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Toxics
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Atmospheric Aerosols: Source Apportionment, Characterizations, and Detection, 2nd Edition
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Atmospheric Aerosols: Source Apportionment, Characterizations, and Detection, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Air Pollution and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2025) | Viewed by 6495

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Chunlei Cheng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Mass Spectrometry and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Interests: atmospheric organic aerosols; single particles; formation mechanism; ozone formation and simulation; mass spectrometry analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Cheng Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Mass Spectrometry and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Interests: air pollutant characterization; source apportionment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Editorial summary:

Following the success of our Special Issue titled "Atmospheric Aerosols: Source Apportionment, Characterizations and Detection," which published five high-quality papers, we are excited to announce the second edition of this Special Issue. The first edition made a significant contribution to our understanding of the sources and evolution processes of atmospheric aerosols and gaseous pollutants, with a keen focus on the following topics:

  • The distribution characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at airports;
  • The formation of sulfates in the atmosphere of a tropical city;
  • The distribution characteristics of PM2.5 during the COVID-19 pandemic;
  • The association between children's respiratory diseases and air pollutants;
  • Remote sensing studies of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD).

These papers provided new insights into the complex dynamics of aerosols and their impact on the environment and human health. Based on this solid foundation, the second edition of our Special Issue will explore the associations between atmospheric aerosols and human health. Our goal is to establish a collection of studies that not only reflects the current state of the art but also points the way toward future advancements in aerosol science and its impact on public health.

Objectives:

  • Source Apportionment: Investigations focusing on identifying and quantifying the major sources of atmospheric aerosols. Contributions may include studies utilizing advanced statistical methods, emission inventories, and modeling techniques to determine the spatial and temporal variations in aerosol sources. Additionally, research on the impacts of source-specific aerosols on climate, air quality, and human health is also welcome.
  • Chemical Characterization: Research that advances our understanding of the chemical composition of aerosols, including both organic and inorganic species. Contributions may include studies employing state-of-the-art analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry, chromatography, and spectroscopy to characterize the molecular and elemental compositions of aerosols. Investigations into aerosol aging and transformation and the formation of secondary aerosols are of particular interest.
  • Health Effect: To examine the mechanisms via which aerosols interact with human health, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and potential long-term health effects.
  • Policy Implications and Mitigation Strategies: Discussions on the policy implications of aerosol research and the development of effective mitigation strategies. Contributions may include studies on the assessment of air pollution regulations, the evaluation of emission control measures, and the integration of aerosol-related research into environmental and public health policies.

Call for Papers:

We invite researchers, scientists, and scholars to contribute their original research, review articles, and short communications that address the themes outlined above. Manuscripts should present novel findings, innovative approaches, and significant advancements in the field of aerosol science and its implications for human health.

Dr. Chunlei Cheng
Dr. Cheng Wu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • atmospheric aerosols
  • chemical characterization
  • source apportionment
  • analytical methods
  • formation mechanism
  • secondary organic aerosols
  • health effect
  • air pollution

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2303 KiB  
Article
Identification and Characterization of Atmospheric Nickel-Containing Particles in Guangzhou After the Implementation of the Clean Fuel Policy
by Zaihua Wang, Xuanxiao Chen, Cheng Wu, Hong Ju, Zhong Fu, Xin Xiong, Ting Qiu, Yuchen Lu, Junjie He, Yaxi Liu, Haining Wu, Chunlei Cheng and Mei Li
Toxics 2025, 13(5), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13050345 - 26 Apr 2025
Viewed by 235
Abstract
Nickel, as a toxic trace element in fine particulate matter (PM2.5), has detrimental effects on both air quality and human health. Based on measurements from 2020 to 2021 using a single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS), this study investigates the properties of [...] Read more.
Nickel, as a toxic trace element in fine particulate matter (PM2.5), has detrimental effects on both air quality and human health. Based on measurements from 2020 to 2021 using a single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS), this study investigates the properties of nickel-containing particles (NCPs) in Guangzhou. The composition, sources, and temporal trends of NCPs were evaluated and the impact of the clean ship fuel policy introduced in 2020 was also examined. The key findings include: (1) Nickel particles account for 0.08% number fraction of PM2.5, which is consistent with previously reported mass fraction in PM2.5. (2) Three distinct types of NCPs were identified, including Ni-fresh, Ni-aged, and Ni-ash. Each type exhibits unique characteristics in size distribution, wind direction dependence, sources, and temporal variations. Ni-fresh particles originate from shipping emissions in the Huangpu Port area 2 km away and are the major contributors to fine nickel particles in the region. (3) Ni-aged and Ni-ash particles, which carry secondary components, tend to be larger (>500 nm) and are representative of regional or background nickel particles. (4) The implementation of the clean ship fuel policy has effectively reduced the number concentrations of NCPs and is beneficial to regional and local air quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Aerosols: Source Apportionment, Characterizations, and Detection, 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 3730 KiB  
Article
A Study on Dust Storm Pollution and Source Identification in Northwestern China
by Hongfei Meng, Feiteng Wang, Guangzu Bai and Huilin Li
Toxics 2025, 13(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13010033 - 3 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1328
Abstract
In April 2023, a major dust storm event in Lanzhou attracted widespread attention. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the causes, progression, and dust sources of this event using multiple data sources and methods. Backward trajectory analysis using the HYSPLIT model was [...] Read more.
In April 2023, a major dust storm event in Lanzhou attracted widespread attention. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the causes, progression, and dust sources of this event using multiple data sources and methods. Backward trajectory analysis using the HYSPLIT model was employed to trace the origins of the dust, while FY-2H satellite data provided high-resolution dust distribution patterns. Additionally, the MAIAC AOD product was used to analyze Aerosol Optical Depth, and concentration-weighted trajectory (CWT) analysis was used to identify key dust source regions. The study found that PM10 played a dominant role in the storm, and the AOD values during the storm in Lanzhou were significantly higher than the annual average, highlighting the severe impact on regional air quality. Key meteorological conditions influencing the storm’s occurrence were analyzed, including the formation and eastward movement of a high-potential ridge, convection driven by diurnal temperature variations, and surface temperature increases coupled with decreased relative humidity, which together promoted the generation and development of dust. Backward trajectory and dust distribution analyses revealed that the dust primarily originated from Central Asia, western Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Gansu. From the 19th to the 21st, the dust distribution showed similarities between day and night, with a noticeable increase in dust concentration from night to day due to strong vertical atmospheric mixing. To mitigate the impacts of future dust storms, this study highlights both short-term and long-term strategies, including enhanced monitoring systems, public health advisories, and vegetation restoration in key source regions. Strengthening regional and international cooperation for transboundary dust management is also emphasized as critical for sustainable mitigation efforts. These findings are significant for understanding and predicting the causes, characteristics, and environmental impacts of dust storms in Lanzhou and the Northwestern region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Aerosols: Source Apportionment, Characterizations, and Detection, 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 16685 KiB  
Article
Multi-Scale Meteorological Impact on PM2.5 Pollution in Tangshan, Northern China
by Qian Liang, Xinxuan Zhang, Yucong Miao and Shuhua Liu
Toxics 2024, 12(9), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12090685 - 22 Sep 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1447
Abstract
Tangshan, a major industrial and agricultural center in northern China, frequently experiences significant PM2.5 pollution events during winter, impacting its large population. These pollution episodes are influenced by multi–scale meteorological processes, though the complex mechanisms remain not fully understood. This study integrates [...] Read more.
Tangshan, a major industrial and agricultural center in northern China, frequently experiences significant PM2.5 pollution events during winter, impacting its large population. These pollution episodes are influenced by multi–scale meteorological processes, though the complex mechanisms remain not fully understood. This study integrates surface PM2.5 concentration data, ground-based and upper–air meteorological observations, and ERA5 reanalysis data from 2015 to 2019 to explore the interactions between local planetary boundary layer (PBL) structures and large-scale atmospheric processes driving PM2.5 pollution in Tangshan. The results indicate that seasonal variations in PM2.5 pollution levels are closely linked to changes in PBL thermal stability. During winter, day–to–day increases in PM2.5 concentrations are often tied to atmospheric warming above 1500 m, as enhanced thermal inversions and reduced PBL heights lead to pollutant accumulation. Regionally, this aloft warming is driven by a high-pressure system at 850 hPa over the southern North China Plain, accompanied by prevailing southwesterly winds. Additionally, southwesterly winds within the PBL can transport pollutants from the adjacent Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region to Tangshan, worsening pollution. Simulations from the chemical transport model indicate that regional pollutant transport can contribute to approximately half of the near-surface PM2.5 concentration under the unfavorable synoptic conditions. These findings underscore the importance of multi-scale meteorology in predicting and mitigating severe wintertime PM2.5 pollution in Tangshan and surrounding regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Aerosols: Source Apportionment, Characterizations, and Detection, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 4797 KiB  
Article
Pollution Characteristics of Heavy Metals in PM1 and Source-Specific Health Risks in the Tianjin Airport Community, China
by Jingbo Zhao, Jingcheng Xu, Yanhong Xu and Yaqin Ji
Toxics 2024, 12(8), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080601 - 18 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1596
Abstract
The airport and its surrounding areas are home to a variety of pollution sources, and air pollution is a recognized health concern for local populated regions. Submicron particulate matter (PM1 with an aerodynamic diameter of <1 mm) is a typical pollutant at [...] Read more.
The airport and its surrounding areas are home to a variety of pollution sources, and air pollution is a recognized health concern for local populated regions. Submicron particulate matter (PM1 with an aerodynamic diameter of <1 mm) is a typical pollutant at airports, and the enrichment of heavy metals (HMs) in PM1 poses a great threat to human health. To comprehensively assess the source-specific health effects of PM1-bound HMs in an airport community, PM1 filter samples were collected around the Tianjin Binhai International Airport for 12 h during the daytime and nighttime, both in the spring and summer, and 10 selected HMs (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) were analyzed. The indicatory elements of aircraft emissions were certified as Zn and Pb, which accounted for more than 60% of the sum concentration of detected HMs. The health risks assessment showed that the total non-cancer risks (TNCRs) of PM1-bound HMs were 0.28 in the spring and 0.23 in the summer, which are lower than the safety level determined by the USEPA, and the total cancer risk (TCR) was 2.37 × 10−5 in the spring and 2.42 × 10−5 in the summer, implying that there were non-negligible cancer risks in the Tianjin Airport Community. After source apportionment with EF values and PMF model, four factors have been determined in both seasons. Consequently, the source-specific health risks were also evaluated by combining the PMF model with the health risk assessment model. For non-cancer risk, industrial sources containing high concentrations of Mn were the top contributors in both spring (50.4%) and summer (44.2%), while coal combustion with high loads of As and Cd posed the highest cancer risk in both seasons. From the perspective of health risk management, targeted management and control strategies should be adopted for industrial emissions and coal combustion in the Tianjin Airport Community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Aerosols: Source Apportionment, Characterizations, and Detection, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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19 pages, 9800 KiB  
Review
Spatial–Temporal Characteristics, Source Apportionment, and Health Risks of Atmospheric Volatile Organic Compounds in China: A Comprehensive Review
by Yangbing Wei, Xuexue Jing, Yaping Chen, Wenxin Sun, Yuzhe Zhang and Rencheng Zhu
Toxics 2024, 12(11), 787; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12110787 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1339
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ubiquitous in the atmosphere, posing significant adverse impacts on air quality and human health. However, current research on atmospheric VOCs mainly focuses on specific regions or industries, without comprehensive national-level analysis. In this study, a total of 99 [...] Read more.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ubiquitous in the atmosphere, posing significant adverse impacts on air quality and human health. However, current research on atmospheric VOCs mainly focuses on specific regions or industries, without comprehensive national-level analysis. In this study, a total of 99 articles on atmospheric VOCs in China published from 2015 to 2024 were screened, and data on their concentrations, source apportionment, and health risks were extracted and summarized. The results revealed that the annual average concentrations of TVOCs and their groups in China generally increased and then decreased between 2011 and 2022, peaking in 2018–2019. A distinct seasonal pattern was observed, with the highest concentrations occurring in winter, followed by autumn, spring, and summer. TVOC emissions were highly concentrated in northern and eastern China, mainly contributed by alkanes and alkenes. Source apportionment of VOCs indicated that vehicle sources (32.9% ± 14.3%), industrial emissions (18.0% ± 12.8%), and other combustion sources (13.0% ± 13.0%) were the primary sources of VOCs in China. There was a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between the annual mean VOC concentration and population size, and a notable negative correlation (p < 0.05) with GDP per capita. Atmospheric VOCs had no non-carcinogenic risk (HI = 0.5) but exhibited a probable carcinogenic risk (7.5 × 10−5), with relatively high values for 1,2-dibromoethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, and naphthalene. The health risk was predominantly driven by halocarbons. These findings are essential for a better understanding of atmospheric VOCs and for developing more targeted VOC control measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Aerosols: Source Apportionment, Characterizations, and Detection, 2nd Edition)
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