Human activities emit many pollutants into the atmosphere that can significantly impact air quality, human health, and the environment.

These pollutants include:

1. Carbon dioxide (CO2): Mainly from burning fossil fuels for energy and transportation.

2. Methane (CH4): Released from agricultural activities, livestock digestion, and landfills.

3. Nitrogen oxides (NOx): Produced by vehicles, power plants, and industrial processes.

4. Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Emitted from burning coal and oil and industrial processes.

5. Particulate matter: Tiny particles from combustion processes, construction activities, and agriculture.

6. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Released from vehicles, industrial processes, and solvents.

7. Ozone (O3): Formed by reactions between NOx and VOCs in sunlight.

Reducing emissions of these pollutants is crucial for improving air quality and mitigating climate change. Without hydroxide (OH) molecules, pollutants would continue to accumulate in the atmosphere. How does OH form in the atmosphere? A team of scientists from the U.S., China, and France reports that a strong electric field at the surface between a water droplet in the air and the surrounding air can produce OH by some unknown mechanism.

OH is a key factor in atmospheric air quality. Previously, researchers thought that sunlight was the main driver of OH formation, but now it has been found that OH is still produced at night when there is no photochemistry and that it is produced more rapidly than otherwise.

The findings reshape the understanding of how air removes pollutants and greenhouse gases and change the way researchers build computer models. The team's next step will be to conduct related experiments in real atmospheres in different parts of the world.

At the same time, countries around the world are actively taking action to improve air quality, which includes:

1. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources

Investing in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower can help reduce emissions from fossil fuel combustion.

2. Improving energy efficiency

Implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices can reduce energy consumption and lower emissions.

3. Enhancing public transportation

Promoting the use of public transportation, biking, and walking can help reduce emissions from vehicles.

4. Enforcing emission standards

Implementing and enforcing strict regulations on emissions from vehicles, power plants, and industrial sources can help reduce pollution levels.

5. Planting trees and preserving green spaces

Trees and vegetation absorb CO2 and other pollutants, helping improve air quality.

6. Reducing waste and promoting recycling

Proper waste management practices can help reduce emissions from landfills and incineration.

With the self-cleaning mechanism of the atmosphere and the joint efforts of mankind, it is believed that the quality of the Earth's atmosphere will be effectively improved.