Exacerbation of Ozone Pollution by Anthropogenic Monoterpenes

Monoterpenes exert a critical influence on air quality and climate change by impacting fine particle formation. This study provides field evidence indicating that monoterpene oxidations significantly bolster local ozone production in eastern China, with the observed monoterpene likely originating from biomass burning rather than biogenic emissions. Nighttime correlation with CO and consistent ratios align with values from biomass burning experiments. Experimental determination of fast monoterpene oxidations, through direct radical measurements, reveals a daily ozone enhancement of 4-18 ppb, constituting 6-16% of total ozone production, depending on monoterpene speciation. This underscores the substantial contribution of previously overlooked anthropogenic monoterpenes to O₃ production in eastern China, with potential relevance in areas worldwide characterized by massive emissions, particularly those with high NOx levels. The findings emphasize the need to consider anthropogenic monoterpenes in coordinated efforts to mitigate O₃ and particulate matter pollution.