Comparison of chemical compositions in air particulate matter during summer and winter in Beijing, China

Environ Geochem Health. 2017 Aug;39(4):913-921. doi: 10.1007/s10653-016-9862-9. Epub 2016 Aug 8.

Abstract

The development of industry in Beijing, the capital of China, particularly in last decades, has caused severe environmental pollution including particulate matter (PM), dust-haze, and photochemical smog, which has already caused considerable harm to local ecological environment. Thus, in this study, air particle samples were continuously collected in August and December, 2014. And elements (Si, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, Ba, Pb and Ti) and ions ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], F-, Cl-, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and [Formula: see text]) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and ion chromatography. According to seasonal changes, discuss the various pollution situations in order to find possible particulate matter sources and then propose appropriate control strategies to local government. The results indicated serious PM and metallic pollution in some sampling days, especially in December. Chemical Mass Balance model revealed central heating activities, road dust and vehicles contribute as main sources, account for 5.84-32.05 % differently to the summer and winter air pollution in 2014.

Keywords: Air pollution; Element; Ion; Metal; Particulate matter.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis
  • Air Pollutants / chemistry*
  • Beijing
  • China
  • Elements*
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Metals, Heavy / analysis
  • Particle Size
  • Particulate Matter / chemistry*
  • Seasons*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Elements
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Particulate Matter