Coal Combustion Identified as Major Contributor to Haze Form

[francolkeryt]

A research team led by Prof. Shen Yan'an at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has made groundbreaking strides in understanding the sources and mechanisms behind haze formation. Through coal combustion experiments and sulfur isotope analysis, the researchers concluded that particulate matter from coal combustion is a major source of haze in North China. The findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on December 10.

With the increasing severity of air pollution due to human activities and natural factors, haze weather has had a profound impact on economic development and public health, making it essential to study its sources and formation processes.

To investigate, the research team gathered coal samples from various coal mines across northern China and conducted combustion experiments at 1000°C. They then collected aerosol particle samples with diameters less than 2.5 micrometers and analyzed the sulfate components using high-precision sulfur isotope techniques.

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The results revealed significant differences in sulfur isotope compositions between coal and its combustion products. The researchers identified a phenomenon known as mass-independent sulfur isotope fractionation (S-MIF), which has previously been observed only in rock samples over 2.2 billion years old. This discovery suggests that coal combustion introduces a new mechanism of S-MIF, which holds significant theoretical value.

Further analysis showed a strong similarity in the sulfur isotope composition of particulate matter from coal combustion and sulfate particles found in haze over North China. While sulfur isotope anomalies in haze particles had been debated, the coal combustion experiments confirmed that particulate matter from coal combustion is a key contributor to haze in the region.

Additionally, the researchers found similar sulfur isotope anomalies on the black sulfate crusts of European cultural relics, statues, and ancient buildings. European scientists have long known that the formation of these crusts is a result of complex physical and chemical processes, with atmospheric pollution and volcanic eruptions playing key roles.

By conducting sulfur isotope analysis, the team proposed that coal combustion products are a significant source of sulfate crusts found on historical European monuments. This conclusion aligns with the history of atmospheric pollution linked to the widespread use of coal during industrial and agricultural development in Europe.

The research provides valuable insights into the sources and mechanisms behind haze formation, offering a scientific foundation for policies to combat atmospheric particulate matter pollution. It also underscores the importance of sulfur isotopes in studying both present and ancient Earth environments.