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1.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 8753, 2024 Apr 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38627459

ABSTRACT

In response to the global trend of climate change, it is important to accurately quantify emissions of fully fluorinated greenhouse gases (FFGHGs, referring to SF6/NF3/CF4/C2F6/C3F8/c-C4F8 here). Atmospheric observation-based top-down methods and activity-based bottom-up methods are usually used together to estimate FFGHG emissions at the global and regional levels. In this work, emission gaps at global and regional levels are discussed among top-down studies, between the top-down and bottom-up FFGHG emissions, and among bottom-up emissions. Generally, trends and magnitudes of individual FFGHG emissions among top-down estimates are close to each other within the uncertainties. However, global bottom-up inventories show discrepancies in FFGHG emissions among each other in trends and magnitudes. The differences in emission magnitudes are up to 93%, 90%, 88%, 83%, 87%, and 85% for SF6, NF3, CF4, C2F6, C3F8, and c-C4F8, respectively. Besides, we reveal the insufficient regional TD studies and the lack of atmospheric observation data/stations especially in areas with potential FFGHG emissions. We make recommendations regarding the best practices for improving our understanding of these emissions, including both top-down and bottom-up methods.

2.
Environ Sci Technol ; 58(13): 5750-5759, 2024 Apr 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38506744

ABSTRACT

1,1-Difluoroethane (HFC-152a) is a hydrofluorocarbon regulated by the Montreal Protocol, and its emissions in China are of concern as China will regulate HFC-152a in 2024. However, no observation-inferred top-down estimates were undertaken after 2017, and substantial gaps existed among previous estimates of China's HFC-152a emissions. Using the atmospheric observations and inverse modeling, this study reveals China's HFC-152a emissions of 9.4 ± 1.7 Gg/yr (gigagrams per year), 10.6 ± 1.8 Gg/yr, and 9.7 ± 1.5 Gg/yr in 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. In addition, we display an overall increasing trend during 2011-2020, which is in contrast to the decreasing and steady trend reported by the Emission Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) and the Chinese government, respectively. Subsequently, we establish a comprehensive bottom-up emission inventory matching with top-down estimates and thus succeed in explaining the gaps among previous estimates. Furthermore, the contribution of China's emissions to global HFC-152a emission growth increased from 15% during 2001-2010 to >100% during 2011-2020. An emission projection based on our improved inventory shows that the Kigali Amendment (KA) would assist in avoiding 1535.6-4710.6 Gg (251.8-772.5 Tg CO2-eq) HFC-152a emissions during 2024-2100. Our findings indicate relatively accurate China's HFC-152a emissions and provide scientific support for addressing climate change and implementing the KA.


Subject(s)
Greenhouse Gases , Rwanda , China , Climate Change
3.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 1725, 2024 Feb 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38409087

ABSTRACT

According to the Montreal Protocol, the production and consumption of ozone-layer-depleting CCl4 for dispersive applications was globally phased out by 2010, including China. However, continued CCl4 emissions were disclosed, with the latest CCl4 emissions unknown in eastern China. In the current study, based on the atmospheric measurements of ~12,000 air samples taken at two sites in eastern China, the 2021-2022 CCl4 emissions are quantified as 7.6 ± 1.7 gigagrams per year. This finding indicates that CCl4 emissions continued after being phased out for dispersive uses in 2010. Subsequently, our study identifies potential industrial sources (manufacture of general purpose machinery and manufacture of raw chemical materials, and chemical products) of CCl4 emissions.

4.
J Environ Sci (China) ; 140: 319-330, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38331511

ABSTRACT

To achieve carbon neutrality, the Chinese government needs to gain a comprehensive understanding of the sources and drivers of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly at the county level. Anji County in eastern China is a typical example of an industrial transformation from quarrying to a low-carbon economy. This study analyzed the decoupling types and structural characteristics of GHG emissions and the driving factors of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the Anji from 2006 to 2019, and explored the differences between county-level and provincial-level or city-level results. It was observed that energy-related activities are the main source of GHG emissions in Anji and that economic development is the driving factor behind the increasing CO2 emissions. However, industrial transformation and upgradation coupled with the alternative use of clean energy limit the growth of GHG emissions. This study details the GHG emissions of county during the industrial transformation stage and provides corresponding policy recommendations for county governments.


Subject(s)
Greenhouse Gases , Greenhouse Gases/analysis , Carbon Dioxide/analysis , Greenhouse Effect , China , Economic Development
5.
Environ Sci Technol ; 57(48): 19487-19496, 2023 Dec 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37948623

ABSTRACT

Fully fluorinated greenhouse gases (FFGHGs), including sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs), have drawn attention because they have long atmospheric lifetimes (up to thousands of years) and high global warming potential. Targeting SF6, NF3, and four PFCs (CF4, C2F6, C3F8, and c-C4F8), this study projects future FFGHG emission patterns in China, explores their mitigation potential, and evaluates the effects of FFGHG emission reduction on the achievement of the country's carbon neutrality goal and climate change. FFGHG emissions are expected to increase consistently, ranging from 506 to 1356 Mt CO2-eq yr-1 in 2060 under the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. If mitigation strategies are sufficiently employed, FFGHG emissions under three mitigation scenarios: Technologically Feasible 2030, Technologically Feasible 2050, and Technologically Feasible 2060, will eventually decrease to approximately 49-78, 70-110, and 98-164 Mt CO2-eq yr-1 in 2060, respectively, compared to the BAU scenario. Extensive implementation of FFGHG emission mitigation technologies will curb temperature rise by 0.008-0.013 °C under the slowest mitigation scenario, compared to 0.013-0.026 °C under the BAU scenario. Well-coordinated policies and reforms on FFGHG emission mitigation are recommended to prevent potential adverse effects on the climate to a certain extent.


Subject(s)
Fluorocarbons , Greenhouse Gases , Climate Change , Greenhouse Effect , Carbon Dioxide/analysis , Fluorocarbons/analysis , China
6.
Environ Sci Technol ; 57(48): 19557-19564, 2023 Dec 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37978918

ABSTRACT

Having the highest ozone-depleting potential among hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), the production and consumption of HCFC-141b (1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane, CH3CCl2F) are controlled by the Montreal Protocol. A renewed rise in global HCFC-141b emissions was found during 2017-2020; however, the latest changes in emissions across China are unclear for this period. This study used the FLEXible PARTicle dispersion model and the Bayesian framework to quantify HCFC-141b emissions based on atmospheric measurements from more sites across China than those used in previous studies. Results show that the estimated HCFC-141b emissions during 2018-2020 were on average 19.4 (17.3-21.6) Gg year-1, which was 3.9 (0.9-7.0) Gg year-1 higher than those in 2017 (15.5 [13.4-17.6] Gg year-1), showing a renewed rise. The proportion of global emissions that could not be exactly traced in 2020 was reduced from about 70% reported in previous studies to 46% herein. This study reconciled the global emission rise of 3.0 ± 1.2 Gg year-1 (emissions in 2020 - emissions in 2017): China's HCFC-141b emissions changed by 4.3 ± 4.5 Gg year-1, and the combined emissions from North Korea, South Korea, western Japan, Australia, northwestern Europe, and the United States changed by -2.2 ± 2.6 Gg year-1, while those from other countries/regions changed by 0.9 ± 5.3 Gg year-1.


Subject(s)
Chlorofluorocarbons , Chlorofluorocarbons/analysis , Bayes Theorem , Chlorofluorocarbons, Ethane , China
7.
Environ Sci Technol ; 57(37): 13925-13936, 2023 09 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37656597

ABSTRACT

Emissions of chloroform (CHCl3), a short-lived halogenated substance not currently controlled under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, are offsetting some of the achievements of the Montreal Protocol. In this study, emissions of CHCl3 from China were derived by atmospheric measurement-based "top-down" inverse modeling and a sector-based "bottom-up" inventory method. Top-down CHCl3 emissions grew from 78 (72-83) Gg yr-1 in 2011 to a maximum of 193 (178-204) Gg yr-1 in 2017, followed by a decrease to 147 (138-154) Gg yr-1 in 2018, after which emissions remained relatively constant through 2020. The changes in emissions from China could explain all of the global changes during the study period. The CHCl3 emissions in China were dominated by anthropogenic sources, such as byproduct emissions during disinfection and leakage from chloromethane industries. Had emissions continued to grow at the rate observed up to 2017, a delay of several years in Antarctic ozone layer recovery could have occurred. However, this delay will be largely avoided if global CHCl3 emissions remain relatively constant in the future, as they have between 2018 and 2020.


Subject(s)
Chloroform , Stratospheric Ozone , Antarctic Regions , China , Disinfection
8.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37239556

ABSTRACT

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major indoor air pollutants that contain several toxic substances. However, there are few studies on health risk assessments of indoor VOCs in China. This study aimed to determine the concentration characteristics of VOCs on college campuses by collecting VOC samples from different locations on campus during different seasons combined with the exposure times of college students in each location obtained from a questionnaire survey to assess the possible health risks. The highest total VOC concentration (254 ± 101 µg/m3) was in the dormitory. The seasonal variation of TVOC concentrations was related to the variation of emission sources in addition to temperature. Health risk assessments of VOCs were evaluated using non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk values, represented by hazard quotient (HQ) and lifetime cancer risk (LCR), respectively. The non-carcinogenic risks at all sampling sites were within the safe range (HQ < 1). Dormitories had the highest carcinogenic risk, whereas the carcinogenic risk in the other three places was low (with LCR < 1.0 × 10-6). Moreover, 1,2-dichloroethane was identified as a possible carcinogenic risk substance in the dormitory due to its high LCR (1.95 × 10-6). This study provides basic data on health risks in different locations on campus and a basis for formulating measures to improve people's living environments.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Air Pollution, Indoor , Neoplasms , Volatile Organic Compounds , Humans , Environmental Monitoring , Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis , Universities , Air Pollutants/analysis , Risk Assessment , Carcinogens/analysis , Carcinogenesis , China/epidemiology , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis
10.
Environ Sci Technol ; 57(16): 6474-6484, 2023 04 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37051641

ABSTRACT

Global hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) cumulative emissions will be more than 20 Gt CO2-equiv during 2020-2060 and have a non-negligible impact on global warming even in full compliance with the Kigali Amendment (KA). Fluorochemical manufacturers (including multinationals) in China have accounted for about 70% of global HFC production since 2015, of which about 60% is emitted outside China. This study built an integrated model (i.e., DECAF) to estimate both territorial and exported emissions of China under three scenarios and assess the corresponding climate effects as well as abatement costs. Achieving near-zero territorial emissions by 2060 could avoid 23 ± 4 Gt CO2-equiv of cumulative territorial emissions (compared to the 2019 Baseline scenario) during 2020-2060 at an average abatement cost of 9 ± 6 USD/t CO2-equiv. Under the near-zero emission (including territorial and abroad) pathway, radiative forcing from HFCs will peak in 2037 (60 ± 6 mW/m2) with a 33% peak reduction and 8 years in advance compared to the path regulated by the KA, and the radiative forcing by 2060 will be lower than that in 2019. Accelerated phase-out of HFC production in China could provide a possibility for rapid global HFC abatement and achieve greater climate benefits.


Subject(s)
Carbon Dioxide , Global Warming , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Carbon Dioxide/analysis , Rwanda , Climate Change , China
11.
Sci Total Environ ; 882: 163586, 2023 Jul 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37087013

ABSTRACT

Ozone-depleting substances (ODSs), which also contribute to global warming, have been controlled by the Montreal Protocol (MP) since 1987. China joined the MP in 1991 and began reducing production and consumption of ODSs in the country, leading to a decrease in emissions of ODSs. Based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change guidelines, the latest emission factors and actual consumption in China (MP scenario), both the historical banks and the historical emissions of ODSs and substitute hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) during 1980-2020 were calculated. To understand the reduction in ODS and HFC emissions by implementing the MP, we also estimated China's virtual emissions (NMP, i.e., the amount of ODS emissions without the MP) over the same period. The avoided cumulative ODS consumption and emission values of 10.8 and 5.8 (4.8-6.9) million tonnes (Mt) of CFC-11-equivalent (eq), respectively, were estimated by comparing the two scenarios. Furthermore, 26 (22-33) giga tonnes (Gt) of CO2-eq emissions, equivalent to an increase of 0.031 W m-2 radiative forcing, were estimated to be avoided by 2020, which will prevent an additional 0.025 °C increase in temperature. The MP implemented by China has resulted in substantial environmental benefits over the last 30 years. However, owing to the massive use of HFCs as substitutes, the cumulative emissions reached 2286 Mt. CO2-eq during 1990-2020, and it will be challenging to phase down HFCs in the environment after China ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2021.

12.
Environ Sci Ecotechnol ; 14: 100228, 2023 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36560957

ABSTRACT

Methyl halides (CH3Cl, CH3Br, and CH3I) are ozone-depleting substances. Biomass burning (BB) is an important source of methyl halides. The temporal variations and global spatial distribution of BB methyl halide emissions are unclear. Thus, global methyl halide emissions from BB during 2003-2021 were estimated based on satellite data. A significant decreasing trend (p < 0.01) in global methyl halide emissions from BB was found between 2003 and 2021, with CH3Cl emissions decreasing from 302 to 220 Gg yr-1, CH3Br emissions decreasing from 16.5 to 11.7 Gg yr-1, and CH3I emissions decreasing from 8.9 to 6.1 Gg yr-1. From a latitudinal perspective, the northern high-latitude region (60-90° N) was the only latitude zone with significant increases in BB methyl halide emissions (p < 0.01). Based on an analysis of the drivers of BB methyl halide emissions, emissions from cropland, grassland, and shrubland fires were more correlated with the burned area, while BB emissions from forest fires were more correlated with the emissions per unit burned area. The non-BB emissions of CH3Cl increased from 4749 Gg yr-1 in 2003 to 4882 Gg yr-1 in 2020, while those of CH3Br decreased from 136 Gg yr-1 in 2003 to 118 Gg yr-1 in 2020 (global total CH3I emissions are not available). The finding indicates that global CH3Cl and CH3Br emissions from sources besides BB increased and decreased during 2003-2020. Based on our findings, not only searching for unknown sources is important, but also re-evaluating known sources is necessary for addressing methyl halide emissions.

13.
Sci Total Environ ; 865: 160894, 2023 Mar 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36563752

ABSTRACT

In recent years, eastern China has been identified as an important contributor to national and global emissions of halocarbons, some of which are ozone depletion substances (ODSs) that delay the recovery of the stratospheric ozone layer. However, the most recent characteristics and sources of halocarbons in eastern China remain unclear. Thus, hourly atmospheric observations of halocarbons were conducted in Hangzhou throughout 2021. The results showed that methylene chloride (CH2Cl2) was the most abundant halocarbon (2207 (25 %-75 % quantile: 1116-2848) ppt; parts per trillion) followed by chloromethane (CH3Cl) (912 (683-1043) ppt), and 1,2-dichloroethane (CH2ClCH2Cl) (596 (292-763) ppt). Then, backward trajectory and potential source contribution function (PSCF) analysis show that the emission hot spots of halocarbons were concentrated in adjacent cities in Zhejiang and neighboring provinces in eastern China. Moreover, based on positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis, industrial emission (38.7 %), solvent usage (32.6 %), and the refrigeration sector and biomass burning (23.7 %) were the main sources of halocarbons (observed in this study). This study reveals high concentrations and potential sources of halocarbons in eastern China, which are important for studying the recovery of the ozone layer.

14.
Environ Pollut ; 316(Pt 1): 120570, 2023 Jan 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36328288

ABSTRACT

Global concentrations (or mole fractions) and emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) and their hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs) substitutes that are controlled by the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments and adjustments (MP) are of great interest to both the scientific community and public. Previous studies on global concentrations and emissions have mostly relied on ground-based observations. Here, we assess the global concentrations and emissions of eight MP controlled substances and methyl chloride from ACE-FTS (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment high-resolution infrared Fourier transform spectrometer) satellite observations: CFC-11 (CFCl3), CFC-12 (CF2Cl2), CCl4, HCFC-22 (CHClF2), HCFC-141b (C2H3Cl2F), HCFC-142b (C2H3ClF2), HFC-23 (CHF3), HFC-134a (C2H2F4), and CH3Cl. Results show that the ACE-FTS satellite observations can be used to derive the concentrations and emissions of these ODSs, HFCs, and CH3Cl, as they are consistent with those derived from the ground-based observations. Our findings imply that the changes in the concentrations and emissions of the ODSs and HFCs closely match the regulatory status of the MP, and satellite observations can be used to monitor the past and future progress of the MP.


Subject(s)
Ozone
15.
J Environ Sci (China) ; 124: 723-734, 2023 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36182177

ABSTRACT

Understanding the emission sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is critical for air pollution mitigation. Continuous measurements of atmospheric VOCs were conducted from January to February in Hangzhou in 2021. The average measured concentration of total VOCs (TVOCs) was 38.2 ± 20.9 ppb, > 42% lower than that reported by previous studies at the urban center in Hangzhou. The VOC concentrations and proportions were similar between weekdays and weekends. During the long holidays of the Spring Festival in China, the concentrations of TVOCs were ∼50% lower than those during the regular days, but their profiles showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Further, we deduced that aromatics and alkenes were the most crucial chemicals promoting the formation of O3 and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in Hangzhou. According to interspecies correlations, combustion processes and solvent use were inferred as major VOC emission sources. This study provides implications for air quality improvements before and during the upcoming Asian Games that will be hosted in Hangzhou in 2022.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Ozone , Volatile Organic Compounds , Aerosols/analysis , Air Pollutants/analysis , Alkenes/analysis , China , Environmental Monitoring , Ozone/analysis , Solvents , Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis
16.
Environ Int ; 169: 107510, 2022 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36099757

ABSTRACT

China implemented a stringent Air Clean Plan (ACP) since 2013 to address environmental and health risks caused by ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5). However, the policy effectiveness of ACP and co-benefits of carbon mitigation measures to environment and health are still largely unknown. Using satellite-based PM2.5 products produced in our previous study, concentration-response functions, and the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) method, we analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamics of premature deaths attributable to PM2.5 exposure, and quantitatively estimated the policy benefits of ACP and carbon mitigation measures. We found the annual PM2.5 concentrations in China decreased by 33.65 % (13.41 µg m-3) from 2014 to 2020, accompanied by a decrease in PM2.5-attributable premature deaths of 0.23 million (95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.22-0.27), indicating the huge benefits of China ACP for human health and environment. However, there were still 1.12 million (95 % CI: 0.79-1.56) premature deaths caused by the exposure of PM2.5 in mainland China in 2020. Among all ACP measures, clean production (contributed 55.98 % and 51.14 % to decrease in PM2.5 and premature deaths attributable to PM2.5) and energy consumption control (contributed 32.58 % and 29.54 % to decrease in PM2.5 and premature deaths attributable to PM2.5) made the largest contribution during the past seven years. Nevertheless, the environmental and health benefits of ACP are not fully synergistic in different regions, and the effectiveness of ACP measures reduced from 2018 to 2020. The co-effects of CO2 and PM2.5 has become one of the major drivers for PM2.5 and premature deaths reduction since 2018, confirming the clear environment and health co-benefits of carbon mitigation measures. Our study suggests, with the saturation of clean production and source control, more targeted region-specific strategies and synergistic air pollution-carbon mitigation measures are critical to achieving the WHO's Air Quality Guideline target and the UN's Sustainable Development Goal Target in China.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Air Pollution , Air Pollutants/analysis , Air Pollution/analysis , Air Pollution/prevention & control , Carbon , Carbon Dioxide , China , Environmental Exposure/analysis , Humans , Mortality, Premature , Particulate Matter/adverse effects , Particulate Matter/analysis
17.
Environ Sci Process Impacts ; 24(11): 1968-1981, 2022 Nov 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36000414

ABSTRACT

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important precursors of severe pollution of ozone (O3) and secondary organic aerosols in China. Fully understanding the VOCs emission is crucial for making regulations to improve air quality. This study reviews the published studies on atmospheric VOCs concentration observations in China and observation-based estimation of China's VOCs emission strengths and emission source structures. The results reveal that direct sampling and stainless-steel-tank sampling are the most commonly used methods for online and offline observations in China, respectively. The GC-MS/FID is the most commonly used VOCs measuring instrument in China (in 60.8% of the studies we summarized). Numerous studies conducted observation campaigns in urban areas (76.2%) than in suburban (17.1%), rural (18.1%), and background areas (14.3%) in China. Moreover, observation sites are largely set in eastern China (83.8%). Though there are published studies reporting observation-based China's VOCs emission investigation, these kinds of studies are still limited, and gaps are found between the results of top-down investigation and bottom-up inventories of VOCs emissions in China. In order to enhance the observation-based VOCs emission investigations in China, this study suggests future improvements including: (1) development of VOCs detection techniques, (2) strengthening of atmospheric VOCs observations, (3) improvement of the accuracy of observation-based VOCs emission estimations, and (4) facilitation of better VOCs emission inventories in China.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Ozone , Volatile Organic Compounds , Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis , Air Pollutants/analysis , Environmental Monitoring , Ozone/analysis , China
18.
Environ Pollut ; 310: 119903, 2022 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35952992

ABSTRACT

Methyl Chloride (CH3Cl) is the largest source of stratospheric chlorine, which has a significant impact on the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. Detailed information on anthropogenic CH3Cl emissions in China is still lacking. This study establishes a comprehensive bottom-up inventory of anthropogenic CH3Cl emissions in China during 2000-2020. Results show that China's anthropogenic CH3Cl emissions have increased significantly, from 34.1 ± 11.6 Gg/yr (gigagrams per year) in 2000 to 128.5 ± 26.5 Gg/yr in 2018 with a slight decrease to 124.9 ± 26.0 Gg/yr in 2020. The main sources of anthropogenic emissions of CH3Cl in China are chemical production (37.1%), solvent use (35.4%), and coal combustion (13.6%) in 2020. China's contribution to global anthropogenic emissions of CH3Cl reached almost 50%. Moreover, the ratios of CH3Cl CFC-11-eq emissions relative to emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) controlled under the Montreal Protocol in China have increased from 0.8% in 2000 to 11.6% in 2020 and are estimated to continue increasing in the future. In summary, China's anthropogenic CH3Cl emissions have shown an increasing trend in the past two decades, made a huge contribution to the total global anthropogenic emissions, and presented a potential increasing impact on the depletion of the ozone layer and global warming.


Subject(s)
Ozone , China , Coal , Global Warming
19.
Environ Res ; 214(Pt 2): 113944, 2022 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35870498

ABSTRACT

China has shut down and abandoned a substantial number of coal mines since 1999, which have been releasing methane (CH4) for many years. However, the characteristics of China's abandoned mine methane (AMM) emissions are still unclear; this is a concerning knowledge gap because coal mines are the largest contributor to China's anthropogenic CH4 emissions. This study used two methods to estimate China's historical AMM emissions over the past 40 years (1980-2020) and to project its AMM emissions to 2060 which is the target year for China's carbon neutrality goal. The results show that China's AMM emissions increased substantially from 0.11 ± 0.03 million tons per year (Mt/yr) (3.1 ± 0.84 Mt/yr CO2-eq) in 1980 to 4.7 ± 0.94 Mt/yr (131 ± 26 Mt/yr CO2-eq) in 2020. An accelerated growth rate was found during 1998-2005, with AMM emissions rapidly increasing by approximately three times, which was consistent with the high number of mine shutdowns. In 2019, we found that AMM emissions had become the fourth largest anthropogenic source in China, higher than the national anthropogenic CH4 emissions of individual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Annex I countries excluding the United States of America and the Russian Federation. If unabated, China's AMM emissions are projected to peak at 8.7 ± 2.6 Mt/yr in 2040 and reach approximately one-third of China's anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions in 2060. This study reveals that understanding AMM emissions can help more accurately quantify China's total CH4 emissions and guide their future mitigation.


Subject(s)
Carbon Dioxide , Methane , Carbon Dioxide/analysis , Climate Change , Coal , Methane/analysis , Mining , United States
20.
Environ Pollut ; 307: 119517, 2022 Aug 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35609843

ABSTRACT

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are used as temporary substitutes for chlorofluorocarbons and other ozone-depleting substances because they have reduced ozone depletion and global warming potentials. The consumption and production of HCFCs are regulated via the Montreal Protocol and its amendments till 2013, with a complete phase-out being scheduled by 2030 for Article 5 parties (developing countries). To better understand the characteristics and emissions of HCFCs in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), which is the largest metropolitan area in China, weekly flask samples were collected at the Lin'an regional background station located in the YRD from 2011 to 2018 and measured for four HCFCs (HCFC-22, HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b, and HCFC-124). The HCFC-132b and HCFC-133a measurements began in 2018. The ambient mixing ratios of the HCFCs exhibited higher concentrations and larger variabilities than those at the Shangri-la regional background station at similar latitudes in southwest China. The HCFC emissions in the YRD were estimated based on the tracer ratio method using CO and HFC-134a as tracers, and were comparable within the uncertainties. Our results are generally consistent with previous estimates obtained using top-down approaches. HCFC-22 and HCFC-141b contributed 52% ± 23% and 41% ± 24% of the total ODP-weighted (CFC-11-equivalent) HCFC emissions from the YRD, respectively, whereas HCFC-22 contributed the most (83% ± 36%) to the total CO2-equivalent HCFC emissions from the YRD. The cumulative ODP-weighted and CO2-equivalent emissions of HCFCs from the YRD accounted for 25% ± 15% and 20% ± 11% of the national corresponding totals, respectively, for 2011-2017. The HCFC-141b emissions from the YRD contributed approximately half of the total Chinese emissions. HCFC-133a emissions in the YRD accounted for approximately one-fifth of the global total in 2018. Thus, the YRD is an important contributor of HCFC emissions on national and global scales.


Subject(s)
Carbon Dioxide , Rivers , China , Chlorofluorocarbons/analysis
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