What's Happening?
An international research team, including the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, has discovered a new source of atmospheric oxidation involving hydroperoxides formed from α-keto acids in clouds,
rain, and aerosol water when exposed to sunlight. This process accounts for 5 to 15% of observed atmospheric hydrogen peroxide in the aqueous phase. The study highlights the role of α-keto acids, which are derived from both biogenic and anthropogenic sources, in influencing air quality and climate modeling. The research involved multiple institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Turin, and utilized laboratory experiments and model calculations to demonstrate the formation of hydroperoxides.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of this new oxidation pathway is significant for understanding atmospheric chemistry and its impact on air quality and climate forecasts. Hydroperoxides are strong oxidants that influence the formation and degradation of particles and air pollutants. This finding provides a new perspective on the role of α-keto acids in atmospheric processes, which were previously underestimated. The research underscores the need for systematic field measurements to incorporate these mechanisms into climate models, potentially leading to more accurate predictions of air quality and climate change impacts.
What's Next?
Further research is needed to measure the concentrations of α-keto acids in aerosols and cloud water across different environments. This data will help refine climate models and improve the understanding of hydroperoxides' global budget and their role in particle formation and sulfate production. The study calls for international collaboration to fill knowledge gaps and enhance the accuracy of atmospheric and climate models.
