Atmospheric gaseous organic acids in winter in a rural site of the North China Plain

Sources of elevated organic acids in the mountainous background atmosphere of southern China

Formic acid (FA) and acetic acid (AA) are pivotal organic acids in the troposphere, significantly influencing atmospheric chemistry. However, their abundance and sources in the mountainous background atmosphere remain underexplored. We undertook continuous measurements of FA and AA in Nanling mountains, southern China, during autumn 2020 using a high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-CIMS). Both acids registered higher concentrations than in other global high-altitude or forested locations, averaging at 0.89 (max: 3.91) and 0.95 (max: 3.52) ppbv for FA and AA, respectively. High concentrations of FA and AA in this forested background area arose from secondary formation and biomass burning, collectively contributing 71 % to 89 %. During episodes, FA and AA concentrations surged 2-3 times, owing to the enhanced atmospheric oxidation capacity. The secondary FA production was predominantly due to isoprene oxidation among the VOC precursors studied. However, observed inconsistencies between calculated and actual FA concentrations suggest overlooked precursors or mechanisms warranting further investigation. Our findings can enhance the understanding of organic acid characteristics and the interplay of biogenic and anthropogenic sources in the background atmosphere.

The Behavior-Driven Mechanism of Consumer Participation in "Carbon Neutrality": Based on the Promotion of Replacing Coal with Biomass Briquette Fuel

"replacing coal with biomass briquette fuel" can effectively reduce carbon emissions. This study takes this as an example to discuss consumers' "willingness to consume (WTC)", "willingness to spend (WTS)" and related influencing factors to find the behavior-driven mechanism of consumer participation in "carbon neutrality". Through the survey and analysis, the results show that 81.64% of the respondents support to consume Biomass Briquette Fuel (BBF) to replace coal. The annual WTS is 157.78 CNY per capita. The factors, such as the education, the relevant government policy support cognition, the level of cognition of health concepts, ecological environmental protection and resource regeneration, have a significant positive impact on the promotion in rural areas. Finally, we put forward corresponding policy recommendations. It provides a reference for motivating consumers to participate in "carbon neutrality" and promoting rural energy transformation to achieve the goal of "carbon neutrality".