Insights from ozone and particulate matter pollution control in New York City applied to Beijing

Strict emission control policies implemented in New York City (NYC) and Beijing show impacts on the non-linear relationships of ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during summertime. The policies targeting sulfur dioxide and PM2.5, then volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, changed PM2.5 chemical composition, resulting in an increased linear slope indicating a weaker O3 control effect than for PM2.5. Model simulations suggest regional equal percentage emission reductions for Beijing and other Chinese megacities are necessary to avoid further O3 increases.

Jie Zhang, Junfeng Wang, Yele Sun, Jingyi Li, Matthew Ninneman, Jianhuai Ye, Ke Li, Brian Crandall, Jingbo Mao, Weiqi Xu, Margaret J. Schwab, Weijun Li, Xinlei Ge, Mindong Chen, Qi Ying, Qi Zhang, James J. Schwab