PM2.5 and O3, which are linked to serious health issues such as heart disease, asthma, and lung damage, remain persistent problems despite efforts to reduce air pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) sets clear guidelines for acceptable levels of these pollutants, but no city in China currently meets these targets for both PM2.5 and O3. Although PM2.5 levels have dropped in some areas due to targeted policies, O3 concentrations have risen, posing an ongoing challenge.
Both pollutants share common precursor compounds, and their formation processes are deeply intertwined. They also interact with each other through complex atmospheric pathways. Recognizing these links, scientists emphasize that a coordinated strategy addressing both PM2.5 and O3 is essential for improving air quality.
The special issue addresses these challenges by focusing on the chemical and physical processes that drive the formation of PM2.5 and O3. It aims to pave the way for more effective strategies to combat air pollution. "The issue is structured according to several different key themes," said Prof. Likun Xue, an expert from Shandong University and one of the editors of the issue. "There are papers on the spatiotemporal variability of PM2.5 and O3 pollution, the effects of heatwaves, the chemical mechanisms and sources of precursor compounds, and even the development of a new instrument for measuring O3 and its precursors."
The rising frequency and intensity of heatwaves under climate change add to the challenge, as elevated temperatures accelerate the chemical production of O3. This connection underscores the importance of integrating air quality management with broader efforts to address climate change.
The publication offers significant insights into the factors influencing PM2.5 and O3 pollution in China's urban environments. It provides a scientific foundation for developing policies aimed at reducing these pollutants simultaneously, which aligns with China's broader "Carbon Neutrality" goals.
"Moving forward, the coordinated control of PM2.5 and O3 will be a critical part of China's efforts to reduce pollution and mitigate carbon under the country's 'Carbon Neutrality' framework," Prof. Xue concluded.
Research Report:Coordinated control of PM2.5 and O3: Investigating the physical and chemical processes underlying regional complex air pollution
Related Links
Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Our Polluted World and Cleaning It Up
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