Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-3184
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-3184
18 Aug 2025
 | 18 Aug 2025
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).

Measurement report: Insights into seasonal dynamics and planetary boundary layer influences on aerosol chemical components in suburban Nanjing from a long-term observation

Jialu Xu, Yingjie Zhang, Yuying Wang, Xing Yan, Bin Zhu, Chunsong Lu, Yuanjian Yang, Yele Sun, Junhui Zhang, Xiaofan Zuo, Zhanghanshu Han, and Rui Zhang

Abstract. Understanding the seasonal behavior of fine particles (PM2.5) and its chemical components is critical for improving air quality in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), a densely populated and polluted region in China. While previous studies have addressed PM2.5 mass trends, the role of planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) in modulating chemical composition remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates seasonal variations and PBLH effects on PM2.5 chemical components based on year-round field measurements (December 2020–November 2021) at Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology. Annual mean PM2.5 mass concentration is 30.0 ± 18.5 μg m-3, with winter peaks (48.3 μg m⁻3) and summer lows (20.4 μg m⁻3). Organic aerosol dominates PM2.5, followed by sulfate in warmer seasons and nitrate in winter. PBLH strongly influences component dynamics: low PBLH in winter enhances nitrate and primary aerosol accumulation, while high PBLH in summer promotes secondary organic aerosol and sulfate formation via photochemistry. Nitrate is most sensitive to PBLH changes, showing rapid buildup under stable conditions. The potential source contribution function analyses identify seasonal source regions: southern combustion for primary organic aerosol in warm seasons, northern industrial and rural areas in winter, and biogenic and coal combustion sources for secondary organic aerosol. Sulfate and nitrate exhibit shifts between local and regional origins. These findings highlight the need for season-specific emission control strategies, such as targeting volatile organic compounds in summer and reducing industrial nitrogen oxides in winter, to effectively mitigate PM2.5 pollution in the YRD.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
Share
Jialu Xu, Yingjie Zhang, Yuying Wang, Xing Yan, Bin Zhu, Chunsong Lu, Yuanjian Yang, Yele Sun, Junhui Zhang, Xiaofan Zuo, Zhanghanshu Han, and Rui Zhang

Status: open (until 29 Sep 2025)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-3184', Anonymous Referee #1, 25 Aug 2025 reply
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-3184', Anonymous Referee #2, 26 Aug 2025 reply
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-3184', Anonymous Referee #3, 26 Aug 2025 reply
Jialu Xu, Yingjie Zhang, Yuying Wang, Xing Yan, Bin Zhu, Chunsong Lu, Yuanjian Yang, Yele Sun, Junhui Zhang, Xiaofan Zuo, Zhanghanshu Han, and Rui Zhang

Data sets

acsm_gas_meteo J. Xu et al. http://gofile.me/5JhP4/arwG2CvGf

Jialu Xu, Yingjie Zhang, Yuying Wang, Xing Yan, Bin Zhu, Chunsong Lu, Yuanjian Yang, Yele Sun, Junhui Zhang, Xiaofan Zuo, Zhanghanshu Han, and Rui Zhang

Viewed

Total article views: 1,428 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total Supplement BibTeX EndNote
1,378 40 10 1,428 17 18 21
  • HTML: 1,378
  • PDF: 40
  • XML: 10
  • Total: 1,428
  • Supplement: 17
  • BibTeX: 18
  • EndNote: 21
Views and downloads (calculated since 18 Aug 2025)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 18 Aug 2025)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 1,338 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 1,338 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 07 Sep 2025
Download
Short summary
We conducted a year-long study in Nanjing to explore how the height of the atmospheric boundary layer affects fine particle pollution. We found that low boundary layers in winter trap pollutants like nitrate and primary particles, while higher layers in summer help form secondary pollutants like sulfate and organic aerosols. These findings show that boundary layer dynamics are key to understanding and managing seasonal air pollution.
Share