Diurnal variations of organic molecular tracers and stable carbon isotopic composition in atmospheric aerosols over Mt. Tai in the North China Plain: an influence of biomass burning

Crop-residue burning significantly enhances organic aerosol loading and alters the composition and stable carbon isotopic signature of atmospheric particles over Mount Taishan (Mt. Tai) in the North China Plain, according to a study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. Researchers analyzed aerosol samples collected during the Mount Tai eXperiment 2006, identifying over 130 organic compounds, including biomass burning tracers like levoglucosan and biogenic secondary organic aerosol markers. During peak biomass-burning periods in early June, organic concentrations doubled compared to late June, with levoglucosan dominating, while phthalate esters were more abundant later. Diurnal patterns revealed that biomass burning smoke plumes uplifted aerosols, which were transported to Mt. Tai during nighttime. Stable carbon isotope analysis (δ13C) showed lower values in early June, correlating inversely with levoglucosan levels, confirming the influence of crop-residue burning on aerosol composition and isotopic signatures.

Fu, P. Q., Kawamura, K., Chen, J., Li, J., Sun, Y. L., Liu, Y., Tachibana, E., Aggarwal, S. G., Okuzawa, K., Tanimoto, H., Kanaya, Y., & Wang, Z. F. (2012). Diurnal variations of organic molecular tracers and stable carbon isotopic composition in atmospheric aerosols over Mt. Tai in the North China Plain: an influence of biomass burning. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 12(18), 8359–8375. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-12-8359-2012