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Unexplained high and persistent methyl bromide emissions in China

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaoyi Hu

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Bo Yao

    (Fudan University
    Meteorological Observation Centre of China Meteorological Administration (MOC/CMA))

  • Jens Mühle

    (University of California San Diego)

  • Robert C. Rhew

    (University of California
    University of California)

  • Paul J. Fraser

    (Aspendale)

  • Simon O’Doherty

    (University of Bristol)

  • Ronald G. Prinn

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Xuekun Fang

    (Zhejiang University
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Methyl bromide (CH3Br) is an important ozone-depleting substance whose use is regulated under the Montreal Protocol. Quantifying emissions on the national scale is required to assess compliance with the Montreal Protocol and thereby ensure the timely recovery of the ozone layer. However, the spatial-temporal patterns of China’s national CH3Br emissions remain unclear. Here we estimate the national emissions of CH3Br in China during 2011−2020 using atmospheric observations at 10 sites across China combined with an inversion technique (top-down) and compare those with an updated inventory of identified emission sources (bottom-up). Measured CH3Br mole fractions are enhanced well above the background mole fractions, especially at sites in eastern China. Top-down emission estimates exceed bottom-up estimates by 5.5 ± 1.4 gigagrams per year, with the largest fraction (60%) of observationally derived CH3Br emissions arising from underestimated or unidentified emissions sources. This study shows the potential impacts of the unaccounted emissions on stratospheric ozone depletion, with implications for the Montreal Protocol.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoyi Hu & Bo Yao & Jens Mühle & Robert C. Rhew & Paul J. Fraser & Simon O’Doherty & Ronald G. Prinn & Xuekun Fang, 2024. "Unexplained high and persistent methyl bromide emissions in China," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-53188-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53188-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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