Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4919
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4919
13 Nov 2025
 | 13 Nov 2025

Impact of Primarily Emitted Oxygenated Volatile Organic Compounds on Ozone Formation in the Yangtze River Delta Region

Xun Li, Xuan Li, Rusha Yan, Yaqin Gao, Kangjia Gong, Hongli Wang, Momei Qin, Jianlin Hu, and Jingyi Li

Abstract. Oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) play a crucial role in tropospheric radical chemistry, which in turn enhances atmospheric oxidation capacity and drives the formation of secondary pollutants. However, large uncertainties in their emissions pose challenges to accurately assessing their impacts on regional air quality. This study incorporates updated anthropogenic emission inventories, featuring source-resolved OVOC profiles derived from measurements and literature, into the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to improve OVOC simulations over the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region. The model well captured the diurnal and seasonal variations of most OVOCs, especially carbonyls. Primary emissions accounted for 30−70 % of total OVOC concentrations, with higher contributions during colder months due to weaker atmospheric oxidation capacity. Hydroperoxyl radicals (HO2), the primary oxidant driving NO-to-NO2 conversion in urban areas, were substantially produced through OVOC photooxidation. Of the HO2 produced by this process, approximately 15−40 % originated from directly emitted OVOCs rather than from secondary OVOCs formed via VOC oxidation. Sensitivity analysis further indicated that key emitted OVOCs contributed to ozone formation at levels comparable to traditional VOC precursors. These findings underscore the critical yet often overlooked role of primary OVOC emissions in urban ozone formation, highlighting the need for more comprehensive assessments in regions like the YRD.

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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

14 Apr 2026
Impact of primary oxygenated volatile organic compounds on ozone formation in the Yangtze River Delta region
Xun Li, Xuan Li, Rusha Yan, Yaqin Gao, Kangjia Gong, Hongli Wang, Momei Qin, Jianlin Hu, and Jingyi Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 4901–4915, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-4901-2026,https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-4901-2026, 2026
Short summary
Xun Li, Xuan Li, Rusha Yan, Yaqin Gao, Kangjia Gong, Hongli Wang, Momei Qin, Jianlin Hu, and Jingyi Li

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-4919', Anonymous Referee #1, 26 Nov 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-4919', Anonymous Referee #3, 03 Dec 2025
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-4919', Anonymous Referee #4, 03 Dec 2025
  • RC4: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-4919', Anonymous Referee #2, 04 Dec 2025

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-4919', Anonymous Referee #1, 26 Nov 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-4919', Anonymous Referee #3, 03 Dec 2025
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-4919', Anonymous Referee #4, 03 Dec 2025
  • RC4: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-4919', Anonymous Referee #2, 04 Dec 2025

Peer review completion

AR – Author's response | RR – Referee report | ED – Editor decision | EF – Editorial file upload
AR by Jingyi Li on behalf of the Authors (14 Feb 2026)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (26 Feb 2026) by Zhibin Wang
RR by Anonymous Referee #2 (26 Feb 2026)
RR by Anonymous Referee #4 (16 Mar 2026)
ED: Publish as is (28 Mar 2026) by Zhibin Wang
AR by Jingyi Li on behalf of the Authors (31 Mar 2026)

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

14 Apr 2026
Impact of primary oxygenated volatile organic compounds on ozone formation in the Yangtze River Delta region
Xun Li, Xuan Li, Rusha Yan, Yaqin Gao, Kangjia Gong, Hongli Wang, Momei Qin, Jianlin Hu, and Jingyi Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 4901–4915, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-4901-2026,https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-4901-2026, 2026
Short summary
Xun Li, Xuan Li, Rusha Yan, Yaqin Gao, Kangjia Gong, Hongli Wang, Momei Qin, Jianlin Hu, and Jingyi Li
Xun Li, Xuan Li, Rusha Yan, Yaqin Gao, Kangjia Gong, Hongli Wang, Momei Qin, Jianlin Hu, and Jingyi Li

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Short summary
A source-specific emission inventory of oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) is implemented in an air quality model to improve OVOC simulations in a heavily polluted region. A substantial fraction of key OVOCs originates from human activities, thereby enhancing hydroperoxyl radical production and contributing to ozone formation. The results highlight the importance of accurately representing OVOC emissions for ozone mitigation.
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