Atmospheric Carbonyl Compounds in the Central Taklimakan Desert in Summertime: Ambient Levels, Composition and Sources

Although carbonyl compounds are a key species with atmospheric oxidation capacity, their concentrations and sources have not been sufficiently characterized in various atmospheres, especially desert areas. In this study, were measured from 16 May to 15 June 2018 Tazhong the central Taklimakan Desert, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Concentrations, chemical compositions, of investigated compared those different environments worldwide. The average concentration total carbonyls during sampling period was 11.79 ± 4.03 ppbv. Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone most abundant carbonyls, 6.08 2.37, 1.68 0.78, 2.52 0.68 ppbv, respectively. Strong correlations between formaldehyde other found, indicating same or similar sinks. A hybrid single-particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory used analyze 72 h back trajectories. values C1/C2 (formaldehyde 3.22–4.59) C2/C3 (acetaldehyde propionaldehyde, 15.00–17.03) directions distances trajectories consistent characteristics remote area. Relative environments, site lower than that urban areas higher suburban areas, implying contributions local primary secondary sources. obtained data can be improve source sink estimation at regional scale.