Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment最新文献

{"title":"Impact assessment of ozone on crop productivity in Japan: an epidemiological approach using the boundary line technique","authors":"Yoshiyuki Kinose,&nbsp;Takio Kaneko","doi":"10.1007/s44273-026-00086-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-026-00086-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Tropospheric ozone (O₃) is widely recognized as a threat to global food security due to its detrimental effects on crop productivity. Previous studies have determined exposure-response functions, e.g., yield response to O₃ metrics, through controlled O₃ exposure experiments. However, this approach requires substantial cost and time. Therefore, we aimed to derive exposure-response functions epidemiologically and assess the impact of O₃ on the productivity of rice and Japanese mustard spinach in Japan. Accumulated O₃ exposure over a threshold of 40 ppb (AOT40, ppm h) during the growth period was calculated at O₃ monitoring stations and spatially interpolated using the ordinary kriging method, then averaged for each prefecture. We derived the exposure-response relationships between prefecture-scale AOT40 and crop yields using the boundary line technique. Our results clearly demonstrated that yields of both species are reduced with increasing AOT40 levels, showing a decline of 2.01% and 8.24% per unit AOT40 in rice and Japanese mustard spinach, respectively. These sensitivities are broadly consistent with the previous findings from controlled O₃ exposure experiments. While O₃-induced yield reductions estimated using the derived functions varied considerably across prefectures and years, the estimated reductions in total national production were 8.7% and 13.4% for rice and Japanese mustard spinach, respectively, on average during the period from 2010 to 2023. These findings highlight the usefulness of the epidemiological boundary line technique in identifying the exposure-response functions of crop yields to O₃ and the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation strategies to ensure high and stable crop production in Japan.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture><span>The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.</span></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-026-00086-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147796958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Natural cleaning effects on deposited atmospheric particles: a case study of Asian dust, pollen, and volcanic ash","authors":"Kenji Miki","doi":"10.1007/s44273-026-00084-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-026-00084-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Natural atmospheric particles, such as yellow sand, pollen, and volcanic ash, are frequently deposited on exposed surfaces, potentially reducing the optical performance of solar panels and other transparent systems. However, the removability of these particle types under environmental conditions has not been compared systematically. In this work, we conducted laboratory experiments to evaluate the removability of yellow sand, pollen, and volcanic ash deposited on slide glass surfaces as representative natural particulates. Controlled wind and simulated rainfall were applied separately and in combination to investigate particle adhesion and cleaning behavior. Although pollen was efficiently removed by wind, it had the greatest effect on light transmittance per unit weight. In contrast, yellow sand exhibited strong adhesion and low removability.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-026-00084-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147738536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Volatile organic compounds near livestock farms and croplands: implications for secondary organic aerosol formation potential","authors":"Soo-Jin Jeong,&nbsp;Ji-Won Jeon,&nbsp;Sung-Won Park,&nbsp;Hyo-Won Lee,&nbsp;Pyung-Rae Kim,&nbsp;Sang-Deok Lee,&nbsp;Young-Ji Han","doi":"10.1007/s44273-026-00083-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-026-00083-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are key precursors of ozone and secondary organic aerosols (SOA), yet emissions from agricultural and livestock activities remain largely unrecognized in emission inventories. This study conducted field measurements of 34 VOC species near livestock facilities and adjacent croplands in Chuncheon, South Korea, during April, December, and February to characterize their composition, temporal variation, and secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAFP). Sum of the measured VOCs concentrations were highest in February, with alkanes comprising about 60% of the mass. However, aromatics—particularly multi-substituted compounds—dominated the SOAFP, contributing over 99% of the total. Distinct afternoon peaks (14:00–15:00) coincided with higher temperature, solar radiation, and facility operations such as feed handling and disinfection. The major SOA precursors were <i>toluene</i> and <i>1</i>,<i>2</i>,<i>3-trimethylbenzene</i> in April, and BTEX compounds during the cold months. Despite their omission from South Korea’s official inventory, livestock-related VOCs were found to be chemically reactive and significant SOA precursors. These results highlight the need to include agricultural VOC emissions—especially aromatic species—into national emission inventories and control strategies to better predict and mitigate SOA formation in rural environments.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-026-00083-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147642411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mobile high-resolution BTEX monitoring and seasonal cumulative health risks from BTEX and PM2.5-metals in a petrochemical complex","authors":"Shin-Young Park,&nbsp;Joon-sig Jung,&nbsp;Dong keun Lee,&nbsp;Jung-min Park,&nbsp;Jong-hee Jang,&nbsp;Cheol-Min Lee","doi":"10.1007/s44273-026-00081-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-026-00081-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study evaluated multi-pollutant exposure and health risks of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) and PM_2.5-bound heavy metals in the Ulsan Mipo National Industrial Complex, one of Korea’s largest petrochemical zones. Real-time BTEX concentrations were measured using a Me-DOAS system, while PM_2.5 chemical components were simultaneously analyzed to assess both acute and chronic exposures. Ethylbenzene (31.28 ± 29.39 µg/m³) and m-xylene (35.39 ± 37.21 µg/m³) were dominant among BTEX, showing concentrations 5–10 times higher than those reported in other industrial regions. Diurnal and seasonal variations were significant, with BTEX peaking in winter and nighttime, whereas PM_2.5 and metallic constituents (Mn, Co, Cd, V) peaked in spring. Probabilistic exposure assessment revealed that HQ values for all pollutants were generally below 1.0, indicating negligible non-cancer risks. However, short-term evening and nighttime peaks led to higher HQ for benzene and p-xylene, occasionally approaching the threshold. Time-resolved cancer risk analysis showed nighttime benzene exposure dominated total carcinogenic risk (median ECR: 3.4E-07–5.5E-07; exceedance ≤ 8.3%). These results highlight the importance of temporal variability in exposure assessment and support the use of high-resolution monitoring for time-sensitive health risk management in industrial environments.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-026-00081-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147607152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Regional air quality modeling of ethylene oxide in the Greater Tokyo Area of Japan","authors":"Yuuki Sakai,&nbsp;Hiroo Hata,&nbsp;Kazuya Inoue,&nbsp;Kenichi Tonokura","doi":"10.1007/s44273-026-00082-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-026-00082-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a volatile organic compound that poses both acute and chronic risks to human health, prompting governments worldwide to implement measures aimed at reducing ambient EtO concentrations. In this study, regional chemical transport model calculations were performed using the EtO emission inventory provided by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment, Japan. The target area and period were the Greater Tokyo Area (GTA) in 2017. The results indicated that the modeled atmospheric EtO concentrations were lower than the observed concentration at all monitoring sites in the GTA, with the discrepancy reaching up to one order of magnitude. Long-range transport of EtO from the Asian continent to Japan was not identified as the primary cause of this discrepancy. Instead, the significant discrepancy might be attributed to global background concentrations of EtO, resulting from its long tropospheric lifetime. To improve the accuracy of atmospheric EtO assessments using chemical transport models, it is essential to account for global emissions.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-026-00082-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147559711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction: Nighttime waste wood burning and its impact on urban air quality: multi-Year measurements in central Seoul, Gwanghwamun, South Korea","authors":"Chaehyeong Park,&nbsp;Seoyeong Choe,&nbsp;Min Young Song,&nbsp;Sung-Kyun Shin,&nbsp;Hajeong Jeon,&nbsp;Dong-Hoon Ko,&nbsp;Myoungki Song,&nbsp;Min-Suk Bae","doi":"10.1007/s44273-026-00080-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-026-00080-9","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-026-00080-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147340292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Continuous observation of atmospheric speciated mercury at a site near the crater of Mt. Aso volcano","authors":"Kohji Marumoto","doi":"10.1007/s44273-025-00079-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-025-00079-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Volcanic and geothermal activities are one of the major emission sources of mercury (Hg), emitting 500 tons y^− 1 into the atmosphere, and it is known that there are three main forms of Hg released to the atmosphere from these activities: gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM), and particle-bound mercury (PBM). In this study, the concentrations of GEM, GOM and PBM_2.5 (PBM in particles less than 2.5 μm) were continuously observed for 2 years at Sensuikyo Station, located 2.5 km northeast from Nakadake No. 1 Crater of Mt. Aso. The observed mean concentrations of GEM, GOM, and PBM_2.5 in the entire period were 1.64, 0.021 and 0.021 ng m^− 3, while maximum concentrations were 9.04, 2.45 and 3.20 ng m^− 3, respectively. The concentrations increased significantly when the volcanic activity was high and when the wind blew from the crater. Under high volcanic activity, the mean concentrations of GEM, GOM and PBM_2.5 were 1.3, 4.1, and 15.3 times higher than those during calm conditions. Changes in GOM and PBM_2.5 concentrations between active and calm conditions were significantly higher than those of GEM. The amplitude of volcanic tremors is usually used as a reference indicator of the volcanic activity. GOM and PBM_2.5 concentrations became higher before the volcanic tremor amplitude increased. However, the reliability of atmospheric GOM measurements in volcanic regions with high levels of acidic gases is still debatable. Therefore, PBM_2.5 concentrations can be used as one of the indicators to assess the activity of Mount Aso volcano.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-025-00079-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145950680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of air quality based on national monitoring networks in the Republic of Korea, 2023 - annual trends in air quality over two decades in South Korea-","authors":"Soyoung Kang,&nbsp;ChanJung An,&nbsp;Dayeong Lee,&nbsp;Dong-Hee Jung,&nbsp;Eunsun Jeong,&nbsp;Jinju Jeong,&nbsp;In-Ho Song,&nbsp;Hye Jung Shin,&nbsp;Seung-Ha Lee,&nbsp;Hae-Jin Jung,&nbsp;Yong-Jae Lim,&nbsp;Jung Min Park,&nbsp;Jiwon Seong","doi":"10.1007/s44273-025-00073-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-025-00073-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this study, to assess the long-term air quality status in South Korea, we analyzed the concentration and attainment rate of air quality standards for 8 pollutants such as SO₂, NO₂, CO, O₃, PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, Pb, and benzene. In 2023, the average concentrations were as follows: PM₁₀ 37 µg/m³, PM₂.₅ 19 µg/m³, SO₂ 0.0025 ppm, NO₂ 0.0135 ppm, CO 0.39 ppm, O₃ 0.0327 ppm, Pb 0.01979 µg/m³, and benzene 0.64 µg/m³. Due to ongoing strict emission control policies, PM₂.₅ and NO₂ levels have decreased by approximately 27% and 43%, respectively, compared to 2015. Other pollutants, including SO₂, CO, PM₁₀, Pb, and benzene, also showed significant reductions, ranging from 36% to 74%, over the analyzed period. However, O₃ levels have shown a 73% increase since 1998. Primary pollutants have generally decreased in concentration with higher attainment rate for air quality standards, whereas PM₂.₅, a secondary pollutant, still exhibits a low attainment rate of less than 20% in 2023 despite concentration reductions. Likewise, low attainment rate coupled with rising O₃ levels indicate a need to focus on secondary pollutants in future air quality management policies. This study provides long-term observational data on air pollutants in South Korea, which can aid in understanding air quality across East Asia and help to make a direction ongoing air quality improvement policy.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-025-00073-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145886871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dispersion of PM2.5 particles emitted by the waste dump fire in the city of Guanajuato, Mexico","authors":"Adrián Zamorategui-Molina,&nbsp;Gilberto Álvarez Guzmán,&nbsp;Marcos Irineo Esquivel Longoria,&nbsp;Juan Carlos Baltazar Vera,&nbsp;Alma Hortensia Serafín Muñoz","doi":"10.1007/s44273-025-00070-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-025-00070-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Air pollution is the most significant environmental health risk, and the chemical composition of PM_2.5 has the greatest impact on its effects on human health. While PM_2.5 pollution has been widely studied, little attention has been given to the role of landfill fires in shaping PM_2.5 composition and dispersion in medium-sized cities with complex topographies. This study integrates the physical and chemical characterization of PM_2.5 (potassium, chlorine, and irregular morphology) with AERMOD dispersion modeling to assess exposure during a landfill fire in Guanajuato, Mexico. The maximum monthly average concentration was recorded in May at 22.4 µg m⁻³, while the 24-h average exceeded the allowable limit of 33 µg m⁻³ during the days of the landfill fire, reaching 50 µg m⁻³. The annual average concentration (13.4 µg m⁻³) also exceeded the 10 µg m⁻³ guideline. AERMOD simulations reproduced observed patterns, confirming northeastward dispersion toward the city hillside. Based on the 12-h moving average during the fire (45 µg m⁻³), residents were exposed to poor air quality and elevated risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and lung cancer. These results provide novel evidence of the contribution of landfill fires to urban PM_2.5 pollution and associated health risks, offering valuable insights for air quality management and public health protection in cities with similar environmental conditions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-025-00070-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145831372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emissions of volatile organic compounds from a commercial hen shed in Japan","authors":"Nobuyuki Tanaka,&nbsp;Nanami Hanari,&nbsp;Ayumi Takahara,&nbsp;Akane Miyazaki,&nbsp;Genki Katata,&nbsp;Hisao Kuroda","doi":"10.1007/s44273-025-00078-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-025-00078-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To better understand the actual status of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from the livestock industry in Japan, air samples were collected near the exhaust vents of a windowless commercial layer hen facility located in the northern Kanto region. Environmental parameters including temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed at the ventilation outlets were also recorded. The average VOC concentration inside the shed ranged from 151 to 448 μg m⁻³, consistent with those observed in educational hen sheds. Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were the most abundant VOCs across all months, followed by ketones and aldehydes, together accounting for 72–91% of total VOCs. Regarding atmospheric impacts, VFAs contributed most to hydroxyl radical reactivity (OHR), while aldehydes dominated ozone formation potential (OFP). VOC emission rates (ERs) ranged from 271 to 1240 μg h⁻¹ kg⁻¹, with the highest value recorded in June, and were positively correlated with in-shed temperature. The estimated annual VOC emissions from commercial layer hen facilities across Japan totaled approximately 455 tons, representing ~0.1% of the country’s anthropogenic VOC emissions.</p>\u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Graphical Abstract\u0000 <div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div>\u0000 \u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-025-00078-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145831156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}