Characterization of dicarboxylic acids in PM25 in Hong Kong

Yao, X; Fang, M; Chan, CK; Ho, KF; Lee, SC

HERO ID

102213

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2004

HERO ID 102213
In Press No
Year 2004
Title Characterization of dicarboxylic acids in PM25 in Hong Kong
Authors Yao, X; Fang, M; Chan, CK; Ho, KF; Lee, SC
Journal Atmospheric Environment
Volume 38
Issue 7
Page Numbers 963-970
Abstract Dicarboxylic acids in atmospheric aerosols have received much attention because of their potential roles in affecting the global climate. The composition and the sources of dicarboxylic acids in PM2.5 were studied at one remote and two urban sites in Hong Kong in the winter of 2000 and in the summer of 2001. Oxalate was the dominant dicarboxylic acid in all samples. The winter oxalate concentrations were high and spatially uniform, with an average value of 0.36 μg m−3, but the summer oxalate concentrations were low and had a large spatial variation. The influence of meteorological factors on the concentrations of dicarboxylic acids was also studied. The ratio of malonate to succinate was used to distinguish primary sources from secondary sources of these acids. This ratio at all three sites was close to that from direct vehicular exhaust in the winter, but it was close to that of secondary reactions in the summer. Hence, the acids were attributed to vehicular emissions in the winter and secondary sources in the summer. This hypothesis is also supported by a good correlation of oxalate with sulfate in the summer but a poor one in the winter. The correlations of oxalate with malonate, succinate, sulfate and K+ were also studied in terms of the routes of secondary formation of these dicarboxylic acids.
Doi 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2003.10.048
Wosid WOS:000188975000003
Url http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1352231003009671
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Source: Web of Science WOS:000188975000003
Is Public Yes
Keyword oxalic acid; malonic acid; succinic acid; PM2.5; secondary water-soluble organic compounds
Is Qa No