Diurnal variation of number concentration and size distribution of ultrafine particles in the urban atmosphere of Beijing in winter

Number concentration and distribution of airborne particles in the size range 5.6 to 560 um diameter were measured in Beijing for a 15-d period in winter 2005.Daily average number concentrations of nucleation mode(5.6-20 nm),Aitken mode(20-100 nm), and accumulation mode(100-560 nm)particles,and total particles were 17500,32000,4000,and 53500 cm~(-3),respectively.Average particle size distribution was monomodal with a mode diameter of about 40 um at night and bimodal with mode diameters of about 10 and about 40 nm during the daytime.New particle formation events,which were connected to diurnal variation of nucleation mode particles,were observed in more than half of the observation days.The events often started around 10:00-11:00 Chinese Standard Time (CST)and ended up after 3-4 h.Concentrations of Aitken and accumulation mode particles increased from midnight and reached their maxima at about 10:00 CST,and then decreased and became the lowest in the afternoon.Analysis of diurnal cycles in traffic volume and meteorological parameters revealed that the accumulation of the particles in Aitken and accumulation modes in the morning was influenced by formation of an inversion and increase in vehicle emission,and dispersion of such particles in the afternoon was associated with more effective vertical mixing and higher wind speed.     

Chemical characteristics of size-resolved aerosols in winter in Beijing

Size-resolved aerosols were continuously collected by a Nano Sampler for 13 days at an urban site in Beijing during winter 2012 to measure the chemical composition of ambient aerosol particles. Data collected by the Nano Sampler and an ACSM(Aerodyne Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor) were compared. Between the data sets,similar trends and strong correlations were observed,demonstrating the validity of the Nano Sampler. PM10 and PM2.5concentrations during the measurement were 150.5 ± 96.0 μg/m3(mean ± standard variation)and 106.9 ± 71.6 μg/m3,respectively. The PM2.5/PM10 ratio was 0.70 ± 0.10,indicating that PM2.5dominated PM10. The aerosol size distributions showed that three size bins of 0.5–1,1–2.5 and 2.5–10 μm contributed 21.8%,23.3% and 26.0% to the total mass concentration(TMC),respectively. OM(organic matter) and SIA(secondary ionic aerosol,mainly SO42-,NO3-and NH4+) were major components of PM2.5. Secondary compounds(SIA and secondary organic carbon) accounted for half of TMC(about 49.8%) in PM2.5,and suggested that secondary aerosols significantly contributed to the serious particulate matter pollution observed in winter. Coal burning,biomass combustion,vehicle emissions and SIA were found to be the main sources of PM2.5. Mass concentrations of water-soluble ions and undetected materials,as well as their fractions in TMC,strikingly increased with deteriorating particle pollution conditions,while OM and EC(elemental carbon) exhibited different variations,with mass concentrations slightly increasing but fractions in TMC decreasing.     

Number concentration and size distributions of submicron particles in Jinan urban area： Characteristics in summer and winter

The aerosol number concentration and size distribution were measured with the newly developed Wide-range Particle Spectrometer in summer and winter of 2006 at the urban site of Jinan City.Here reported the characteristics of fine particles of the different observation seasons.Relative high number concentrations for the particles in the diameter range of 10-500 nm were observed in both seasons.It was found that the dominant number distributed in particle diameter smaller than 100 nm and the percentage over the number concentration of all air particles is much higher than what has been measured in other urban sites over the world.The number mean diameter in summer was much smaller than in winter,strongly suggesting the different origin of ultrafine particles in different seasons.That is, particles in ultrafine mode mainly came from nucleation and new particle formation in summer while from traffic emission in winter. The diurnal variation also supported this point.Number concentration in the diameter range of 10-200 nm got their peak values at noontime,well correlated with the mixing ratio of SO_2 and the intensity of solar radiation in summer.While in winter,those in the same diameter range showed the main peaks during the traffic hours happened in the morning and evening.     

Size distribution and source of heavy metals in particulate matter on the lead and zinc smelting affected area

In order to understand the size distribution and the main kind of heavy metals in particulate matter on the lead and zinc smelting affected area, particulate matter(PM) and the source samples were collected in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province from December 2011 to January 2012 and the results were discussed and interpreted. Atmospheric particles were collected with different sizes by a cascade impactor. The concentrations of heavy metals in atmospheric particles of different sizes, collected from the air and from factories, were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS). The results indicated that the average concentration of PM, chromium(Cr), arsenic(As), cadmium(Cd) and lead(Pb) in PM was177.3 ± 33.2 μg/m~3, 37.3 ± 8.8 ng/m~3, 17.3 ± 8.1 ng/m~3, 4.8 ± 3.1 ng/m~3 and 141.6 ± 49.1 ng/m~3,respectively. The size distribution of PM displayed a bimodal distribution; the maximum PM size distribution was at 1.1–2.1 μm, followed by 9–10 μm. The size distribution of As, Cd and Pb in PM was similar to the distribution of the PM mass, with peaks observed at the range of1.1–2.1 μm and 9–10 μm ranges while for Cr, only a single-mode at 4.7–5.8 μm was observed. PM(64.7%), As(72.5%), Cd(72.2%) and Pb(75.8%) were associated with the fine mode below 2.1 μm,respectively, while Cr(46.6%) was associated with the coarse mode. The size distribution characteristics, enrichment factor, correlation coefficient values, source information and the analysis of source samples showed that As, Cd and Pb in PM were the typical heavy metal in lead and zinc smelting affected areas, which originated mainly from lead and zinc smelting sources.     

Characterization of particulate matter from diesel passenger cars tested on chassis dynamometers

Emission characterization of particle number as well as particle mass from three diesel passenger cars equipped with diesel particulate filter(DPF), diesel oxidation catalyst(DOC)and exhaust gas recirculation(EGR) under the vehicle driving cycles and regulatory cycle.Total particle number emissions(PNEs) decreased gradually during speed-up of vehicle from 17.3 to 97.3 km/hr. As the average vehicle speed increases, the size-segregated peak of particle number concentration shifts to smaller size ranges of particles. The correlation analysis with various particulate components such as particle number concentration(PNC),ultrafine particle number concentration(UFPNC) and particulate matter(PM) mass was conducted to compare gaseous compounds(CO, CO_2, HC and NOx). The UFPNC and PM were not only emitted highly in Seoul during severe traffic jam conditions, but also have good correlation with hydrocarbons and NOxinfluencing high potential on secondary aerosol generation. The effect of the dilution temperature on total PNC under the New European Driving Cycle(NEDC), was slightly higher than the dilution ratio. In addition, the nuclei mode(DP: ≤ 13 nm) was confirmed to be more sensitive to the dilution temperature rather than other particle size ranges. Comparison with particle composition between vehicle speed cycles and regulatory cycle showed that sulfate was slightly increased at regulatory cycle, while other components were relatively similar. During cold start test, semivolatile nucleation particles were increased due to effect of cold environment. Research on particle formation dependent on dilution conditions of diesel passenger cars under the NEDC is important to verify impact on vehicular traffic and secondary aerosol formation in Seoul.     

Diurnal variations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with PM2:5 in Shanghai, China

Forty-eight daily time interval PM2:5 samples were collected from December 2006 to January 2008 in an urban site in Shanghai, China. Concentrations and compositions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed with GC-MS to study the diurnal and seasonal variations and to identify the main emitting sources. The diurnal variation of the PAHs concentrations was greater in the late autumn and winter sampling days, and was greatly influenced by meteorological conditions such as wind speed and ambient temperature. The concentration of PAHs in the mornings (6:30–10:00) increased distinctly, and was high in the late autumn and winter sampling days, indicating the contribution from vehicle emissions during rush hours. The diurnal variation of the high molecular weight PAHs did not seem to be controlled by the shift of gas-particle partitioning due to temperature variation, instead, it could be indicative of the variation in the source. Statistical analyses showed that the concentrations of PAHs were negatively correlated with temperature and wind speed, and positively correlated with relative humidity. Diagnostic ratios of PAHs suggested mixed emission sources of petroleum and coal/biomass combustion for PAHs in the PM2:5 in Shanghai.     

Photochemical properties and source of pollutants during continuous pollution episodes in Beijing, October, 2011

Beijing sufered from serious air pollution in October, 2011 with the occurrence of three continuous episodes. Here we analyze the pollution status of particulate matter, the relationship between the gaseous pollutants, physical and chemical properties of single particles, and the profile of watersoluble ions in PM2.5during the three episodes. Regional and photochemically aged air masses, which were characterized as having high values of O3and SO2, were hypothesized to have played a dominant role in the first episode. After mixing local air masses with freshly-emitted primary pollutants, the concentration of NOx continued to increase and the size of SO4 2, NO3 and NH4 +in the particle population continued to become smaller. The amount of elemental carbon-rich and organic carbonrich particles in the scaled single particles(0.2–2 μm) and water-soluble K+in PM2.5also increased in the episodes. All the available information suggests that the biomass or fuel burning sources in or around Beijing may have had a huge impact on the last two episodes.     

Comprehensive characterization of ambient nanoparticles collected near an industrial science park: Particle size distributions and relationships with environmental factors

We investigated the characteristics of ambient particles and their relationships with various environmental factors, including gaseous pollutants (CH4, non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), total hydrocarbons (THC), NOx, CO, SO2), meteorological parameters (humidity, temperature), and time (day/night, workday/weekend). We used an electrical low-pressure cascade impactor to measure the number and size distributions of ambient particles (0.007–10 m) that were collected approximately 1 km northwest of Hsinchu Science Park in Taiwan between February and May 2007. The number concentrations of particles were enhanced through photochemical reactions during the day. In addition, high traffic flow during workdays increased the formation of particulates. Except for SO2, all of the gaseous pollutants we studied (CH4, NMHC, THC, NOx, CO) correlated positively with the total number concentrations of ambient particles during daytime, indicating that they might contribute to the particulate burden. The poorer relationship between the SO2 level and the total number concentration of particles suggests that SO2 might participate indirectly in the nucleation process during particle formation, The high enrichment factors for Zn, Pb, Cu, and Mn, which mostly comprised the ultrafine particles (diameter: < 0.1 m) and fine particles (diameter: 0.1–1 m), presumably arose from emissions from traffic and high technology factories. Heterogeneous reactions on solid particles might play a role in the removal of SOx and NOx from the atmosphere. Sulfides and nitrides can further react with these local pollutants, forming specific Cu-containing compounds: CuO (39%), CuSO4 (34%), and Cu(NO3)2 (27%), within the ambient particles in this industrial area.     

Characterization of particle number size distribution and new particle formation in Southern China

Knowledge of particle number size distribution(PND) and new particle formation(NPF)events in Southern China is essential for mitigation strategies related to submicron particles and their effects on regional air quality,haze,and human health.In this study,seven field measurement campaigns were conducted from December 2013 to May 2015 using a scanning mobility particle sizer(SMPS) at four sites in Southern China,including three urban sites and one background site.Particles were measured in the size range of15-515 nm,and the median particle number concentrations(PNCs) were found to vary in the range of 0.3× 10~4-2.2 × 10~4 cn~(-3) at the urban sites and were approximately 0.2 × 10~4 cm~(-3) at the background site.The peak diameters at the different sites varied largely from 22 to 102 nm.The PNCs in the Aitken mode(25-100 nm) at the urban sites were up to 10 times higher than they were at the background site,indicating large primary emissions from traffic at the urban sites.The diurnal variations of PNCs were significantly influenced by both rush hour traffic at the urban sites and NPF events.The frequencies of NPF events at the different sites were0%-30%,with the highest frequency occurring at an urban site during autumn.With higher SO_2 concentrations and higher ambient temperatures being necessary,NPF at the urban site was found to be more influenced by atmospheric oxidizing capability,while NPF at the background site was limited by the condensation sink.This study provides a unique dataset of particle number and size information in various environments in Southern China,which can help understand the sources,formation,and the climate forcing of aerosols in this quickly developing region,as well as help constrain and validate NPF modeling.     

Impact of transport of fine and ultrafine particles from open biomass burning on air quality during 2019 Bangkok haze episode

Transboundary and domestic aerosol transport during 2018–2019 affecting Bangkok air quality has been investigated. Physicochemical characteristics of size-segregated ambient particles down to nano-particles collected during 2017 non-haze and 2018–2019 haze periods were analyzed. The average PM_2.5 concentrations at KU and KMUTNB sites in Bangkok, Thailand during the haze periods were about 4 times higher than in non-haze periods. The highest average organic carbon and elemental carbon concentrations were 4.6 ± 2.1 µg/m³ and 1.0 ± 0.4 µg/m³, respectively, in PM_0.5–1.0 range at KU site. The values of OC/EC and char-EC/soot-EC ratios in accumulation mode particles suggested the significant influence of biomass burning, while the nuclei and coarse mode particles were from mixed sources. PAH concentrations during 2018–2019 haze period at KU and KMUTNB were 3.4 ± 0.9 ng/m³ and 1.8 ± 0.2 ng/m³, respectively. The PAH diagnostic ratio of PM_2.5 also suggested the main contributions were from biomass combustion. This is supported by the 48-hrs backward trajectory simulation. The higher PM_2.5 concentrations during 2018–2019 haze period are also associated with the meteorological conditions that induce thermal inversions and weak winds in the morning and evening. Average values of benzo(a)pyrene toxic equivalency quotient during haze period were about 3–6 times higher than during non-haze period. This should raise a concern of potential human health risk in Bangkok and vicinity exposing to fine and ultrafine particulate matters in addition to regular exposure to traffic emission.     

Self-Injection of a Dipteran Parasitoid into a Spider

 A host invasion strategy hitherto unknown from other insect parasitoids was observed in the dipteran Acrocera orbicula (Fabricius) (Diptera: Acroceridae) parasitizing the wolf spider, Pardosa prativaga (L. Koch) (Araneida: Lycosidae). In laboratory experiments the free-living first instar acrocerid larvae attached themselves firmly to the spiders' integument by the mouthparts, cutting a tiny hole through the integument. No first instar larvae invaded the host. A week later the parasitoids molted, and a small, flexible, and glabrous second instar larva left each of the attached first instar exuviae and invaded the host through the attachment hole of the first instar larva. The novel host invasion pattern observed may reduce physical damage to the host in the initial phase of endoparasitism, enhancing parasitoid survival. Received: 14 April 1999 / Accepted in revised form: 2 July 1999     

Attributes of a hopper-predator community in a rice field

A hopper-predator community in an experimental rice field was observed weekly with regard to information content (H′), formation of a geometric series or the grade of orderly distribution of component taxa (R²), and clumping index (I). These community attributes changed with time in close association with one another, and attained the highest values around the heading time of the rice. Significant correlations were found between the density of prey and that of predators when a certain time-lag was assumed for the increase of predators.     

Performance of a novel vertical-flow settler: a comparative study

By increasing particle concentration and G value （root-mean-square velocity gradient） to enhance flocculation, a novel vertical-flow settler was designed to increase sedimentation effectiveness, and to simultaneously improve operational stabilization. Due to the gradual decrease in upward flow-rate of raw water, a floes blanket would form and suspend in the middle section of the settler, not at the bottom as in a conventional clarifier. Enough large floes, resulted from flocculation or fltration, would continuously settle out of the floes blanket, and simultaneously, the floes in raw water or those forming above the blanket would ceaselessly enter the floes blanket. As a result, the floes concentration in the blanket could keep a dynamic balance. The hydrodynamic shear in the blanket was improved by flow separation, which was induced by the abrupt change in flow channel. Due to the floes blanket and improved hydrodynamic shear, flocculation would be enhanced, which was helpful for removing fine particles in raw water. A comparative study showed that the novel vertical-flow settler had a much better performance in the removal of the particles in raw water than a conventional one, when they treated kaolin suspensions of different concentrations （500, 100 and 50 mg/L, respectively） coagulated by polyaluminum chloride（PAC1） at the up-flow rates of 1 and 2 mm/s, respectively.     

Male-biased predation of a cave fish by a giant water bug

Male-biased predation has been described from several epigean species, and in many cases, intrinsic differences between the sexes (such as male ornaments) have been suggested as an explanation. Here we report on male-biased predation of a cave fish (Poecilia mexicana) by an aquatic insect (Belostoma sp.) in a Mexican sulfur cave. P. mexicana use aquatic surface respiration (ASR) to survive in their sulfidic, hypoxic habitat. We found that males typically exhibit more ASR activity than females, which leads to increased exposure to the sit-and-wait predator that catches fish near the water surface. Our finding is novel, because male vulnerability to predation is not directly related to male traits involved in courtship, but rather due to other sexual differences in behavior and ultimately, oxygen demands.     

混凝剂FAS的制备及性能研究

报道利用铜矿渣制取固体混凝剂ＦＡＳ。实验表明,该混凝剂具有优良的除蚀、除色、除ＣＯＤ、除硫性能,尤其对采用常规混凝剂难以除去的亲水性染料,ＦＡＳ有独特的去除效率。对各种模拟废水和实际废水,ＦＡＳ的脱色率为９５％,对ＣＯＤ的去除率则在９０％以上。本文还对ＦＡＳ的混凝脱色机理进行了初步的探讨。     

船运液态二氧化碳储罐爆炸事故的原因分析

在分析船运液态二氧化碳储罐爆炸事故的基础上,近似计算了其物理爆炸的能量,并采用TNT当量计算方法,分别估算了事故的人员死亡区域、重伤区域、轻伤区域的半径和建筑物毁灭性破坏区域的半径;同时根据事故容器设计参数的验算,指出由于对事故容器归属"低温压力容器"和"低温低应力压力容器"的错误划分造成制造材料选用的错误,以及违规使用,从而导致了事故的发生;并针对事故的原因,提出了应引起的反思。     

喷射火焰对容器的热辐射计算

液化气体容器在火灾环境下由于内部压力升高和容器本身强度的下降，爆炸的危险性极大。研究容器在喷射火焰作用的响应规律是预防事故发生的关键。本文研究了由于气体泄漏引起的喷射火焰在有风条件下的火焰形状和温度变化规律，以及对于水平圆柱形容器的热辐射影响，并用编制计算程序进行了数值计算。计算结果表明，容器表面的热辐射随风速、容器表面的位置等因素而变化。风速越大，容器表面的热辐射会减少；轴向距离越大，热辐射减少，周向角度增加，热辐射减少。