Researchers report that atmospheric black carbon catalyzes sulfate formation in the presence of SO2, NO2, and NH3, and that this process contributes significantly to sulfate production during moderate and heavy regional haze events in the North China Plain that can lead to significant atmospheric warming, surface cooling, and air stagnation; the findings suggest that simultaneous reductions in SO2, NOx, NH3, and black carbon may be required to improve air quality, according to the authors.
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Article #19-19343: "An unexpected catalyst dominates formation and radiative forcing of regional haze," by Fang Zhang et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: Renyi Zhang, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX; tel: 979-845-7656; e-mail: < renyi-zhang@tamu.edu >; Mario J. Molina, University of California, San Diego, CA; tel: 858-534-1696; e-mail: < mjmolina@ucsd.edu >
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences