Impacts of Anthropogenic Emissions on Air Quality

Dear Colleagues,

As we navigate the 21st century, the profound influence of human activities on our planet's atmosphere is undeniable.  Industrialization, urbanization, agricultural expansion, and ever-growing energy demands have fueled a surge in anthropogenic emissions, fundamentally altering the composition of the air we breathe. This Special Issue serves as a dedicated platform to explore the multifaceted and often complex consequences of these emissions on global and regional air quality.

The central aim of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive and cutting-edge overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the impacts of human-generated emissions on air quality. We seek to showcase the latest research, innovative methodologies, and critical analyses that illuminate the intricate links between various emission sources, atmospheric processes, and the resulting air quality challenges.

The scope of this Special Issue is deliberately broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing a wide range of relevant topics, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Source Characterization and Emission Inventories: Investigating the diverse sources of anthropogenic emissions, from combustion processes and industrial activities to agricultural practices and transportation sectors. This includes the development and refinement of emission inventories and the application of novel source apportionment techniques.
• Atmospheric Transport, Transformation, and Dispersion of Pollutants: Exploring the complex atmospheric processes that govern the transport, chemical transformation, and dispersion of emitted pollutants. This encompasses studies utilizing atmospheric models, observational data, and advanced analytical methods to understand pollutant pathways and fates.
• Impacts on Human Health: Examining the direct and indirect health consequences of air pollution exposure, including respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, neurological effects, and other adverse health outcomes. We encourage studies that quantify health burdens, explore vulnerable populations, and investigate the synergistic effects of multiple pollutants.
• Impacts on Ecosystems and the Environment: Investigating the effects of air pollution on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including damage to vegetation, acidification, eutrophication, and biodiversity loss. This also encompasses research on the impacts of air pollution on climate change and the interactions between air quality and the Earth system.
• Impacts on Visibility and Climate Forcing: Addressing the effects of air pollutants on atmospheric visibility and their role in climate forcing through radiative effects. This includes studies on aerosols, greenhouse gases, and their combined impacts.
• Regional and Global Air Quality Assessments: Presenting studies that assess air quality trends and challenges at various spatial scales, ranging from urban environments to regional and global perspectives. This includes comparative analyses of air quality issues across different geographical regions and socioeconomic contexts.
• Mitigation and Policy Implications: Exploring effective strategies and policy interventions for reducing anthropogenic emissions and improving air quality. This includes assessments of technological solutions, regulatory frameworks, and socio-economic considerations for achieving cleaner air.
• Emerging Pollutants and Challenges: Addressing emerging air quality concerns, such as microplastics in the atmosphere, the impacts of new industrial processes, and the changing nature of urban air pollution in rapidly developing regions.

Through this Special Issue, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between anthropogenic emissions and air quality. We hope to provide valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and the wider community to inform effective strategies for mitigating air pollution and safeguarding both human and environmental health. We believe that the contributions within this Special Issue will serve as a crucial resource for navigating the challenges of air quality in a rapidly changing world and inspire further research and action towards a cleaner, healthier atmosphere for all.

We, as Guest Editors, are thrilled to present this collection of timely and impactful research and invite you to delve into the diverse perspectives and findings contained within. We trust that this Special Issue will be a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue and efforts to address the critical issue of anthropogenic emissions and their impact on air quality.

We look forward to your submissions.

Dr. Sergio Ibarra-Espinosa
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• anthropogenic emissions
• air quality
• air pollution
• atmospheric composition
• environmental pollution