Articles | Volume 15, issue 12
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-3859-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-3859-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
29 Jun 2022
Research article |
| 29 Jun 2022
| 29 Jun 2022
Substantial organic impurities at the surface of synthetic ammonium sulfate particles
Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, LCE, Marseille, France
Nicolas Brun
Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, LCE, Marseille, France
Juan Miguel González-Sánchez
Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, LCE, Marseille, France
Badr R'Mili
Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, LCE, Marseille, France
Brice Temime Roussel
Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, LCE, Marseille, France
Sylvain Ravier
Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, LCE, Marseille, France
Jean-Louis Clément
Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR, Marseille, France
Anne Monod
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, LCE, Marseille, France
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Jian Xu, Junteng Wu, Mayur Gajanan Sapkal, Jim Grisillon, Shravan Deshmukh, Brice Temime Roussel, Julien Kammer, Nicolas Brun, Fabien Robert-Peillard, Beiping Luo, Judith Kleinheins, Silvia Henning, Bénédicte Picquet-Varrault, Edouard Pangui, Mathieu Cazaunau, Zamin A. Kanji, Claudia Marcolli, and Anne Monod
Aerosol Research Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2026-14, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2026-14, 2026
Preprint under review for AR
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The study aimed to mimic the atmospheric behaviour of a semi-volatile organic compound in the presence of fine particles and at various relative humidities. The objective was to determine the influence of organic matter on humid particle growth. These results are essential for improving our understanding of cloud formation.
James R. Campbell, Brice Temime-Roussel, Barbara D'Anna, Kathy S. Law, Weihang Zhang, Rodney J. Weber, Michael Battaglia Jr., Kayane K. Dingilian, Meeta Cesler-Maloney, Jason M. St. Clair, and Jingqiu Mao
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-2073, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-2073, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
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Fairbanks, Alaska experiences episodes of high concentrations of PM2.5 pollution in the wintertime. The sources and mixing ratios of gas-phase pollution, and the extent to which it affects the formation of PM2.5, are not well understood. Here, we examine the sources of gas-phase species measured in wintertime Fairbanks. We compare these results with other PM2.5 measurements to determine how various sources can affect the formation of PM2.5 pollution.
Quentin Gunti, Benjamin Chazeau, Brice Temime-Roussel, Irène Xueref-Remy, Alexandre Armengaud, Henri Wortham, and Barbara D'Anna
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 2893–2919, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-2893-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-2893-2026, 2026
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A measurement campaign in Toulon's port in 2021 showed a strong decrease in sulfur-related emissions after IMO2020, while black carbon, organics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) remained at previous levels, as confirmed by their emission factors. Source analysis indicated that ships contributed notably to organic aerosol and alkylated PAHs, and dominated ultrafine particles. These results support continued monitoring as the Mediterranean becomes a sulfur emission control area in 2025.
Chiara Giorio, Anne Monod, Valerio Di Marco, Pierre Herckes, Denise Napolitano, Amy Sullivan, Gautier Landrot, Daniel Warnes, Marika Nasti, Sara D'Aronco, Agathe Gérardin, Nicolas Brun, Karine Desboeufs, Sylvain Triquet, Servanne Chevaillier, Claudia Di Biagio, Francesco Battaglia, Frédéric Burnet, Stuart J. Piketh, Andreas Namwoonde, Jean-François Doussin, and Paola Formenti
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 16107–16125, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-16107-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-16107-2025, 2025
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We present a comparison between concentrations of dissolved trace metals in pairs of total suspended particulate (TSP) and fog samples collected in Henties Bay, Namibia, during the AErosols, Radiation and CLOuds in southern Africa (AEROCLO-sA) field campaign. We found enhanced concentrations of dissolved metals in fog samples, which we attributed to metal–ligand complex formation in the early stages of particle activation into droplets that can then remain in a kinetically stable form in fog or lead to the formation of colloidal nanoparticles.
Amna Ijaz, Brice Temime-Roussel, Benjamin Chazeau, Sarah Albertin, Stephen R. Arnold, Brice Barret, Slimane Bekki, Natalie Brett, Meeta Cesler-Maloney, Elsa Dieudonne, Kayane K. Dingilian, Javier G. Fochesatto, Jingqiu Mao, Allison Moon, Joel Savarino, William Simpson, Rodney J. Weber, Kathy S. Law, and Barbara D'Anna
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 11789–11811, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-11789-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-11789-2025, 2025
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Fairbanks is among the most polluted cities, with the highest particulate matter (PM) levels in the US during winters. Highly time-resolved measurements of the submicron PM found residential heating with wood and oil and hydrocarbon-like organics from traffic, as well as sulfur-containing aerosol, to be the key pollution sources. Remarkable differences existed between complementary instruments, warranting the deployment of multiple tools at sites, with wide-ranging influences.
Marwa Shahin, Julien Kammer, Brice Temime-Roussel, and Barbara D'Anna
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 10267–10292, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-10267-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-10267-2025, 2025
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Air pollution and climate change are influenced by tiny airborne particles called aerosols. This study explores how pollutants from urban sources, as m-xylene and naphthalene, form new particles in the atmosphere under different conditions. Using advanced techniques, we show how temperature and nitrogen oxides affect the formation and behavior of these particles. Our findings will improve our understanding of secondary organic particle and air quality models.
Manon Rocco, Julien Kammer, Mathieu Santonja, Brice Temime-Roussel, Cassandra Saignol, Caroline Lecareux, Etienne Quivet, Henri Wortham, and Elena Ormeño
Biogeosciences, 22, 3661–3680, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-3661-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-3661-2025, 2025
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Soil emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) play a significant role in ecosystems, yet the impact of litter accumulation on these emissions is often overlooked, particularly in Mediterranean deciduous forests. A study in downy oak forest identified over 135 BVOCs, with many being absorbed by the soil, while others were emitted and increased with litter biomass. This underscores the critical role of litter and microbial activity in shaping soil BVOC dynamics under a changing climate.
Lise Le Berre, Brice Temime-Roussel, Grazia Maria Lanzafame, Barbara D'Anna, Nicolas Marchand, Stéphane Sauvage, Marvin Dufresne, Liselotte Tinel, Thierry Leonardis, Joel Ferreira de Brito, Alexandre Armengaud, Grégory Gille, Ludovic Lanzi, Romain Bourjot, and Henri Wortham
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 6575–6605, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6575-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6575-2025, 2025
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A summer campaign in a Mediterranean port examined pollution caused by ships. Two stations in the port measured pollution levels and captured over 350 ship plumes to study their chemical composition. Results showed that pollution levels, such as ultra-fine particles, were higher in the port than in the city and offer strong support to improve emission inventories. These findings may also serve as reference to assess the benefits of a sulfur Emission Control Area in the Mediterranean in 2025.
Johannes Heuser, Claudia Di Biagio, Jérôme Yon, Mathieu Cazaunau, Antonin Bergé, Edouard Pangui, Marco Zanatta, Laura Renzi, Angela Marinoni, Satoshi Inomata, Chenjie Yu, Vera Bernardoni, Servanne Chevaillier, Daniel Ferry, Paolo Laj, Michel Maillé, Dario Massabò, Federico Mazzei, Gael Noyalet, Hiroshi Tanimoto, Brice Temime-Roussel, Roberta Vecchi, Virginia Vernocchi, Paola Formenti, Bénédicte Picquet-Varrault, and Jean-François Doussin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 6407–6428, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6407-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-6407-2025, 2025
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The spectral optical properties of combustion soot aerosols with varying black (BC) and brown carbon (BrC) content were studied in an atmospheric simulation chamber. Measurements of the mass spectral absorption cross section (MAC), supplemented by literature data, allowed us to establish a generalised exponential relationship between the spectral absorption and the elemental-to-total-carbon ratio (EC / TC) in soot. This relationship can provide a useful tool for modelling the properties of soot.
Roman Pohorsky, Andrea Baccarini, Natalie Brett, Brice Barret, Slimane Bekki, Gianluca Pappaccogli, Elsa Dieudonné, Brice Temime-Roussel, Barbara D'Anna, Meeta Cesler-Maloney, Antonio Donateo, Stefano Decesari, Kathy S. Law, William R. Simpson, Javier Fochesatto, Steve R. Arnold, and Julia Schmale
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3687–3715, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3687-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3687-2025, 2025
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This study presents an analysis of vertical measurements of pollution in an Alaskan city during winter. It investigates the relationship between the atmospheric structure and the layering of aerosols and trace gases. Results indicate an overall very shallow surface mixing layer. The height of this layer is strongly influenced by a local shallow wind. The study also provides information on the pollution chemical composition at different altitudes, including pollution signatures from power plants.
Natalie Brett, Kathy S. Law, Steve R. Arnold, Javier G. Fochesatto, Jean-Christophe Raut, Tatsuo Onishi, Robert Gilliam, Kathleen Fahey, Deanna Huff, George Pouliot, Brice Barret, Elsa Dieudonné, Roman Pohorsky, Julia Schmale, Andrea Baccarini, Slimane Bekki, Gianluca Pappaccogli, Federico Scoto, Stefano Decesari, Antonio Donateo, Meeta Cesler-Maloney, William Simpson, Patrice Medina, Barbara D'Anna, Brice Temime-Roussel, Joel Savarino, Sarah Albertin, Jingqiu Mao, Becky Alexander, Allison Moon, Peter F. DeCarlo, Vanessa Selimovic, Robert Yokelson, and Ellis S. Robinson
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 1063–1104, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1063-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1063-2025, 2025
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Processes influencing dispersion of local anthropogenic pollution in Arctic wintertime are investigated with Lagrangian dispersion modelling. Simulated power plant plume rise that considers temperature inversion layers improves results compared to observations (interior Alaska). Modelled surface concentrations are improved by representation of vertical mixing and emission estimates. Large increases in diesel vehicle emissions at temperatures reaching −35°C are required to reproduce observed NOx.
Anil Kumar Mandariya, Junteng Wu, Anne Monod, Paola Formenti, Bénédicte Picquet-Varrault, Mathieu Cazaunau, Stephan Mertes, Laurent Poulain, Antonin Berge, Edouard Pangui, Andreas Tilgner, Thomas Schaefer, Liang Wen, Hartmut Herrmann, and Jean-François Doussin
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2023-206, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2023-206, 2024
Publication in AMT not foreseen
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An optimized and controlled protocol for generating quasi-adiabatic expansion clouds under simulated dark and light conditions was presented. The irradiated clouds clearly showed a gradual activation of seed particles into droplets. In contrast, non-irradiated clouds faced a flash activation. This paper will lay the foundation for multiphase photochemical studies implying water-soluble volatile organic compounds and particulate matter formation during cloud formation-evaporation cycles.
Evangelia Kostenidou, Baptiste Marques, Brice Temime-Roussel, Yao Liu, Boris Vansevenant, Karine Sartelet, and Barbara D'Anna
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 2705–2729, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2705-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2705-2024, 2024
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Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from gasoline vehicles can be a significant source of particulate matter in urban areas. Here the chemical composition of secondary volatile organic compounds and SOA produced by photo-oxidation of Euro 5 gasoline vehicle emissions was studied. The volatility of the SOA formed was calculated. Except for the temperature and the concentration of the aerosol, additional parameters may play a role in the gas-to-particle partitioning.
Victor Lannuque, Barbara D'Anna, Evangelia Kostenidou, Florian Couvidat, Alvaro Martinez-Valiente, Philipp Eichler, Armin Wisthaler, Markus Müller, Brice Temime-Roussel, Richard Valorso, and Karine Sartelet
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15537–15560, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15537-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15537-2023, 2023
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Large uncertainties remain in understanding secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from toluene oxidation. In this study, speciation measurements in gaseous and particulate phases were carried out, providing partitioning and volatility data on individual toluene SOA components at different temperatures. A new detailed oxidation mechanism was developed to improve modeled speciation, and effects of different processes involved in gas–particle partitioning at the molecular scale are explored.
Juan Miguel González-Sánchez, Miquel Huix-Rotllant, Nicolas Brun, Julien Morin, Carine Demelas, Amandine Durand, Sylvain Ravier, Jean-Louis Clément, and Anne Monod
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15135–15147, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15135-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15135-2023, 2023
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Organic nitrates play a crucial role in air pollution, as they are nitrogen oxide (NOx) reservoirs. This work investigated the reaction products and mechanisms of their reactivity with light in the aqueous phase (cloud and fog conditions and wet aerosol). Our findings reveal that this chemistry leads to the formation of atmospheric nitrous acid (HONO).
Juan Miguel González-Sánchez, Nicolas Brun, Junteng Wu, Sylvain Ravier, Jean-Louis Clément, and Anne Monod
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 5851–5866, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5851-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-5851-2023, 2023
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Organic nitrates play a crucial role in air pollution, as they are NOx reservoirs. This work investigated for the first time their reactivity with light in the aqueous phase (cloud and fog and wet aerosol), proving it slower than in the gas phase. Therefore, our findings reveal that partitioning of organic nitrates in the aqueous phase leads to longer atmospheric lifetimes of these compounds and thus a broader spatial distribution of their related pollution.
Boris Vansevenant, Cédric Louis, Corinne Ferronato, Ludovic Fine, Patrick Tassel, Pascal Perret, Evangelia Kostenidou, Brice Temime-Roussel, Barbara D'Anna, Karine Sartelet, Véronique Cerezo, and Yao Liu
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 7627–7655, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7627-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7627-2021, 2021
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A new method was developed to correct wall losses of particles on Teflon walls using a new environmental chamber. It was applied to experiments with six diesel vehicles (Euro 3 to 6), tested on a chassis dynamometer. Emissions of particles and precursors were obtained under urban and motorway conditions. The chamber experiments help understand the role of physical processes in diesel particle evolutions in the dark. These results can be applied to situations such as tunnels or winter rush hours.
Patrick Chazette, Cyrille Flamant, Harald Sodemann, Julien Totems, Anne Monod, Elsa Dieudonné, Alexandre Baron, Andrew Seidl, Hans Christian Steen-Larsen, Pascal Doira, Amandine Durand, and Sylvain Ravier
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 10911–10937, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-10911-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-10911-2021, 2021
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To gain understanding on the vertical structure of atmospheric water vapour above mountain lakes and to assess its link to the isotopic composition of the lake water and small-scale dynamics, the L-WAIVE field campaign was conducted in the Annecy valley in the French Alps in June 2019. Based on a synergy between ground-based, boat-borne, and airborne measuring platforms, significant gradients of isotopic content have been revealed at the transitions to the lake and to the free troposphere.
Benjamin Chazeau, Brice Temime-Roussel, Grégory Gille, Boualem Mesbah, Barbara D'Anna, Henri Wortham, and Nicolas Marchand
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 7293–7319, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7293-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7293-2021, 2021
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The temporal trends in the chemical composition and particle number of the submicron aerosols in a Mediterranean city, Marseille, are investigated over 14 months. Fifteen days were found to exceed the WHO PM2.5 daily limit (25 µg m−3) only during the cold period, with two distinct origins: local pollution events with an increased fraction of the carbonaceous fraction due to domestic wood burning and long-range pollution events with a high level of oxygenated organic aerosol and ammonium nitrate.
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Short summary
This work quantified and tentatively identified the organic impurities on ammonium sulfate aerosols generated in the laboratory. They are likely low volatile and high mass molecules containing oxygen, nitrogen, and/or sulfur. Our results show that these organic impurities likely originate from the commercial AS crystals. It is recommended to use AS seeds with caution, especially when small particles are used, in terms of AS purity and water purity when aqueous solutions are used for atomization.
This work quantified and tentatively identified the organic impurities on ammonium sulfate...
