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IMAGE: Coal burning from rural households emits reactive bromine gases and particulate halogens. Daytime sunlight-assisted processes, possibly involving nitrate, activate particulate Br to produce HOBr and BrCl. BrCl is also produced. view more
Credit: @Science China Press
Halogen atoms (Cl and Br) strongly influence the atmospheric chemical composition. Since 1970s, scientists discovered that these atoms were responsible for depletion of ozone in the stratosphere and ground-level ozone of the Arctic. In the past decade, there is emerging recognition that halogen atoms also play important roles in tropospheric chemistry and air quality. However, the knowledge of halogen atoms in continental regions is still incomplete.