Analysis of air quality characteristics of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei and its surrounding air pollution transport channel cities in China

Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei(BTH) and its surrounding areas are very important to air pollution control in China.To analyze the characteristics of BTH and its surrounding areas of China,we collected 5,641,440 air quality data from 161 air monitoring stations and 37,123,000 continuous monitoring data from air polluting enterprises in BTH and surrounding cities to establish an indicator system for urban air quality portraits.The results showed that particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters of 2.5 μm(PM_(2.5)),particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters of 10 μm(PM_(10)) and SO_2 improved significantly in 31 cities from2015 to 2018,but ozone deteriorated.Air quality in BTH and the surrounding areas showed obvious seasonal characteristics,among which PM_(2.5),PM_(10),SO_2,and NO_2 showed a "U" type distribution from January to December,while O_3 had an "inverted U" distribution.The hourly changes in air quality revealed that peaks of PM_(2.5),PM_(10) and NO_2 appeared from 8:00 to 10:00,while those for O_3 appeared at 15:00–16:00.The exposure characteristics of the 31 cities showed that six districts in Beijing had the highest air quality population exposure,and that exposure levels in Zhengzhou,Puyang,Anyang,Jincheng were higher than the average of the 31 investigated cities.Additionally,multiple linear regression revealed a negative correlation between meteorological factors(especially wind and precipitation) and air quality,while a positive correlation existed between industrial pollution emissions and air quality in most of BTH and its surrounding cities.     

Are current Chinese national ambient air quality standards on 24-hour averages for particulate matter sufficient to protect public health?

With rapid economic development and urbanization in recent decades, China has experienced the worsening of ambient air quality. For better air quality management to protect human health, Chinese government revised national ambient air quality standards(NAAQS) for particulate matter(PM) in 2012(GB3095-2012). To assess the effectiveness of current NAAQS for PM on public health in Chinese population, we conducted a metaanalysis on published studies examining the mortality risk of short-term exposure to PM with aerodynamic diameters less than 10 and 2.5 μm(PM_(10) and PM_(2.5)) in China. The reported24-hour concentrations of PM_(10) and PM_(2.5) in studies ranged from 43.5 to 150.1 μg/m~3 and 37.5 to 176.7 μg/m~3. In the pooled excess, mortality risk estimates of short-term exposure to PM.In specific, per 10 μg/m~3 increase in PM_(10), we observed increases of 0.40%(95%CI: 0.33%,0.47%), 0.57%(95%CI: 0.44%, 0.70%) and 0.49%(95%CI: 0.40%, 0.58%) in total, respiratory and cardiovascular mortality, per 10 μg/m~3 increase in PM_(2.5), we observed increases of 0.51%(95%CI: 0.38%, 0.63%), 0.62%(95%CI: 0.52%, 0.73%) and 0.75%(95%CI: 0.54%, 0.95%) in total,respiratory and cardiovascular mortality. Finally, we derived 125 μg/m~3 for PM_(10) and 62.5 μg/m~3 for PM_(2.5) as 24-hour recommendation values based on the pooled estimates. Our results indicated that current Chinese NAAQS for PM could be sufficient in mitigating the excess mortality risk from short-term exposure to ambient PM. However, future research on longterm exposure cohort studies in Chinese population is also essential in revising annual averages for PM in Chinese NAAQS.     

PM2.5 source apportionment in a French urban coastal site under steelworks emission influences using constrained non-negative matrix factorization receptor model

The constrained weighted-non-negative matrix factorization(CW-NMF) hybrid receptor model was applied to study the influence of steelmaking activities on PM_(2.5)(particulate matter with equivalent aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm) composition in Dunkerque,Northern France. Semi-diurnal PM_(2.5)samples were collected using a high volume sampler in winter 2010 and spring 2011 and were analyzed for trace metals, water-soluble ions, and total carbon using inductively coupled plasma – atomic emission spectrometry(ICP-AES),ICP- mass spectrometry(ICP-MS), ionic chromatography and micro elemental carbon analyzer. The elemental composition shows that NO_3~-, SO_4~(2-), NH_4~+and total carbon are the main PM_(2.5)constituents. Trace metals data were interpreted using concentration roses and both influences of integrated steelworks and electric steel plant were evidenced. The distinction between the two sources is made possible by the use Zn/Fe and Zn/Mn diagnostic ratios. Moreover Rb/Cr, Pb/Cr and Cu/Cd combination ratio are proposed to distinguish the ISW-sintering stack from the ISW-fugitive emissions. The a priori knowledge on the influencing source was introduced in the CW-NMF to guide the calculation. Eleven source profiles with various contributions were identified: 8 are characteristics of coastal urban background site profiles and 3 are related to the steelmaking activities. Between them,secondary nitrates, secondary sulfates and combustion profiles give the highest contributions and account for 93% of the PM_(2.5)concentration. The steelwork facilities contribute in about 2%of the total PM_(2.5)concentration and appear to be the main source of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn.     

Temporal–spatial distribution and diastereoisomer pattern of hexabromocyclododecane in the vicinity of a chemical plant

Hexabromocyclododecane(HBCD) is an effective brominated flame-retardant additive, which is mainly produced in the coastal area of China. This study collected soil samples from a HBCD production plant and its surrounding area in Weifang, Shandong Province, China, and analyzed the temporal–spatial distribution of HBCD and its diastereoisomers in soil. The analysis results showed that the concentration of HBCD in soil near the plant was much higher than normal values, with an annual average concentration reaching 5405 ng/g. Soils 1,2 and 4 km away from the plant were also analyzed, showing that the concentration of HBCD in soil decreased accordingly with the distance from the pollution sources. In order to investigate the effect of the season on HBCD content, the soil samples were collected in all four seasons of the year 2017–2018. According to variations in the wind direction, the concentration of HBCD in soil was also changed. The distribution trend showed that the concentration of HBCD in soil in the downwind direction of the prevailing wind was higher than that in the upwind direction. In addition, this work analyzed the distribution of HBCD in vertical soil sections. It was found that the concentration of HBCD decreased with depth in the soil vertical profile. Finally, the various diastereoisomer patterns in the soil compartments were examined, finding that α-HBCD and γ-HBCD were the predominant diastereoisomers in the soil of the study area.     

Multiresidue determination and potential risks of emerging pesticides in aquatic products from Northeast China by LC–MS/MS

A simple method for determining 33 pesticides with a wide polarity range(log Kow0.6-4.5) in aquatic products was developed based on LC–MS/MS. The target analytes included three types of widely used pesticides: insecticides, fungicides and herbicides. Based on the optimization of ultrasonic assisted extraction and GPC clean-up procedures, the matrix effect, extraction recoveries and LOD were improved distinctively. LOQ of this method was below 0.5 ng/g for all pesticides, which is superior to values in the literature, and the matrix effect was reduced effectively(-14.7% to 7.5%). The method was successfully applied to investigate the pesticide residue levels of twenty-five samples including seven common kinds of fishes from Northeast China. The results showed that all targeted pesticides were present in the fish samples; however, their levels were low, except for atrazine, linuron,ethoprophos, tetrachlorvinphos, acetochlor and fenthion. Atrazine and linuron caught our attention because the concentrations of atrazine in fish samples from Liaoning province were in the range of 0.5-8 ng/g(w/w) with mean concentration of 2.3 ng/g, which were far above those of other pesticides. The levels of linuron were in the range of 0.6-6 ng/g(mean concentration 2.8 ng/g), which were the highest among all targeted pesticides in the Inner Mongolia. This is the first systematic investigation on the characteristics and levels of these pesticides in aquatic products from northeast China. Considering their toxicity and bioaccumulation, the potential risk of atrazine and linuron from consuming aquatic products should be paid more attention.     

An economic assessment of the health effects and crop yield losses caused by air pollution in mainland China

Air pollution is severe in China, and pollutants such as PM_(2.5) and surface O_3 may cause major damage to human health and crops, respectively. Few studies have considered the health effects of PM_(2.5) or the loss of crop yields due to surface O_3 using model-simulated air pollution data in China. We used gridded outputs from the WRF-Chem model, high resolution population data, and crop yield data to evaluate the effects on human health and crop yield in mainland China. Our results showed that outdoor PM_(2.5) pollution was responsible for 1.70–1.99 million cases of all-cause mortality in 2006. The economic costs of these health effects were estimated to be 151.1–176.9 billion USD, of which 90% were attributed to mortality. The estimated crop yield losses for wheat, rice, maize, and soybean were approximately 9, 4.6, 0.44, and 0.34 million tons, respectively, resulting in economic losses of 3.4 billion USD. The total economic losses due to ambient air pollution were estimated to be 154.5–180.3 billion USD, accounting for approximately 5.7%–6.6% of the total GDP of China in 2006. Our results show that both population health and staple crop yields in China have been significantly affected by exposure to air pollution. Measures should be taken to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and mitigate the economic loss.     

Determination of quorum-sensing signal substances in water and solid phases of activated sludge systems using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

The detection of acyl homoserine lactones(AHLs) in activated sludge is essential for clarifying their function in wastewater treatment processes. An LC–MS/MS method was developed for the detection of AHLs in both the aqueous and solid phases of activated sludge. In addition, the effects of proteases and extracellular polymeric substances(EPS) on the detection of AHLs were evaluated by adding protease inhibitors and extracting EPS,respectively. Recoveries of each AHL were improved by adding 50 μL of protease inhibitor,and recoveries were also improved from 0 to 56.9% to 24.2%–105.8% by EPS extraction.Applying the developed method to determine the type and concentration of AHLs showed that C4-HSL, C_6-HSL, C_8-HSL and 3-oxo-C_8-HSL were widely detected in a suspended activated sludge system. The dominant AHL was C_8-HSL, with a highest concentration of304.3 ng/L. C_4-HSL was mainly distributed in the aqueous phase, whereas C_6-HSL, C_8-HSL and 3-oxo-C_8-HSL were preferentially distributed in the sludge phase.     

Characterization of atmospheric aerosol (PM10 and PM2.5) from a medium sized city in São Paulo state, Brazil

Air pollution causes deleterious effects on human health with aerosols being among the most polluting agents.The objective of this work is the characterization of the PM_(2.5) and PM_(10) aerosol mass in the atmosphere.The methods of analysis include WD-XRF and EDS.Data were correlated with meteorological information and air mass trajectories(model HYSPLIT)by multivariate analysis.A morphological structural analysis was also carried out to identify the probable sources of atmospheric aerosols in the city of Sao Jose do Rio Preto,Brazil.The mean mass concentration values obtained were 24.54 μg/m~3 for PM_(10),above the WHO annual standard value of 20 μg/m~3 and 10.88 μg/m~3 for PM_(2.5) whose WHO recommended limit is10 μg/m~3.WD-XRF analysis of the samples revealed Si and Al as major components of the coarse fraction.In the fine fraction,the major elements were Al and S.The SEM-FEG characterization allowed identifying the morphology of the particles in agglomerates,ellipsoids and filaments in the PM_(10),besides spherical in the PM_(2.5).The analysis by EDS corroborated WD-XRF results,identifying the crustal elements,aluminosilicates and elements of anthropogenic origin in the coarse fraction.For the fine fraction crustal elements were also identified;aluminosilicates,black carbon and spherical particles(C and O) originating from combustion processes were predominant.The use of multivariate analysis to correlate air mass trajectories with the results of the morpho-structural characterization of the particulate matter allowed confirmation of the complex composition of the particles resulting from the combination of both local and long-distance sources.     

A comprehensive classification method for VOC emission sources to tackle air pollution based on VOC species reactivity and emission amounts

In China, volatile organic compound(VOC) control directives have been continuously released and implemented for important sources and regions to tackle air pollution. The corresponding control requirements were based on VOC emission amounts(EA), but never considered the significant differentiation of VOC species in terms of atmospheric chemical reactivity. This will adversely influence the effect of VOC reduction on air quality improvement. Therefore,this study attempted to develop a comprehensive classification method for typical VOC sources in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region(BTH), by combining the VOC emission amounts with the chemical reactivities of VOC species. Firstly, we obtained the VOC chemical profiles by measuring 5 key sources in the BTH region and referencing another 10 key sources, and estimated the ozone formation potential(OFP) per ton VOC emission for these sources by using the maximum incremental reactivity(MIR) index as the characteristic of source reactivity(SR). Then, we applied the data normalization method to respectively convert EA and SR to normalized EA(NEA) and normalized SR(NSR) for various sources in the BTH region.Finally, the control index(CI) was calculated, and these sources were further classified into four grades based on the normalized CI(NCI). The study results showed that in the BTH region,furniture coating, automobile coating, and road vehicles are characterized by high NCI and need to be given more attention; however, the petro-chemical industry, which was designated as an important control source by air quality managers, has a lower NCI.     

A framework for investigating the air quality variation characteristics based on the monitoring data: Case study for Beijing during 2013–2016

In this study, an analysis framework based on the regular monitoring data was proposed for investigating the annual/inter-annual air quality variation and the contributions from different factors(i.e., seasons, pollution periods and airflow directions), through a case study in Beijing from 2013 to 2016. The results showed that the annual mean concentrations(MC) of PM_(2.5), SO_2, NO_2 and CO had decreased with annual mean ratios of 7.5%, 28.6%, 4.6%and 15.5% from 2013 to 2016, respectively. Among seasons, the MC in winter contributed the largest fractions(25.8%～46.4%) to the annual MC, and the change of MC in summer contributed most to the inter-annual MC variation(IMCV) of PM_(2.5) and NO2. For different pollution periods, gradually increase of frequency of S-1(PM_(2.5), 0～ 75 μg/m~3) made S-1 become the largest contributor(28.8%) to the MC of PM_(2.5) in 2016, it had a negative contribution(-13.1%) to the IMCV of PM_(2.5); obvious decreases of frequencies of heavily polluted and severely polluted dominated(44.7% and 39.5%) the IMCV of PM_(2.5). For different airflow directions, the MC of pollutants under the south airflow had the most significant decrease(22.5%～62.5%), and those decrease contributed most to the IMCV of PM_(2.5)(143.3%),SO2(72.0%), NO_2(55.5%) and CO(190.3%); the west airflow had negative influences to the IMCV of PM_(2.5), NO_2 and CO. The framework is helpful for further analysis and utilization of the large amounts of monitoring data; and the analysis results can provide scientific supports for the formulation or adjustment of further air pollution mitigation policy.     

Chemical composition and source apportionment of PM10 and PM2.5 in different functional areas of Lanzhou, China

To elucidate the air pollution characteristics of northern China, airborne PM_10(atmospheric dynamic equivalent diameter ≤ 10 μm) and PM_(2.5)(atmospheric dynamic equivalent diameter ≤ 2.5 μm) were sampled in three different functional areas(Yuzhong County,Xigu District and Chengguan District) of Lanzhou, and their chemical composition(elements, ions, carbonaceous species) was analyzed. The results demonstrated that the highest seasonal mean concentrations of PM_10(369.48 μg/m~3) and PM_(2.5)(295.42 μg/m~3) were detected in Xigu District in the winter, the lowest concentration of PM_(2.5)(53.15 μg/m~3) was observed in Yuzhong District in the fall and PM_10(89.60 μg/m~3) in Xigu District in the fall.The overall average OC/EC(organic carbon/elemental carbon) value was close to the representative OC/EC ratio for coal consumption, implying that the pollution of Lanzhou could be attributed to the burning of coal. The content of SNA(the sum of sulfate, nitrate,ammonium, SNA) in PM_(2.5)in Yuzhong County was generally lower than that at other sites in all seasons. The content of SNA in PM_(2.5)and PM_10 in Yuzhong County was generally lower than that at other sites in all seasons(0.24–0.38), indicating that the conversion ratios from precursors to secondary aerosols in the low concentration area was slower than in the area with high and intense pollutants. Six primary particulate matter sources were chosen based on positive matrix factorization(PMF) analysis, and emissions from dust, secondary aerosols, and coal burning were identified to be the primary sources responsible for the particle pollution in Lanzhou.     

Effect of wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) on fine particle (PM2.5) emission from coal-fired boilers

In this study, the characteristics of fine particles before and after wet flue gas desulfurization(WFGD) in three coal-fired heating boilers in northern China were investigated by using a dilution-based emission sampling experimental system. The influences of the WFGD process on the mass and number concentrations as well as the chemical composition of fine particles were analyzed. The removal efficiency of desulfurization processes on particulate matter mass was 30.06%–56.25% for the three study units. The WFGD had a great influence on the size distributions of particle mass concentration and number concentration. A significant increase in the number and mass concentration of particles in the size range of 0.094–0.946 μm was observed. The watersoluble ion content accounted for a very large proportion of PM_(2.5) mass, and its proportion in PM_(2.5) increased from 28.39%–41.08% to 48.96%–61.21% after the WFGD process for the three units. The desulfurizing process also drastically increased the proportion of cation component(Ca~(2+) for unit A, Mg~(2+) for unit B, and Na+for unit C) and the proportion of SO_4~(2-) in PM_(2.5), and it increased the CE/AE values of PM_(2.5) from 0.82–0.98 to 0.93–1.27 for the three study units.     

Gravimetric analysis for PM2.5 mass concentration based on year-round monitoring at an urban site in Beijing

Daily PM_(2.5)(particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of below 2.5 μm) mass concentrations were measured by gravimetric analysis in Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences(CRAES), in the northern part of the Beijing urban area, from December 2013 to April 2015. Two pairs of Teflon(T1/T2) and Quartz(Q1/Q2) samples were obtained, for a total number of 1352 valid filters. Results showed elevated pollution in Beijing,with an annual mean PM_(2.5)mass concentration of 102 μg/m~3. According to the calculated PM_(2.5)mass concentration, 50% of our sampling days were acceptable(PM_(2.5) 75 μg/m~3), 30% had slight/medium pollution(75–150 μg/m~3), and 7% had severe pollution( 250 μg/m~3). Sampling interruption occurred frequently for the Teflon filter group(75%) in severe pollution periods,resulting in important data being missing. Further analysis showed that high PM_(2.5)combined with high relative humidity(RH) gave rise to the interruptions. The seasonal variation of PM_(2.5)was presented, with higher monthly average mass concentrations in winter(peak value in February, 422 μg/m~3), and lower in summer(7 μg/m~3 in June). From May to August, the typical summer period, least severe pollution events were observed, with high precipitation levels accelerating the process of wet deposition to remove PM_(2.5). The case of February presented the most serious pollution, with monthly averaged PM_(2.5)of 181 μg/m~3 and 32% of days with severe pollution. The abundance of PM_(2.5)in winter could be related to increased coal consumption for heating needs.     

Insights into the phenomenon of an explosive growth and sharp decline in haze: A case study in Beijing

A severe haze episode occurred in winter in the North China Plain(NCP),and the phenomenon of an explosive growth and sharp decline in PM_(2.5)(particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter equal to or less than 2.5μm)concentration was observed.To study the systematic causes for this phenomenon,comprehensive observations were conducted in Beijing from November 26 to December 2,2015;during this period,meteorological parameters,LIDAR data,and the chemical compositions of aerosols were determined.The haze episode was characterized by rapidly varying PM2.5 concentration,and the highest PM_(2.5) concentration reached 667μg/m~3.During the haze episode,the NCP was dominated by a weak high-pressure system and continuously low PBL(planetary boundary layer)heights,which are unfavorable conditions for the diffusion of pollutants.The large increases in the concentrations of SNA(SO_4~(2-),NO_3~-and NH_4~+)during the haze implied that the formation of SNA was the largest contribution.Water vapor also played a vital role in the formation of haze by promoting the chemical transformation of secondary pollutants,which led to higher PM_(2.5) concentrations.The spatial distributions of PM_(2.5) in Beijing at different times and the backward trajectories of the air masses also indicated that pollutants from surrounding provinces in particular,contributed to the higher PM_(2.5)concentration.     

Emissions from the combustion of eucalypt and pine chips in a fluidized bed reactor

Interest in renewable energy sources has increased in recent years due to environmental concerns about global warming and air pollution,reduced costs and improved efficiency of technologies.Under the European Union(EU)energy directive,biomass is a suitable renewable source.The aim of this study was to experimentally quantify and characterize the emission of particulate matter(PM_(2.5))resulting from the combustion of two biomass fuels(chipped residual biomass from pine and eucalypt),in a pilot-scale bubbling fluidized bed(BFB)combustor under distinct operating conditions.The variables evaluated were the stoichiometry and,in the case of eucalypt,the leaching of the fuel.The CO and PM_(2.5)emission factors were lower when the stoichiometry used in the experiments was higher(0.33±0.1 g CO/kg and 16.8±1.0 mg PM_(2.5)/kg,dry gases).The treatment of the fuel by leaching before its combustion has shown to promote higher PM_(2.5)emissions(55.2±2.5 mg/kg,as burned).Organic and elemental carbon represented 3.1 to 30 wt.% of the particle mass,while carbonate(CO_3~(2-))accounted for between 2.3 and 8.5 wt.%.The particulate mass was mainly composed of inorganic matter(71% to 86% of the PM_(2.5)mass).Compared to residential stoves,BFB combustion generated very high mass fractions of inorganic elements.Chloride was the water soluble ion in higher concentration in the PM_(2.5)emitted by the combustion of eucalypt,while calcium was the dominant water soluble ion in the case of pine.     

Air pollution characteristics and their relationship with emissions and meteorology in the Yangtze River Delta region during 2014–2016

With rapid economic growth and urbanization, the Yangtze River Delta(YRD) region in China has experienced serious air pollution challenges. In this study, we analyzed the air pollution characteristics and their relationship with emissions and meteorology in the YRD region during 2014–2016. In recent years, the concentrations of all air pollutants, except O_3,decreased. Spatially, the PM_(2.5), PM_(10), SO_2, and CO concentrations were higher in the northern YRD region, and NO_2 and O_3 were higher in the central YRD region. Based on the number of non-attainment days(i.e., days with air quality index greater than 100), PM_(2.5) was the largest contributor to air pollution in the YRD region, followed by O_3, PM_(10), and NO_2.However, particulate matter pollution has declined gradually, while O_3 pollution worsened.Meteorological conditions mainly influenced day-to-day variations in pollutant concentrations. PM_(2.5) concentration was inversely related to wind speed, while O_3 concentration was positively correlated with temperature and negatively correlated with relative humidity.The air quality improvement in recent years was mainly attributed to emission reductions.During 2014–2016, PM_(2.5), PM_(10), SO_2, NO_x, CO, NH_3, and volatile organic compound(VOC)emissions in the YRD region were reduced by 26.3%, 29.2%, 32.4%, 8.1%, 15.9%, 4.5%, and0.3%, respectively. Regional transport also contributed to the air pollution. During regional haze periods, pollutants from North China and East China aggravated the pollution in the YRD region. Our findings suggest that emission reduction and regional joint prevention and control helped to improve the air quality in the YRD region.     

Fine particulate matter and cardiorespiratory health in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies

This review aimed to systematically summarize the epidemiological literature on the cardiorespiratory effects of PM_2.5 published during the 13^th Five-Year Plan period (2016–2020) in China. Original articles published between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2021 were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Internet Database and Wanfang Database. Random- or fixed-effects models were used to pool effect estimates where appropriate. Of 8558 records identified, 145 met the full eligibility criteria. A 10 µg/m³ increase in short-term PM_2.5 exposure was significantly associated with increases of 0.70%, 0.86%, 0.38% and 0.96% in cardiovascular mortality, respiratory mortality, cardiovascular morbidity, and respiratory morbidity, respectively. The specific diseases with significant associations included stroke, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia and allergic rhinitis. The pooled estimates per 10 µg/m³ increase in long-term PM_2.5 exposure were 15.1%, 11.9% and 21.0% increases in cardiovascular, stroke and lung cancer mortality, and 17.4%, 11.0% and 4.88% increases in cardiovascular, hypertension and lung cancer incidence respectively. Adverse changes in blood pressure, heart rate variability, systemic inflammation, blood lipids, lung function and airway inflammation were observed for either short-term or long-term PM_2.5 exposure, or both. Collectively, we summarized representative exposure-response relationships between short- and long-term PM_2.5 exposure and a wide range of cardiorespiratory outcomes applicable to China. The magnitudes of estimates were generally smaller in short-term associations and comparable in long-term associations compared with those in developed countries. Our findings are helpful for future standard revisions and policy formulation. There are still some notable gaps that merit further investigation in China.     

Evaluation of health benefit using BenMAP-CE with an integrated scheme of model and monitor data during Guangzhou Asian Games

Guangzhou is the capital and largest city(land area:7287 km2)of Guangdong province in South China.The air quality in Guangzhou typically worsens in November due to unfavorable meteorological conditions for pollutant dispersion.During the Guangzhou Asian Games in November 2010,the Guangzhou government carried out a number of emission control measures that significantly improved the air quality.In this paper,we estimated the acute health outcome changes related to the air quality improvement during the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games using a next-generation,fully-integrated assessment system for air quality and health benefits.This advanced system generates air quality data by fusing model and monitoring data instead of using monitoring data alone,which provides more reliable results.The air quality estimates retain the spatial distribution of model results while calibrating the value with observations.The results show that the mean PM_2.5concentration in November 2010 decreased by 3.5μg/m~3 compared to that in 2009 due to the emission control measures.From the analysis,we estimate that the air quality improvement avoided 106 premature deaths,1869 cases of hospital admission,and 20,026 cases of outpatient visits.The overall cost benefit of the improved air quality is estimated to be 165 million CNY,with the avoided premature death contributing 90%of this figure.The research demonstrates that Ben MAP-CE is capable of assessing the health and cost benefits of air pollution control for sound policy making.     

Process analysis of PM2.5 pollution events in a coastal city of China using CMAQ

US EPA's Community Multiscale Air Quality modeling system(CMAQ) with Process Analysis tool was used to simulate and quantify the contribution of individual atmospheric processes to PM_(2.5) concentration in Qingdao during three representative PM_(2.5) pollution events in the winter of 2015 and 2016. Compared with the observed surface PM_(2.5) concentrations, CMAQ could reasonably reproduce the temporal and spatial variations of PM_(2.5) during these three events. Process analysis results show that primary emissions accounted for 72.7%–93.2% of the accumulation of surface PM_(2.5) before and after the events.When the events occurred, primary emissions were still the major contributor to the increase of PM_(2.5) in Qingdao, however the contribution percentage reduced significantly,which only account for 51.4%–71.8%. Net contribution from horizontal and vertical transport to the accumulation of PM_(2.5) was also positive and its percentage increased when events occurred. Only 1.1%–4.6% of aerosol accumulation was due to PM processes and aqueous chemical processes before and after events. When the events occurred,contribution from PM processes and aqueous chemistry increased to 6.0%–11.8%. Loss of PM_(2.5) was mainly through horizontal transport, vertical transport and dry deposition, no matter during or outside the events. Wet deposition would become the main removal pathway of PM_(2.5), when precipitation occurred.