New measurements reveal a large contribution of nitrogenous molecules to ambient organic aerosol

This study quantitatively surveys aerosol organic nitrogen (ON) in hundreds of aerosol filter samples from China using a newly developed method. Annual average ON concentration ranged from 0.4–1.4 µg N m⁻³, representing 17–31% of total aerosol nitrogen. Monte Carlo simulations suggest N-containing organic molecules contributed 37–50% to ambient organic aerosols. Source apportionment analysis indicates biomass burning, secondary formation, and primary biological aerosol as dominant ON sources. These findings provide crucial data for understanding and modeling organic aerosols and their environmental impacts.

Xu Yu, Qianfeng Li, Kezheng Liao, Yumin Li, Xinming Wang, Yang Zhou, Yongmei Liang, Jian Zhen Yu