Firework Display Is a Newly Identified Source of Gaseous and Particulate Amines

The air pollutants released during firework displays during the Chinese Lunar New Year have long been a hot topic. However, an overall view of the gaseous and particulate amines released by fireworks is lacking. For the first time, high-frequency measurements of gaseous and particulate (i.e., PM2.5) amines were conducted at a location near Jiuhua Mountain National Scenic Area. Biomass burning is prohibited in this area, whereas setting off fireworks is allowed during the Lunar New Year. From the clean period to the firework period, mean concentrations of particulate and gaseous amine compounds, along with K+, Cl–, and SO42– (typical firework-related pollutants), increased significantly (3–12 times). In contrast, parameters including oleamide (C18H35NO; a cooking indicator), ammonium, temperature, humidity, and ozone exhibited small fluctuations (∼1-fold). Thus, the outbreak of atmospheric amines (/aminiums) during the Spring Festival can be attributed to fireworks. Monomethylaminium and ethylamine were the dominant gaseous and particulate amines in firework emissions, respectively. Further analysis showed that primary emissions from fireworks, rather than gas–particle partitioning, dominated the differences in major gaseous and particulate amine species. This study presents a new emission source of atmospheric amines, providing novel insights into firework-related pollutants.