Multiyear high-temporal-resolution measurements of submicron aerosols at 13 French urban sites: data processing and chemical composition
This paper presents a first comprehensive analysis of long-term measurements of atmospheric aerosol components from aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) and multiwavelength Aethalometer (AE33) instruments collected between 2015 and 2021 at 13 (sub)urban sites as part of the French CARA (Chemic...
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Published in: | Earth system science data Vol. 16; no. 11; pp. 5089 - 5109 |
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Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
Format: | Journal Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Katlenburg-Lindau
Copernicus GmbH
05-11-2024
Copernicus Publications |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | This paper presents a first comprehensive analysis of long-term measurements of atmospheric aerosol components from aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) and multiwavelength Aethalometer (AE33) instruments collected between 2015 and 2021 at 13 (sub)urban sites as part of the French CARA (Chemical Characterization of Particles) program. The datasets contain the mass concentrations of major chemical species within submicron aerosols (PM.sub.1 ), namely organic aerosols (OAs), nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), sulfate (SO42-), non-sea-salt chloride (Cl.sup.- ), and equivalent black carbon (eBC). Rigorous quality control, technical validation, and environmental evaluation processes were applied, adhering to both guidance from the French Reference Laboratory for Air Quality Monitoring (LCSQA) and the Aerosol, Clouds, and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure (ACTRIS) standard operating procedures. Key findings include geographical differences in the aerosol chemical composition, seasonal variations, and diel patterns, which are influenced by meteorological conditions, anthropogenic activities, and proximity to emission sources. Overall, OA dominates PM.sub.1 at each site (43 %-60 % of total mass), showing distinct seasonality with higher concentrations (i) in winter, due to enhanced residential heating emissions, and (ii) in summer, due to increased photochemistry favoring secondary aerosol formation. NO.sub.3 is the second most important contributor to PM.sub.1 (15 %-30 %), peaking in late winter and early spring, especially in northern France, and playing a significant role during pollution episodes. SO.sub.4 (8 %-14 %) and eBC (5 %-11 %) complement the major fine-aerosol species, with their relative contributions strongly influenced by the origin of air masses and the stability of meteorological conditions, respectively. |
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ISSN: | 1866-3516 1866-3508 1866-3516 |
DOI: | 10.5194/essd-16-5089-2024 |