O3 formation and the emissions of its main precursors, i.e., volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), is a challenge when measures are enacted for effective mitigation of the O3 problem. This study evaluated the reduction in precursors, VOCs and NOx, using an up-to-date regional air quality model (HERMES-Mex-WRF-CMAQ). For evaluating realizable scenarios, the decline in VOC achieved in Japan after policy implementation was the targeted VOC reduction (40 % from area sources), and the NOx reduction observed in the MCMA during the COVID-19 pandemic was the targeted NOx reduction (40 % from mobile sources). The analysis evaluated the O3 responses to changes in a single precursor and a combination of both during a period of high O3 concentrations (April 2019). The results showed that 40 % reduction in VOC emissions would decrease the O3 8-h maximum concentrations by 16 %. However, 40 % reduction in NOx emissions would increase O3 by >15 %. The simultaneous reduction of both precursors did not significantly affect O3 levels. The diagnosis of ozone sensitivity using the H2O2/HNO3 ratios reinforced the simulation findings, indicating that VOC emissions limited ozone formation in most MCMA areas. As the simulated scenarios were based on factual case studies, our research offers insights into the realistic aims of MCMA policies to reduce O3 levels.

The impact of tropopause fold event on surface ozone concentration over Tibetan Plateau in July

Tropopause fold events are one of the major processes in stratosphere-troposphere exchange (STE) in the mid-latitudes. The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is a hotspot of STE in the world. It has been proved that the tropopause fold events over the TP could impact on tropospheric ozone concentration in summer, yet most of these studies only focus on tropopause fold events at individual stations. In this study, we use ozone soundings data over Minle County (38.41°N, 100.65°E) and surface observations in the TP to verify the effect of tropopause fold events on surface ozone concentration. The stratospheric ozone tracers (O3S) simulation by the WACCM model and the passive tracers simulation by the WRF model indicate that the tropopause fold event observed on 11 July 2020 contributed to surface ozone in the northern regions of TP. In addition, we identified all the tropopause fold events that occurred over the TP in each July from 2015 to 2020 and quantified their impacts on surface ozone concentration. The results show that the average increase in surface ozone concentration is 15.94 ppbv during the period affected by the tropopause fold events. The site most affected by tropopause fold events is Shannan City, followed by Nyingchi City. This study revealed the importance of the influence of tropopause fold event on surface ozone concentration in the TP in summer.

Using soil nitrogen amendments in mitigating ozone stress in agricultural crops: a case study of cluster beans.

The climate change scenario in the coming years is liable to have serious negative consequences on agricultural productivity. Increasing tropospheric ozone concentration is an important aspect of climate change, which, due to its oxidative nature, is injurious to the plants. Due to the multifarious nature and continuously increasing concentration of tropospheric ozone, it is prerequisite to develop strategies to manage ozone stress in plants. Present study not only evaluates the potential of soil nitrogen amendments in ameliorating ozone stress in plants, but also focuses upon the mechanistic approaches adopted by the different plant cultivars to combat ozone stress. Three doses of nitrogen amendments, recommended (N1), 1.5× recommended (N2) and 2× recommended (N3), were given to two cultivars (S-151 and PUSA-N) of Cymopsis tetragonoloba exposed to ambient ozone stress. Control plants were also maintained in which no nitrogen treatment was given. Nitrogen supplementation reduced the root nodulation frequency and leghaemoglobin content, which subsequently increased the cellular nitrogen metabolism as evident through increase in the activities of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase in both the test cultivars. The positive effects of nitrogen amendments are clearly evident in the 1D protein profile studies which showed a greater accumulation of larger sub-units of RuBisCO in nitrogen amended plants. The results clearly indicate that N2 treatment effectively enhanced the yield of both the cultivars (84.8% and 76.37%, in S-151 and PUSA-N, respectively); however, the mechanistic approach adopted by the two cultivars was different. Whereas the yield quantity showed higher increments in S-151, the yield quality parameters (carbohydrates and nitrogen contents) responded more positively in PUSA-N.

Tropospheric Ozone Concentration in Russia in 2022

Tropospheric Ozone Concentration in Russia in 2022

Opinion: Establishing a science-into-policy process for tropospheric ozone assessment

Abstract. Elevated tropospheric ozone concentrations driven by anthropogenic precursor emissions are an environmental hazard scientifically similar to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer and global climate change; however, the tropospheric ozone issue lacks the generally accepted, international assessment efforts that have greatly informed our understanding of the other two. Here, we briefly review those successful science-into-policy approaches and outline the elements required to conduct a similar process for tropospheric ozone. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to establish a conceptual model to fully understand the underpinning science, useful policy metrics, and motivating international policy forums for regulating anthropogenic ozone production over the hemispheric and global scales, thereby expanding beyond the traditional regional, air basin approach that has dominated air quality regulatory philosophy to date.

Temporal assessment of air quality in major cities in Nigeria using satellite data

This study evaluated the concentrations of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), and Aerosol Index (AI) as well as different meteorological parameters, including atmospheric temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), and wind speed (WS) in nine Nigerian cities: Aba, Benin, Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, and Umuahia. The role of socioeconomic activities on air pollution was also investigated using nighttime light radiance as a surrogate measure. Welch's one-way ANOVA test was performed for the variance study to evaluate the concentration dynamics of the selected tropospheric air pollutants and their association with nighttime light radiance. The mean concentration of CO and AI was highest in Kano, while that of O3 was the lowest. A similar pattern was also observed in the spatiotemporal transition of the selected pollutants and the nighttime light during the study period. Further, the correlation analysis revealed that AT is positively correlated with NO2 except in Aba and Benin cities, while it is positively correlated with CO and AI for all cities. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that O3 and RH have strong negative factor loadings, whereas CO, AI, and AT have strong positive factor loadings. This study will guide future researchers by associating the level of pollution with socioeconomic activities, especially during the absence of permanent air quality stations.

Influence of Surface Methane on Tropospheric Ozone Concentrations and Cereal Yield in Asia

Methane (CH4) emanating from terrestrial sources serves as a precursor for the genesis of tropospheric ozone (O3), a pernicious atmospheric contaminant that adversely modulates the physiological mechanisms of agricultural crops. Despite the acknowledged role of CH4 in amplifying O3 concentrations, the extant literature offers limited quantitative evaluations concerning the repercussions of CH4-mediated O3 on cereal yields. Employing the GEOS-Chem atmospheric chemistry model, the present investigation elucidates the ramifications of a 50% diminution in anthropogenic CH4 concentrations on the yield losses of maize, soybean, and wheat across Asia for the fiscal year 2010. The findings unveil pronounced yield detriments attributable to O3-induced phytotoxicity, with the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the North China Plain manifesting the most substantial yield impairments among the crops examined. A halving of anthropogenic CH4 effluents could ameliorate considerable losses in cereal production across these agriculturally pivotal regions. CH4-facilitated O3 exerts a pernicious influence on cereal yields; nevertheless, targeted mitigation of CH4 effluents, particularly in the vicinity of the North China Plain, holds the potential to substantially attenuate O3 contamination, thereby catalyzing an enhancement in regional cereal production.

Air quality simulation with WRF-Chem over southeastern Brazil, part I: Model description and evaluation using ground-based and satellite data

A comprehensive Weather Research and Forecasting with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model evaluation is conducted using ground-based and total column observational data from air quality stations and satellite retrievals. Fine particles (PM2.5; ≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter), nitrogen oxides (NOx, NO + NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), tropospheric ozone (O3) concentrations and AOD values over southeastern Brazil were analyzed to assess the model's capability in reproducing atmospheric observation. The model simulations were performed over simple one domain at grid resolution of 10 km over southeastern Brazil. This spatial resolution was chosen due to a previous evaluation between five MODIS AOD products with AERONET estimates, resulting in Dark Target at 10 km of spatial resolution the best product to represent the AOD values over our study domain. Model input emissions comprise vehicular emissions derived from a bottom-up emission model, as well as on-line calculations of biogenic and fire emission rates. Given that the atmospheric state affects air pollution dispersion, a model evaluation on the meteorological conditions was carried out to better evaluate the model performance in reproducing the pollutant concentrations. Good agreement between model simulations and observations for air temperature and relative humidity at 2 m height was found, with correlation coefficients higher than 0.85 in most periods. Expected benchmarks for wind speed and direction at 10 m height were also found in this analysis, though with larger uncertainties. Underestimation occurred for daily accumulated precipitation due to the limitations of the cloud microphysics scheme or cumulus parameterization. Model simulations of PM2.5, NOx, CO and O3 agreed well with ground-based observations in terms of temporal variations and trends, with model-observation discrepancies due to uncertainties in the emission inventories. O3 was the better simulated pollutant in terms of temporal variability, with the characteristic large and small amplitudes observed over urban and rural areas being well represented by the model. High O3 concentrations were observed at the Botucatu station, due to transport of pollutants generated in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo, and were also represented by the model, indicating the need of more active air quality monitoring stations over inland regions in southeastern Brazil. Moderate and high correlation coefficients (ranging 0.46–0.81) were found for tropospheric NO2 VCD and CO column, and AOD at 550 nm due to uncertainties in the emission inventories and aerosol model simplifications. Both the model and satellite captured higher values in similar regions over our study domain. This work represents a first effort, in southeastern Brazil, that combines numerical modeling, remote sensing and ground-based stations to analyze and understand the impact exerted by the emissions of urban pollution over surrounding areas. A more in-depth analysis of the impact of emissions transport to inland regions from urban areas in southeastern Brazil will be discussed in the second part of this work.