Characteristics of concentrations and chemical compositions for PM&lt;sub&gt;2.5&lt;/sub&gt; in the region of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, China

Abstract. In order to study the temporal and spatial variations of PM2.5 and its chemical compositions in the region of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei (BTH), PM2.5 samples were collected at four urban sites in Beijing (BJ), Tianjin (TJ), Shijiazhuang (SJZ), and Chengde (CD) and one site at Shangdianzi (SDZ) regional background station over four seasons from 2009 to 2010. The samples were weighted for mass concentrations and analyzed in laboratory for chemical profiles of 19 elements (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, Ti, V, and Zn), eight water-soluble ions (Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, NO3−, and SO42−), and carbon fractions (OC and EC). The concentrations of PM2.5 and its major chemical species were season-dependent and showed spatially similar characteristics in the plain area of BTH. The average annual concentrations of PM2.5 were 71.8–191.2 μg m−3 at five sites, with more than 90 % sampling days exceeded 50 μg m−3 at BJ, TJ, and SJZ. PM2.5 pollution was most serious at SJZ, and the annual concentrations of PM2.5, secondary ions, OC, EC, and most of crustal elements were all highest. Due to stronger photochemical oxidation, the sum of concentrations of secondary ions (NH4+, NO3−, and SO42−) was highest in the summer at SDZ, BJ, TJ, and CD. Analysis of electric charges of water-soluble ions indicated the existence of nitric acid or hydrochloric acid in PM2.5. For all five sites, the concentrations of OC, EC and also secondary organic carbon (SOC) in the spring and summer were lower than those in the autumn and winter. Stable atmosphere and low temperatures appearing more frequently during autumn and winter facilitated the formation of SOC. The sums of crustal elements (Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Ti, Ba, and Sr) were higher in the spring and autumn owing to more days with blowing or floating dust. The concentrations of heavy metals were at higher levels in the BTH area by comparison with other studies. In Shijiazhuang and Chengde, the PM2.5 pollution was dominated by coal combustion. Motor vehicle exhausts and coal combustion emissions both played important role in Tianjin PM2.5$ pollution. However, motor vehicle exhausts had played more important role in Beijing owing to the reduction of coal consumption and sharply increase of cars in recent years. At SDZ, regional transportation of air pollutants from southern urban areas was significant.

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Characteristics of concentrations and chemical compositions for PM<sub>2.5</sub> in the region of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, China

Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics ◽

10.5194/acp-13-4631-2013 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 4631-4644 ◽

Cited By ~ 262

Author(s):

P. S. Zhao ◽

F. Dong ◽

D. He ◽

X. J. Zhao ◽

X. L. Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Carbon ◽

Coal Combustion ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Motor Vehicle ◽

Inorganic Ions ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Photochemical Oxidation ◽

Chemical Compositions ◽

Coal Consumption ◽

Water Soluble Inorganic Ions

Abstract. In order to study the temporal and spatial variations of PM2.5 and its chemical compositions in the region of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei (BTH), PM2.5 samples were collected at four urban sites in Beijing (BJ), Tianjin (TJ), Shijiazhuang (SJZ), and Chengde (CD), and also one site at Shangdianzi (SDZ) regional background station over four seasons from 2009 to 2010. The samples were weighted for mass concentrations and analyzed in the laboratory for chemical profiles of 19 elements (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, Ti, V, and Zn), eight water-soluble inorganic ions (Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, NO3−, and SO42−, and carbon fractions (OC and EC). The concentrations of PM2.5 and its major chemical species were season dependent and showed spatially similar characteristics in the plain area of BTH. The average annual concentrations of PM2.5 were 71.8–191.2 μg m−3 at the five sites, with more than 90% of sampling days exceeding 50 μg m−3 at BJ, TJ, and SJZ. PM2.5 pollution was most serious at SJZ, and the annual concentrations of PM2.5, secondary inorganic ions, OC, EC, and most crustal elements were all highest. Due to stronger photochemical oxidation, the sum of concentrations of secondary inorganic ions (NH4+, NO3−, and SO42− was highest in the summer at SDZ, BJ, TJ, and CD. Analysis of electric charges of water-soluble inorganic ions indicated the existence of nitric acid or hydrochloric acid in PM2.5. For all five sites, the concentrations of OC, EC and also secondary organic carbon (SOC) in the spring and summer were lower than those in the autumn and winter. SOC had more percentages of increase than primary organic carbon (POC) during the winter. The sums of crustal elements (Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Ti, Ba, and Sr) were higher in the spring and autumn owing to more days with blowing or floating dust. The concentrations of heavy metals were at higher levels in the BTH area by comparison with other studies. In Shijiazhuang and Chengde, the PM2.5 pollution was dominated by coal combustion. Motor vehicle exhausts and coal combustion emissions both played important roles in Tianjin PM2.5 pollution. However, motor vehicle exhausts had played a more important role in Beijing owing to the reduction of coal consumption and sharp increase of cars in recent years. At SDZ, regional transportation of air pollutants from southern urban areas was significant.

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Analysis of Chemical Composition Characteristics and Source of PM2.5 under Different Pollution Degrees in Autumn and Winter of Liaocheng, China

Atmosphere ◽

10.3390/atmos12091180 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (9) ◽

pp. 1180

Author(s):

Jingqiao Zhang ◽

Han Wang ◽

Li Yan ◽

Wenwen Ding ◽

Ruize Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chemical Composition ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Industrial Processes ◽

Long Distance ◽

Air Mass ◽

Transmission Distance ◽

Soluble Ions ◽

Water Soluble Ions ◽

Autumn And Winter ◽

Composition Characteristics

Analysis of chemical composition characteristics of PM2.5 under different pollution degrees can reveal the changes of pollution sources. In order to make clear the evolution process of PM2.5 compositions in autumn and winter, PM2.5 samples were continuously collected and analyzed at Liaocheng city, China. The collected samples were classified as clean days (CLD), mild-moderate pollution days (MMD) and severe-serious pollution days (SSD). It was concluded that with the increase of pollution degrees, the concentrations of water-soluble ions and carbon components increased significantly, while elements only increased slightly. In addition, as the pollution degrees increased, the percentage of NO3−, SO42− and NH4+ increased significantly, from 23.0% in CLD to 49.0% in SSD, while the percentage of other components decreased, especially crust material. The PMF analyzed results showed that secondary transformation (36.7%), combustion sources (20.4%), secondary organic aerosols (SOA) (11.7%), vehicle sources (11%), dust (10.5%) and industrial processes (9.7%) were the main sources of PM2.5 during autumn and winter in Liaocheng. The contribution of secondary transformation reached 57% at the SSD level, which indicated that it was the main reason for the increase of PM2.5 concentrations. The air mass mainly came from five paths to Liaocheng. The secondary transformation contribution of the air mass with short transmission distance was higher, while the contribution of the dust was higher from the long distance.

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Emission and simulation of primary fine and submicron particles and water-soluble ions from domestic coal combustion in China

Atmospheric Environment ◽

10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117308 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 224 ◽

pp. 117308 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Qin Yan ◽

Shaofei Kong ◽

Yingying Yan ◽

Haibiao Liu ◽

Wei Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coal Combustion ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Submicron Particles ◽

Soluble Ions ◽

Water Soluble Ions

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Characteristics of Particulate Matter at Different Pollution Levels in Chengdu, Southwest of China

Atmosphere ◽

10.3390/atmos12080990 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 990

Author(s):

Yi Huang ◽

Li Wang ◽

Xin Cheng ◽

Jinjin Wang ◽

Ting Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Fine Particles ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Pollution Levels ◽

Mobile Sources ◽

Soluble Ions ◽

Particle Matter ◽

Secondary Ions ◽

Water Soluble Ions ◽

Haze Episode

Air pollution is becoming increasingly serious along with social and economic development in the southwest of China. The distribution characteristics of particle matter (PM) were studied in Chengdu from 2016 to 2017, and the changes of PM bearing water-soluble ions and heavy metals and the distribution of secondary ions were analyzed during the haze episode. The results showed that at different pollution levels, heavy metals were more likely to be enriched in fine particles and may be used as a tracer of primary pollution sources. The water-soluble ions in PM2.5 were mainly Sulfate-Nitrate-Ammonium (SNA) accounting for 43.02%, 24.23%, 23.50%, respectively. SO42−, NO3−, NH4+ in PM10 accounted for 34.56%, 27.43%, 19.18%, respectively. It was mainly SO42− in PM at Clean levels (PM2.5 = 0~75 μg/m3, PM10 = 0~150 μg/m3), and mainly NH4+ and NO3− at Light-Medium levels (PM2.5 = 75~150 μg/m3, PM10 = 150~350 μg/m3). At Heavy levels (PM2.5 = 150~250 μg/m3, PM10 = 350~420 μg/m3), it is mainly SO42− in PM2.5, and mainly NH4+ and NO3− in PM10. The contribution of mobile sources to the formation of haze in the study area was significant. SNA had significant contributions to the PM during the haze episode, and more attention should be paid to them in order to improve air quality.

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Size-fractionated water-soluble ions during autumn and winter: Insights into volatile ammonium formation mechanisms in Shanghai, a megacity of China

Atmospheric Environment X ◽

10.1016/j.aeaoa.2019.100011 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

pp. 100011

Author(s):

Xingnan Ye ◽

Ye Tao ◽

Yuxuan Liu ◽

Ruyu Wang ◽

Qing Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Soluble ◽

Formation Mechanisms ◽

Soluble Ions ◽

Water Soluble Ions ◽

Autumn And Winter

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Chemical Characterization of Two Seasonal PM2.5 Samples in Nanjing and Its Toxicological Properties in Three Human Cell Lines

Environments ◽

10.3390/environments6040042 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 42 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kai Zhang ◽

Dongyang Nie ◽

Mindong Chen ◽

Yun Wu ◽

Xinlei Ge ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Reactive Oxygen Species ◽

Reactive Oxygen ◽

Carcinoma Cells ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Chemical Compositions ◽

Oxygen Species ◽

Human Neuroblastoma ◽

Soluble Ions ◽

Water Soluble Ions

PM2.5 pollution is of great concern in China due to its adverse health effects. Many diseases have been proven to be associated with PM2.5 components, but the effects of chemical characteristics of PM2.5 on toxicological properties, especially in different human organs, are poorly understood. In this study, two seasonal PM2.5 samples (summer and winter) were collected in Nanjing, and their chemical compositions (heavy metals, water-soluble ions, organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC)) were analyzed. Human lung epithelial carcinoma cells (A549), human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cells (HepG2), and human neuroblastoma cells (Sh-Sy5y) were employed to evaluate the toxicological properties of the collected PM2.5. The results showed that the average mass concentrations of PM2.5 were lower in summer (51.3 ± 21.4 μg/m3) than those in winter (62.1 ± 21.5 μg/m3). However, the mass fractions of heavy metals, OC, and EC exhibited an opposite seasonal difference. Among all tested fractions, water-soluble ions were the major compositions of particles in both summer and winter, especially the secondary ions (SO42−, NO3− and NH4+). Besides, the ratio of OC/EC in PM2.5 was greater than two, indicating serious secondary pollution in this area. The NO3–/SO42− ratio (< 1) suggested that fixed sources made important contributions. The toxicological results showed that PM2.5 in the summer and winter significantly inhibited cell viability (p < 0.01) and induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (p < 0.01). Moreover, the viability inhibition in A549, Sh-Sy5y, and HepG2 cells was more prominent in summer, especially at high PM2.5 (400 μg/mL) (p < 0.05), and the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in A549 and Sh-Sy5y cells was also more evident in summer. Such seasonal differences might be related to the variations of PM2.5 components.

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Chemical Compositions and Source Analysis of PM2.5 during Autumn and Winter in a Heavily Polluted City in China

Atmosphere ◽

10.3390/atmos11040336 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 336

Author(s):

Shasha Tian ◽

Yingying Liu ◽

Jing Wang ◽

Jian Wang ◽

Lujian Hou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Particulate Matter ◽

Average Concentration ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Source Analysis ◽

Chemical Compositions ◽

Vehicle Exhaust ◽

Carbonaceous Species ◽

Soluble Ions ◽

Water Soluble Ions ◽

Heavy Pollution

As one of the biggest cities in North China, Jinan has been suffering heavy air pollution in recent decades. To better characterize the ambient particulate matter in Jinan during heavy pollution periods, we collected daily PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters equal to or less than 2.5 μm) filter samples from 15 October 2017 to 31 January 2018 and analyzed their chemical compositions (including inorganic water-soluble ions (WSIs), carbonaceous species, and inorganic elements). The daily average concentration of PM2.5 was 83.5 μg/m3 during the sampling period. A meteorological analysis revealed that both low wind speed and high relative humidity facilitated the occurrence of high PM2.5 pollution episodes. A chemical analysis indicated that high concentrations of water-soluble ions, carbonaceous species, and elements were observed during heavy pollution days. The major constituents of PM2.5 in Jinan were secondary aerosol particles and organic matter based on the results of mass closure. Chemical Mass Balance (CMB) was used to track possible sources and identified that nitrate, sulfate, vehicle exhaust and coal fly ash were the main contributors to PM2.5 during heavy pollution days in Jinan, accounting for 25.4%, 18.6%, 18.2%, and 13.3%, respectively.

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Chemical Characterization of PM2.5 at Rural and Urban Sites around the Metropolitan Area of Huancayo (Central Andes of Peru)

Atmosphere ◽

10.3390/atmos10010021 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 21 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Alex Huamán De La Cruz ◽

Yessica Bendezu Roca ◽

Luis Suarez-Salas ◽

José Pomalaya ◽

Daniel Alvarez Tolentino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Trace Elements ◽

Metropolitan Area ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Gravimetric Method ◽

Water Soluble ◽

World Health ◽

Sampling Campaign ◽

Soluble Ions ◽

Water Soluble Ions ◽

Monitoring Stations

The purpose of this study was to determine PM2.5 mass concentration and the contents of trace elements and water-soluble ions in samples collected inside the Metropolitan area of Huancayo. Four monitoring stations were installed at three urban areas (UNCP, HYO, and CHI) and one rural (IGP). The sampling campaign was carried out from March 2017 to November 2017. The PM2.5 content was determined by gravimetric method, and fifteen trace elements (TE) and seven water-soluble ions were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS), and ion chromatography (IC), respectively. Datasets were assessed by one ANOVA test to detect significant differences among monitoring station. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied for source identification. The mean annual concentration of PM2.5 mass concentrations has ranged (average) from 3.4 to 36.8 µg/m3 (16.6 ± 6.8 µg/m3) for the monitoring stations under study. The annual World Health Organization thresholds and national air quality standards were exceeded. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between most trace elements at urban and rural areas. PCA and HCA illustrated that the most important sources of traces element originated of natural origin (soil re-suspension) and vehicular sources (fuel combustion, abrasion of vehicles tires, wear car components).

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