Monoterpene oxidation in China

Monoterpene acts as the fuel of atmospheric oxidation and precursor of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Here we collected the observation data of summed monoterpene and atmospheric oxidants in three sites that affected by anthropogenic emission in China. Large monoterpene was observed in east and south China, but moderate in north China. Rapid monoterpene oxidation was observed with the turnover rate of tens ppbv per day in east and south China. The chemical losses of monoterpene by OH, NO₃ and O₃ are assessed. NO₃ is dominantly responsible for monoterpene oxidation due to the elevated NO_x and O₃, and followed by OH and O₃. Significantly degradation of monoterpene by NO₃ was observed during both daytime and nighttime. As SOA mass yield of NO₃ initiated oxidation of monoterpene is efficient, implies the key role of monoterpene oxidation by NO₃ in SOA formation in China.