A Systematic Review on Atmospheric Ozone Pollution in a Typical Peninsula Region of North China: Formation Mechanism, Spatiotemporal Distribution, Source Apportionment, and Health and Ecological Effects

Purpose of Review: Despite significant improvements in particulate pollution, ozone (O₃) levels have unexpectedly worsened in Shandong Province, China (SDP), which is one of the world’s hotspots for O₃ pollution. This review aims to summarize O₃ pollution studies in SDP and highlight the challenges faced by current research efforts. Recent Findings: The interaction between O₃ chemistry and meteorological conditions has exacerbated O₃ pollution in SDP, with frequent increases in nighttime O₃ levels. Both local emissions and regional transport play significant roles in O₃ pollution, with O₃ production being particularly sensitive to VOCs in most cities. The worsening O₃ pollution has led to increased health risks and ecological damage. Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of O₃ pollution in SDP, covering formation mechanisms, in-situ measurements, source analyses, and the health and ecological impacts. It is recommended that monitoring networks be scientifically optimized, urgent mitigation strategies for VOCs and NOx be implemented, and collaborative research efforts be intensified to address O₃ pollution at regional scales.