Dynamics and origin of PM_2.5during a three-year sampling period in Beijing, China

Abstract

Systematic sampling and analysis were performed to investigate the dynamics and the origin of suspended particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM(2.5)), in Beijing, China from 2005 to 2008. Identifying the source of PM(2.5) was the main goal of this project, which was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The concentrations of 19 elements, black carbon (BC) and the total mass in 158 weekly PM(2.5) samples were measured. The statistical evaluation of the data from factor analysis (FA) identifies four main sources responsible for PM(2.5) in Beijing: (1) a combination of long-range transport geogenic soil particles, geogenic-like particles from construction sites and the anthropogenic emissions from steel factories; (2) road traffic, industry emissions and domestic heating; (3) local re-suspended soil particles; (4) re-suspended particles from refuse disposal/landfills and uncontrolled dumped waste. Special attention has been paid to seven high concentration "episodes", which were further analyzed by FA, enrichment factor analysis (EF), elemental signatures and backward-trajectory analysis. These results suggest that long-range transport soil particles contribute much to the high concentration of PM(2.5) during dust days. This is supported by mineral analysis which showed a clear imprint of component in PM(2.5). Furthermore, the ratios of Mg/Al have been proved to be a good signature to trace back different source areas. The Pb/Ti ratio allows the distinction between periods of predominant anthropogenic and geogenic sources during high concentration episodes. Backward-trajectory analysis clearly shows the origins of these episodes, which partly corroborate the FA and EF results. This study is only a small contribution to the understanding of the meteorological and source driven dynamics of PM(2.5) concentrations.

Estimating Ground-Level PM2.5 Using Fine-Resolution Satellite Data in the Megacity of Beijing, China

“…In contrast, the air quality was relatively better in the northern rural areas. The distribution of the high PM 2.5 concentration was consistent with the ring roads in the urban region, which could be associated with the intense vehicle emissions in Beijing (Yu et al, 2011(Yu et al, , 2013.…”

“…To establish a reliable AOD-PM 2.5 relationship, these models require abundant ground PM 2.5 measurements. With rapid economic development, Beijing, the capital of China, has been experiencing severe air pollution (Yu et al, 2011;Tao et al, 2012Tao et al, , 2014b. So far, there is limited research on satellite PM 2.5 prediction in Beijing due to the lack of ground monitoring networks (Wang et al, 2010;Guo et al, 2014).…”

Forestry strategies against PM2.5 pollution in Beijing

“…PM 2.5 composition is key to estimating its chemical extinction of light and to characterizing haze (Yang et al 2011). Several studies have identified the chemical components and sources of PM 2.5 in the urban air (Zhang et al 2000, Sun et al 2004, Yang et al 2011, Yu et al 2011. These indicate that PM 2.5 has a variety of natural and anthropogenic sources from both primary emissions and secondary processes.…”

“…These particles can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and are assumed to be responsible for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases (Yu et al 2011). PM 2.5 affects climate directly by scattering and absorbing radiation or indirectly by changing the albedo and depth of clouds (Charlson et al 1992).…”

Particulate Matter Concentrations in the Southern Tip of India: Temporal Variation, Meteorological Influences, and Source Identification

“…The urban atmosphere, in particular, is very often affected by pollution from various anthropogenic sources and negatively affects the health of inhabitants (Yu et al 2011). One of the most frequently encountered pollutants in urban areas is particulate matter (PM), which is introduced into the atmosphere from a variety of anthropogenic and natural sources.…”