Articles | Volume 3, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-405-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-405-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
04 Jul 2025
Research article |
| 04 Jul 2025
| 04 Jul 2025
Determination of aerosol composition by ED-XRF on Teflon and quartz substrates: potentialities and limits
Florin Unga
Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, ISAC-CNR, Lecce, 73100, Italy
Giulia Calzolai
National Institute for Nuclear Physics – Florence Division, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), 50019, Italy
Massimo Chiari
National Institute for Nuclear Physics – Florence Division, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), 50019, Italy
Eleonora Cuccia
ARPA Lombardia, Milan, 20124, Italy
Cristina Colombi
ARPA Lombardia, Milan, 20124, Italy
Mariolina Franciosa
ARPA Lombardia, Milan, 20124, Italy
Adelaide Dinoi
Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, ISAC-CNR, Lecce, 73100, Italy
Eva Merico
Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, ISAC-CNR, Lecce, 73100, Italy
Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, ISAC-CNR, Lecce, 73100, Italy
Noelia Gómez-Sánchez
Atmospheric Pollution Laboratory, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, 03202, Spain
Caterina Mapelli
Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, ISAC-CNR, Lecce, 73100, Italy
Salvatore Pareti
Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, IIA-CNR, Monterotondo (RM), 00015, Italy
Cinzia Perrino
Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, IIA-CNR, Monterotondo (RM), 00015, Italy
Eduardo Yubero
Atmospheric Pollution Laboratory, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, 03202, Spain
Daniele Contini
Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, ISAC-CNR, Lecce, 73100, Italy
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Silvia Nava, Roberta Vecchi, Paolo Prati, Vera Bernardoni, Laura Cadeo, Giulia Calzolai, Luca Carraresi, Carlo Cialdai, Massimo Chiari, Federica Crova, Alice Forello, Cosimo Fratticioli, Fabio Giardi, Marco Manetti, Dario Massabò, Federico Mazzei, Luca Repetto, Gianluigi Valli, Virginia Vernocchi, and Franco Lucarelli
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 18, 2137–2147, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-2137-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-2137-2025, 2025
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The new high-time-resolution sampler STRAS has been designed, developed and tested. It enables automatic sequential sampling of up to 168 hourly samples of PM10, PM2.5 or PM1. It has been conceived for subsequent elemental composition analysis (from Na to Pb) by particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), but optical techniques may also be applied to measure black and brown carbon. Its use combined with other high-temporal-resolution instrumentation can provide complete chemical speciation of aerosols on an hourly basis.
Natalie M. Mahowald, Longlei Li, Julius Vira, Marje Prank, Douglas S. Hamilton, Hitoshi Matsui, Ron L. Miller, P. Louis Lu, Ezgi Akyuz, Daphne Meidan, Peter Hess, Heikki Lihavainen, Christine Wiedinmyer, Jenny Hand, Maria Grazia Alaimo, Célia Alves, Andres Alastuey, Paulo Artaxo, Africa Barreto, Francisco Barraza, Silvia Becagli, Giulia Calzolai, Shankararaman Chellam, Ying Chen, Patrick Chuang, David D. Cohen, Cristina Colombi, Evangelia Diapouli, Gaetano Dongarra, Konstantinos Eleftheriadis, Johann Engelbrecht, Corinne Galy-Lacaux, Cassandra Gaston, Dario Gomez, Yenny González Ramos, Roy M. Harrison, Chris Heyes, Barak Herut, Philip Hopke, Christoph Hüglin, Maria Kanakidou, Zsofia Kertesz, Zbigniew Klimont, Katriina Kyllönen, Fabrice Lambert, Xiaohong Liu, Remi Losno, Franco Lucarelli, Willy Maenhaut, Beatrice Marticorena, Randall V. Martin, Nikolaos Mihalopoulos, Yasser Morera-Gómez, Adina Paytan, Joseph Prospero, Sergio Rodríguez, Patricia Smichowski, Daniela Varrica, Brenna Walsh, Crystal L. Weagle, and Xi Zhao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4665–4702, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4665-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4665-2025, 2025
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Aerosol particles are an important part of the Earth system, but their concentrations are spatially and temporally heterogeneous, as well as being variable in size and composition. Here, we present a new compilation of PM2.5 and PM10 aerosol observations, focusing on the spatial variability across different observational stations, including composition, and demonstrate a method for comparing the data sets to model output.
Laura Cadeo, Beatrice Biffi, Benjamin Chazeau, Cristina Colombi, Rosario Cosenza, Eleonora Cuccia, Manousos-Ioannis Manousakas, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, André S. H. Prévôt, and Roberta Vecchi
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-110, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-110, 2025
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This study presents the deployment of the Xact® 625i Ambient Metals Monitor in Milan (Po Valley, Italy) and its performance in measuring PM10 elemental composition at a high temporal resolution. Our findings demonstrate strong agreement between online and offline XRF analyses, underscoring the potential of advanced monitoring technologies for air quality research.
Pamela A. Dominutti, Jean-Luc Jaffrezo, Anouk Marsal, Takoua Mhadhbi, Rhabira Elazzouzi, Camille Rak, Fabrizia Cavalli, Jean-Philippe Putaud, Aikaterini Bougiatioti, Nikolaos Mihalopoulos, Despina Paraskevopoulou, Ian Mudway, Athanasios Nenes, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, Catherine Banach, Steven J. Campbell, Hana Cigánková, Daniele Contini, Greg Evans, Maria Georgopoulou, Manuella Ghanem, Drew A. Glencross, Maria Rachele Guascito, Hartmut Herrmann, Saima Iram, Maja Jovanović, Milena Jovašević-Stojanović, Markus Kalberer, Ingeborg M. Kooter, Suzanne E. Paulson, Anil Patel, Esperanza Perdrix, Maria Chiara Pietrogrande, Pavel Mikuška, Jean-Jacques Sauvain, Katerina Seitanidi, Pourya Shahpoury, Eduardo J. d. S. Souza, Sarah Steimer, Svetlana Stevanovic, Guillaume Suarez, P. S. Ganesh Subramanian, Battist Utinger, Marloes F. van Os, Vishal Verma, Xing Wang, Rodney J. Weber, Yuhan Yang, Xavier Querol, Gerard Hoek, Roy M. Harrison, and Gaëlle Uzu
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 18, 177–195, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-177-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-177-2025, 2025
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In this work, 20 labs worldwide collaborated to evaluate the measurement of air pollution's oxidative potential (OP), a key indicator of its harmful effects. The study aimed to identify disparities in the widely used OP dithiothreitol assay and assess the consistency of OP among labs using the same protocol. The results showed that half of the labs achieved acceptable results. However, variability was also found, highlighting the need for standardisation in OP procedures.
Natalie M. Mahowald, Longlei Li, Julius Vira, Marje Prank, Douglas S. Hamilton, Hitoshi Matsui, Ron L. Miller, Louis Lu, Ezgi Akyuz, Daphne Meidan, Peter Hess, Heikki Lihavainen, Christine Wiedinmyer, Jenny Hand, Maria Grazia Alaimo, Célia Alves, Andres Alastuey, Paulo Artaxo, Africa Barreto, Francisco Barraza, Silvia Becagli, Giulia Calzolai, Shankarararman Chellam, Ying Chen, Patrick Chuang, David D. Cohen, Cristina Colombi, Evangelia Diapouli, Gaetano Dongarra, Konstantinos Eleftheriadis, Corinne Galy-Lacaux, Cassandra Gaston, Dario Gomez, Yenny González Ramos, Hannele Hakola, Roy M. Harrison, Chris Heyes, Barak Herut, Philip Hopke, Christoph Hüglin, Maria Kanakidou, Zsofia Kertesz, Zbiginiw Klimont, Katriina Kyllönen, Fabrice Lambert, Xiaohong Liu, Remi Losno, Franco Lucarelli, Willy Maenhaut, Beatrice Marticorena, Randall V. Martin, Nikolaos Mihalopoulos, Yasser Morera-Gomez, Adina Paytan, Joseph Prospero, Sergio Rodríguez, Patricia Smichowski, Daniela Varrica, Brenna Walsh, Crystal Weagle, and Xi Zhao
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2024-1, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2024-1, 2024
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Aerosol particles can interact with incoming solar radiation and outgoing long wave radiation, change cloud properties, affect photochemistry, impact surface air quality, and when deposited impact surface albedo of snow and ice, and modulate carbon dioxide uptake by the land and ocean. Here we present a new compilation of aerosol observations including composition, a methodology for comparing the datasets to model output, and show the implications of these results using one model.
Jonas Elm, Aladár Czitrovszky, Andreas Held, Annele Virtanen, Astrid Kiendler-Scharr, Benjamin J. Murray, Daniel McCluskey, Daniele Contini, David Broday, Eirini Goudeli, Hilkka Timonen, Joan Rosell-Llompart, Jose L. Castillo, Evangelia Diapouli, Mar Viana, Maria E. Messing, Markku Kulmala, Naděžda Zíková, and Sebastian H. Schmitt
Aerosol Research, 1, 13–16, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-1-13-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-1-13-2023, 2023
Adelaide Dinoi, Daniel Gulli, Kay Weinhold, Ivano Ammoscato, Claudia R. Calidonna, Alfred Wiedensohler, and Daniele Contini
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 2167–2181, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-2167-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-2167-2023, 2023
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In this study, particle number size distribution analysis was performed with the purpose of characterizing new particle formation (NPF) events occurring in two areas of southern Italy over 5 years of measurements. The identification of NPF events produced different results in terms of frequency and seasonality. Some of the main variables involved in the process, the local atmospheric conditions in which the events occurred, and the role of the air masses were discussed and compared.
Fabio Giardi, Silvia Nava, Giulia Calzolai, Giulia Pazzi, Massimo Chiari, Andrea Faggi, Bianca Patrizia Andreini, Chiara Collaveri, Elena Franchi, Guido Nincheri, Alessandra Amore, Silvia Becagli, Mirko Severi, Rita Traversi, and Franco Lucarelli
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 9987–10005, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-9987-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-9987-2022, 2022
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The restriction measures adopted to contain the COVID-19 virus offered a unique opportunity to study urban particulate emissions in the near absence of traffic, which is one of the main emission sources in the urban environment. However, the drastic decrease in this source of particulate matter during the months of national lockdown did not lead to an equal decrease in the total particulate load. This is due to the inverse behavior shown by different sources, especially secondary sources.
Magdalena Reizer, Giulia Calzolai, Katarzyna Maciejewska, José A. G. Orza, Luca Carraresi, Franco Lucarelli, and Katarzyna Juda-Rezler
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 14471–14492, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-14471-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-14471-2021, 2021
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The elemental composition of atmospheric PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 was measured during wintertime, with 1 h resolution, using a streaker sampler for the first time at a Central European urban background site. A set of multivariate and wind- and trajectory-based receptor models identified the main sources of ambient aerosol. Fine PM fraction was mainly comprised of regionally transported aged secondary sulfate from residential solid fuel combustion, while the coarse mode showed traffic-related origins.
Y. Sim Tang, Chris R. Flechard, Ulrich Dämmgen, Sonja Vidic, Vesna Djuricic, Marta Mitosinkova, Hilde T. Uggerud, Maria J. Sanz, Ivan Simmons, Ulrike Dragosits, Eiko Nemitz, Marsailidh Twigg, Netty van Dijk, Yannick Fauvel, Francisco Sanz, Martin Ferm, Cinzia Perrino, Maria Catrambone, David Leaver, Christine F. Braban, J. Neil Cape, Mathew R. Heal, and Mark A. Sutton
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 875–914, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-875-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-875-2021, 2021
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The DELTA® approach provided speciated, monthly data on reactive gases (NH3, HNO3, SO2, HCl) and aerosols (NH4+, NO3−, SO42−, Cl−, Na+) across Europe (2006–2010). Differences in spatial and temporal concentrations and patterns between geographic regions and four ecosystem types were captured. NH3 and NH4NO3 were dominant components, highlighting their growing relative importance in ecosystem impacts (acidification, eutrophication) and human health effects (NH3 as a precursor to PM2.5) in Europe.
Alice Corina Forello, Vera Bernardoni, Giulia Calzolai, Franco Lucarelli, Dario Massabò, Silvia Nava, Rosaria Erika Pileci, Paolo Prati, Sara Valentini, Gianluigi Valli, and Roberta Vecchi
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 11235–11252, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11235-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11235-2019, 2019
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A new approach coupling aerosol chemical and optical properties in one source apportionment study is proposed. Besides a more robust identification of sources, it was possible to retrieve a source-specific absorption Ångström exponent and a mass absorption cross section at different wavelengths as well as optical apportionment. This piece of information can be very useful for formulating strategies for pollutant abatement to improve air quality and to face climate challenges.
Zongbo Shi, Tuan Vu, Simone Kotthaus, Roy M. Harrison, Sue Grimmond, Siyao Yue, Tong Zhu, James Lee, Yiqun Han, Matthias Demuzere, Rachel E. Dunmore, Lujie Ren, Di Liu, Yuanlin Wang, Oliver Wild, James Allan, W. Joe Acton, Janet Barlow, Benjamin Barratt, David Beddows, William J. Bloss, Giulia Calzolai, David Carruthers, David C. Carslaw, Queenie Chan, Lia Chatzidiakou, Yang Chen, Leigh Crilley, Hugh Coe, Tie Dai, Ruth Doherty, Fengkui Duan, Pingqing Fu, Baozhu Ge, Maofa Ge, Daobo Guan, Jacqueline F. Hamilton, Kebin He, Mathew Heal, Dwayne Heard, C. Nicholas Hewitt, Michael Hollaway, Min Hu, Dongsheng Ji, Xujiang Jiang, Rod Jones, Markus Kalberer, Frank J. Kelly, Louisa Kramer, Ben Langford, Chun Lin, Alastair C. Lewis, Jie Li, Weijun Li, Huan Liu, Junfeng Liu, Miranda Loh, Keding Lu, Franco Lucarelli, Graham Mann, Gordon McFiggans, Mark R. Miller, Graham Mills, Paul Monk, Eiko Nemitz, Fionna O'Connor, Bin Ouyang, Paul I. Palmer, Carl Percival, Olalekan Popoola, Claire Reeves, Andrew R. Rickard, Longyi Shao, Guangyu Shi, Dominick Spracklen, David Stevenson, Yele Sun, Zhiwei Sun, Shu Tao, Shengrui Tong, Qingqing Wang, Wenhua Wang, Xinming Wang, Xuejun Wang, Zifang Wang, Lianfang Wei, Lisa Whalley, Xuefang Wu, Zhijun Wu, Pinhua Xie, Fumo Yang, Qiang Zhang, Yanli Zhang, Yuanhang Zhang, and Mei Zheng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 7519–7546, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-7519-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-7519-2019, 2019
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APHH-Beijing is a collaborative international research programme to study the sources, processes and health effects of air pollution in Beijing. This introduction to the special issue provides an overview of (i) the APHH-Beijing programme, (ii) the measurement and modelling activities performed as part of it and (iii) the air quality and meteorological conditions during joint intensive field campaigns as a core activity within APHH-Beijing.
Karl Espen Yttri, David Simpson, Robert Bergström, Gyula Kiss, Sönke Szidat, Darius Ceburnis, Sabine Eckhardt, Christoph Hueglin, Jacob Klenø Nøjgaard, Cinzia Perrino, Ignazio Pisso, Andre Stephan Henry Prevot, Jean-Philippe Putaud, Gerald Spindler, Milan Vana, Yan-Lin Zhang, and Wenche Aas
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 4211–4233, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4211-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4211-2019, 2019
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Carbonaceous aerosols from natural sources were abundant regardless of season. Residential wood burning (RWB) emissions were occasionally equally as large as or larger than of fossil-fuel sources, depending on season and region. RWB emissions are poorly constrained; thus emissions inventories need improvement. Harmonizing emission factors between countries is likely the most important step to improve model calculations for biomass burning emissions and European PM2.5 concentrations in general.
Evangelia Diapouli, Manousos I. Manousakas, Stergios Vratolis, Vasiliki Vasilatou, Stella Pateraki, Kyriaki A. Bairachtari, Xavier Querol, Fulvio Amato, Andrés Alastuey, Angeliki A. Karanasiou, Franco Lucarelli, Silvia Nava, Giulia Calzolai, Vorne L. Gianelle, Cristina Colombi, Célia Alves, Danilo Custódio, Casimiro Pio, Christos Spyrou, George B. Kallos, and Konstantinos Eleftheriadis
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 3673–3685, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-3673-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-3673-2017, 2017
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This study examined the contribution of two natural sources (long-range transport of African dust and sea salt) to the airborne particulate matter concentrations, in 5 southern European cities (Porto, Barcelona, Milan, Florence, Athens). The results demonstrated that natural sources are often expressed with high-intensity events, leading even to exceedances of the EU air quality standards. This effect was more pronounced in the case of African dust intrusions in the eastern Mediterranean area.
Silvia Becagli, Fabrizio Anello, Carlo Bommarito, Federico Cassola, Giulia Calzolai, Tatiana Di Iorio, Alcide di Sarra, José-Luis Gómez-Amo, Franco Lucarelli, Miriam Marconi, Daniela Meloni, Francesco Monteleone, Silvia Nava, Giandomenico Pace, Mirko Severi, Damiano Massimiliano Sferlazzo, Rita Traversi, and Roberto Udisti
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 2067–2084, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-2067-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-2067-2017, 2017
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The paper aims to implement a specific strategy to target the aerosol due to ship emissions. PM10 is collected south and north of the main shipping route through the Mediterranean. Other than ions and metals the analysis is complemented with measurements of rare earth elements, trajectories from a high resolution regional model and actual observations of ship traffic. The combination of these approaches allows for unambiguous identification of the ship contribution (8–11 % of PM10) in this area.
Elenio Avolio, Rosa Claudia Torcasio, Teresa Lo Feudo, Claudia Roberta Calidonna, Daniele Contini, and Stefano Federico
Adv. Sci. Res., 13, 69–73, https://doi.org/10.5194/asr-13-69-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/asr-13-69-2016, 2016
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The improvement of the Solar and Wind short-term forecasting represents a critical goal for the weather prediction community and is of great importance for a better estimation of power production from solar and wind farms.
In this work we analyze the performance of two deterministic models operational at ISAC-CNR for the prediction of short-wave irradiance and wind speed, at two experimental sites in southern Italy.
Fulvio Amato, Andrés Alastuey, Angeliki Karanasiou, Franco Lucarelli, Silvia Nava, Giulia Calzolai, Mirko Severi, Silvia Becagli, Vorne L. Gianelle, Cristina Colombi, Celia Alves, Danilo Custódio, Teresa Nunes, Mario Cerqueira, Casimiro Pio, Konstantinos Eleftheriadis, Evangelia Diapouli, Cristina Reche, María Cruz Minguillón, Manousos-Ioannis Manousakas, Thomas Maggos, Stergios Vratolis, Roy M. Harrison, and Xavier Querol
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 3289–3309, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-3289-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-3289-2016, 2016
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Harmonized source apportionment of atmospheric particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) at 5 EU cities (Barcelona, Florence, Milan, Athens and Porto) reveals that vehicle exhaust (excluding nitrate) plus non-exhaust contributes 16–32 % to PM10 and 15–36 % to PM2.5. Secondary PM represents 37–82 % of PM2.5. Biomass burning varies from < 2 to 24 % of PM10, depending on the residential heating fuel. Other sources are local dust (7–19 % of PM10), industries (4–11 % of PM10), shipping, sea salt and Saharan dust.
G. Calzolai, S. Nava, F. Lucarelli, M. Chiari, M. Giannoni, S. Becagli, R. Traversi, M. Marconi, D. Frosini, M. Severi, R. Udisti, A. di Sarra, G. Pace, D. Meloni, C. Bommarito, F. Monteleone, F. Anello, and D. M. Sferlazzo
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 13939–13955, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-13939-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-13939-2015, 2015
A. Pietrodangelo, R. Salzano, C. Bassani, S. Pareti, and C. Perrino
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 13177–13194, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-13177-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-13177-2015, 2015
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New information is given here on mineralogy, microphysical and optical properties, and radiative effects, of PM10 types from surface rocks at a non-desert site (Rome area, Italy). A large data set was built, by SEM XEDS microanalysis, of mineral particles (silicates, quartz and calcite, depending on rocks). Dust types show different size distribution, optical properties, and radiative effects. Radiative transfer modelling (6SV) based on SEM XEDS data is a further original feature of this work.
G. Curci, L. Ferrero, P. Tuccella, F. Barnaba, F. Angelini, E. Bolzacchini, C. Carbone, H. A. C. Denier van der Gon, M. C. Facchini, G. P. Gobbi, J. P. P. Kuenen, T. C. Landi, C. Perrino, M. G. Perrone, G. Sangiorgi, and P. Stocchi
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 2629–2649, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-2629-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-2629-2015, 2015
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Particulate matter (PM) at ground level is of primary concern for the quality of the air we breathe. Most direct sources of PM are near the ground, but an important fraction of PM is produced by photochemical processes happening also in the upper atmospheric layers. We investigated the contribution of those layers to the PM near the ground and found a significant impact. Nitrate is a major player in the “vertical direction”, owing to its sensitivity to ambient temperature and relative humidity.
M. Marconi, D. M. Sferlazzo, S. Becagli, C. Bommarito, G. Calzolai, M. Chiari, A. di Sarra, C. Ghedini, J. L. Gómez-Amo, F. Lucarelli, D. Meloni, F. Monteleone, S. Nava, G. Pace, S. Piacentino, F. Rugi, M. Severi, R. Traversi, and R. Udisti
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 2039–2054, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-2039-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-2039-2014, 2014
S. Sandrini, L. Giulianelli, S. Decesari, S. Fuzzi, P. Cristofanelli, A. Marinoni, P. Bonasoni, M. Chiari, G. Calzolai, S. Canepari, C. Perrino, and M. C. Facchini
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 1075–1092, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-1075-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-1075-2014, 2014
M. Dall'Osto, X. Querol, F. Amato, A. Karanasiou, F. Lucarelli, S. Nava, G. Calzolai, and M. Chiari
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 4375–4392, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-4375-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-4375-2013, 2013
S. Canepari, C. Farao, E. Marconi, C. Giovannelli, and C. Perrino
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 1193–1202, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-1193-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-1193-2013, 2013
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Lubna Dada, Benjamin T. Brem, Lidia-Marta Amarandi-Netedu, Martine Collaud Coen, Nikolaos Evangeliou, Christoph Hueglin, Nora Nowak, Robin Modini, Martin Steinbacher, and Martin Gysel-Beer
Aerosol Research, 3, 315–336, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-315-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-315-2025, 2025
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We investigated the sources of ultrafine particles (UFPs) in Payerne, Switzerland, highlighting the significant role of secondary processes in elevating UFP concentrations to levels comparable to urban areas. As the first study in rural midland Switzerland to analyze new particle formation events and secondary contributions, it offers key insights for air quality regulation and the role of agriculture in Switzerland and central Europe.
Aidan D. Pantoya, Stephanie R. Simonsen, Elisabeth Andrews, Ross Burgener, Christopher J. Cox, Gijs de Boer, Bryan D. Thomas, and Naruki Hiranuma
Aerosol Research, 3, 253–270, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-253-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-253-2025, 2025
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We present continuous ice-nucleating particle data that were measured in the Alaskan Arctic from October 2021 to December 2023. We found a greater efficiency in the arctic immersion freezing during fall compared to those found previously at two mid-latitude sites, together with profound freezing efficiencies in spring, presumably due to arctic haze events. Our study will be useful for improving atmospheric models to simulate cloud feedback and determine their impact on the global radiative energy budget.
Xinyang Li, Tuomo Nieminen, Rima Baalbaki, Putian Zhou, Pauli Paasonen, Risto Makkonen, Martha Arbayani Zaidan, Nina Sarnela, Chao Yan, Tuija Jokinen, Imre Salma, Máté Vörösmarty, Tuukka Petäjä, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Markku Kulmala, and Lubna Dada
Aerosol Research, 3, 271–291, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-271-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-271-2025, 2025
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Particle formation rate is one of the key factors in studying the physical properties of aerosols. By developing powerful and simple semi-empirical particle formation rate models, we can predict particle formation rates and compare them with real-time measurements to aid in discovering hidden particle formation mechanisms as well as global simulations of particle population to fill the knowledge gap caused by the uncertainty in aerosol cooling effects on Earth's atmosphere.
Runlong Cai and Markku Kulmala
Aerosol Research, 3, 231–235, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-231-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-231-2025, 2025
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The concept of the mean free path is fundamentally important to aerosol studies. Recent studies suggest that the mean free path of air (λair) could have been significantly overestimated by a factor of ~2. Here we show that this potential overestimation does not directly affect collision-induced aerosol dynamics in atmospheric conditions without high excess latent heat, while a similar influence of the mean free path of vapor (λ) on aerosol dynamics has been accounted for in current studies.
Nikolaos Evangeliou, Ondřej Tichý, Marit Svendby Otervik, Sabine Eckhardt, Yves Balkanski, and Didier A. Hauglustaine
Aerosol Research, 3, 155–174, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-155-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-155-2025, 2025
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The COVID-19 lockdown measures in 2020 reduced emissions of various substances, improving air quality. However, PM2.5 stayed unchanged due to NH3 and related chemical transformations. Higher humidity favoured more SO42- production, as did the accumulated NH3. Excess NH3 reacted with HNO3 to make NO3-. In high-NH3 conditions such as those in 2020, a small reduction in NOx levels drove faster oxidation of NO3- and slower deposition of total inorganic NO3-, causing high secondary PM2.5.
Neha Deot, Vijay P. Kanawade, Alkistis Papetta, Rima Baalbaki, Michael Pikridas, Franco Marenco, Markku Kulmala, Jean Sciare, Katrianne Lehtipalo, and Tuija Jokinen
Aerosol Research, 3, 139–154, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-139-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-139-2025, 2025
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We studied how nanoparticles form in the atmosphere at two different altitudes in Cyprus, focusing on how meteorology impacts this process. Using data from two sites, we found that air from lower regions carries particles up to higher areas, affecting air quality and potentially climate. Our findings help improve understanding of how particles form and grow in the air, which is important for predicting changes in climate and air pollution in the future.
Lasse Z. Jensen, Julie K. Simonsen, Ada Pastor, Christof Pearce, Per Nørnberg, Lars Chresten Lund-Hansen, Kai Finster, and Tina Šantl-Temkiv
Aerosol Research, 3, 81–100, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-81-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-81-2025, 2025
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Our study explores particles in Arctic soils and streams that influence ice formation in clouds. By analyzing these environments, we identified specific microorganisms producing these particles. This research, which measured these particles in Arctic streams for the first time, provides new insights into their ecological role and transfer from soil to water. Our findings help us understand their production, sources, and potential impact on climate.
Anastasia Lampilahti, Olga Garmash, Diego Aliaga, Mikhail Arshinov, Denis Davydov, Boris Belan, Janne Lampilahti, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Tuukka Petäjä, Markku Kulmala, and Ekaterina Ezhova
Aerosol Research Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2025-5, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2025-5, 2025
Revised manuscript accepted for AR
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New particle formation (NPF) is a process of forming new aerosol particles in the atmosphere. It was widely studied in boreal forest areas in Finland and Estonia; but its features and precursors in Siberian boreal forest remained unclear. We did a comprehensive analysis using data from state-of-art instruments and implement both traditional and new methods of data analysis. Understanding these processes helps us grasp how Siberia’s atmosphere evolves and contributes to global climate dynamics.
Diego Aliaga, Victoria A. Sinclair, Radovan Krejci, Marcos Andrade, Paulo Artaxo, Luis Blacutt, Runlong Cai, Samara Carbone, Yvette Gramlich, Liine Heikkinen, Dominic Heslin-Rees, Wei Huang, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Alkuin Maximilian Koenig, Markku Kulmala, Paolo Laj, Valeria Mardoñez-Balderrama, Claudia Mohr, Isabel Moreno, Pauli Paasonen, Wiebke Scholz, Karine Sellegri, Laura Ticona, Gaëlle Uzu, Fernando Velarde, Alfred Wiedensohler, Doug Worsnop, Cheng Wu, Chen Xuemeng, Qiaozhi Zha, and Federico Bianchi
Aerosol Research, 3, 15–44, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-15-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-15-2025, 2025
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This study examines new particle formation (NPF) in the Bolivian Andes at Chacaltaya mountain (CHC) and the urban El Alto–La Paz area (EAC). Days are clustered into four categories based on NPF intensity. Differences in particle size, precursor gases, and pollution levels are found. High NPF intensities increased Aitken mode particle concentrations at both sites, while volcanic influence selectively diminished NPF intensity at CHC but not EAC. This study highlights NPF dynamics in the Andes.
Ari Laaksonen
Aerosol Research, 2, 343–351, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-343-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-343-2024, 2024
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Insoluble aerosol particles such as minerals and black carbon can trigger freezing inside clouds, which leads to rain formation. However, both particle types are relatively poor nuclei for cloud droplets. In this work, theoretical calculations are presented about the ability of surface-tension-reducing compounds to promote cloud drop formation around insoluble aerosols. The calculations indicate that such surfactants can be efficient in “smuggling” insoluble particles into cloud droplets.
Yong-Ha Kim, Sotira Yiacoumi, and Costas Tsouris
Aerosol Research, 2, 329–341, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-329-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-329-2024, 2024
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This study shows that electrostatic dispersion can influence the time evolution of the charge and size distributions of radioactive and nonradioactive particles in the atmosphere. Three approaches with different levels of complexity are proposed to couple electrostatic dispersion with microphysical and radiological processes. These approaches can be useful to better understand the behavior of particles in atmospheric systems containing radionuclides.
Claudia Hird, Morgane M. G. Perron, Thomas M. Holmes, Scott Meyerink, Christopher Nielsen, Ashley T. Townsend, Patrice de Caritat, Michal Strzelec, and Andrew R. Bowie
Aerosol Research, 2, 315–327, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-315-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-315-2024, 2024
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Dust deposition flux was investigated in lutruwita / Tasmania, Australia, between 2016–2021. Results show that the use of direct measurements of aluminium, iron, thorium, and titanium in aerosols to estimate average dust deposition fluxes limits biases associated with using single elements. Observations of dust deposition fluxes in the Southern Hemisphere are critical to validate model outputs and better understand the seasonal and interannual impacts of dust deposition on biogeochemical cycles.
Markku Kulmala, Santeri Tuovinen, Sander Mirme, Paap Koemets, Lauri Ahonen, Yongchun Liu, Heikki Junninen, Tuukka Petäjä, and Veli-Matti Kerminen
Aerosol Research, 2, 291–301, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-291-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-291-2024, 2024
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With the recently developed CIC (Cluster Ion Counter) instrument, we can observe dynamics of small air ions and intermediate air ions. Furthermore, we can observe condensation sink and formation and growth rates for intermediated ions.
Mark D. Tarn, Bethany V. Wyld, Naama Reicher, Matan Alayof, Daniella Gat, Alberto Sanchez-Marroquin, Sebastien N. F. Sikora, Alexander D. Harrison, Yinon Rudich, and Benjamin J. Murray
Aerosol Research, 2, 161–182, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-161-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-161-2024, 2024
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Ambient ice-nucleating particle (INP) concentrations were measured in Israel, which experiences air masses from a variety of sources. We found that the INP activity is typically dominated by K-feldspar mineral dust but that air masses passing over regions of fertile soils correlated with high INP concentrations and indicators of biological activity. This suggests that these fertile regions could be sporadic sources of warm-temperature biogenic INPs and warrants further study of these areas.
Hengheng Zhang, Christian Rolf, Ralf Tillmann, Christian Wesolek, Frank Gunther Wienhold, Thomas Leisner, and Harald Saathoff
Aerosol Research, 2, 135–151, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-135-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-135-2024, 2024
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Our study employs advanced tools, including scanning lidar, balloons, and UAVs, to explore aerosol particles in the atmosphere. The scanning lidar offers distinctive near-ground-level insights, enriching our comprehension of aerosol distribution from ground level to the free troposphere. This research provides valuable data for comparing remote sensing and in situ aerosol measurements, advancing our understanding of aerosol impacts on radiative transfer, clouds, and air quality.
Alejandra Velazquez-Garcia, Joel F. de Brito, Suzanne Crumeyrolle, Isabelle Chiapello, and Véronique Riffault
Aerosol Research, 2, 107–122, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-107-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-107-2024, 2024
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Multi-annual in situ observations were combined with back trajectory and emissions inventories to study black and brown carbon (BC, BrC) sources in the north of France. Results show BC to be mainly originated from vehicular traffic (31 %), shipping (25 %), and residential heating (21 %). Also, a significant decrease of the BrC component from residential heating is observed after 24 h of atmospheric aging. These results should lead to better climate and air pollution mitigation strategies.
Santeri Tuovinen, Janne Lampilahti, Veli-Matti Kerminen, and Markku Kulmala
Aerosol Research, 2, 93–105, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-93-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-93-2024, 2024
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Atmospheric intermediate ions can be used to study atmospheric new particle formation (NPF). Here we aimed to find the optimal ion diameter for this purpose on a local scale. To fulfill our aim, we used ion size number distribution data from the SMEAR II measurement station, Hyytiälä, Finland. We found that concentrations of ions between 2.0–2.3 nm are the best suited for characterization of local intermediate ion formation and could be used to detect and evaluate the strength of local NPF.
Markku Kulmala, Diego Aliaga, Santeri Tuovinen, Runlong Cai, Heikki Junninen, Chao Yan, Federico Bianchi, Yafang Cheng, Aijun Ding, Douglas R. Worsnop, Tuukka Petäjä, Katrianne Lehtipalo, Pauli Paasonen, and Veli-Matti Kerminen
Aerosol Research, 2, 49–58, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-49-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-49-2024, 2024
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Atmospheric new particle formation (NPF), together with secondary production of particulate matter in the atmosphere, dominates aerosol particle number concentrations and submicron particle mass loads in many environments globally. In this opinion paper, we describe the paradigm shift to understand NPF in a continuous way instead of using traditional binary event–non-event analysis.
Diego Aliaga, Santeri Tuovinen, Tinghan Zhang, Janne Lampilahti, Xinyang Li, Lauri Ahonen, Tom Kokkonen, Tuomo Nieminen, Simo Hakala, Pauli Paasonen, Federico Bianchi, Doug Worsnop, Veli-Matti Kerminen, and Markku Kulmala
Aerosol Research, 1, 81–92, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-1-81-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-1-81-2023, 2023
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We introduce a novel method for evaluating days when small particles are formed in the atmosphere. Instead of the traditional binary division between event and non-event days, our method, known as "nano ranking analysis", provides a continuous, non-categorical metric for each day. By utilizing data from Hyytiälä, Finland, we show that our approach effectively quantifies these events. This innovative method paves the way for a deeper understanding of the factors influencing particle formation.
Barbara Harm-Altstädter, Konrad Bärfuss, Lutz Bretschneider, Martin Schön, Jens Bange, Ralf Käthner, Radovan Krejci, Mauro Mazzola, Kihong Park, Falk Pätzold, Alexander Peuker, Rita Traversi, Birgit Wehner, and Astrid Lampert
Aerosol Research, 1, 39–64, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-1-39-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-1-39-2023, 2023
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We present observations of aerosol particles and meteorological parameters in the horizontal and vertical distribution measured with uncrewed aerial systems in the Arctic. The field campaign was carried out during the snow melting season, when ultrafine aerosol particles (UFPs) with a size between 3 and 12 nm occurred frequently. A high variability of the measured UFPs was identified in the spatial scale, which was strongly associated with different atmospheric boundary layer properties.
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Short summary
This study evaluates the performance of energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) on particulate matter (PM10) samples collected on quartz and Teflon filters through an inter-laboratory comparison. Detection limits were higher on quartz, but measurement repeatability was similar. Strong elemental correlations suggest that, with proper corrections, quartz filters can provide reliable results. These findings support their feasibility for ED-XRF analysis.
This study evaluates the performance of energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) on...
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