Temporal and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) in Changchun and Analysis of Its Influencing Factors

• Main Authors: Ju Wang, Xin Xie, Chunsheng Fang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-10-01
• Series: Atmosphere
• Subjects: pm_2.5; pm₁₀; spatial and temporal characteristics; meteorological parameters; backward trajectory
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/10/11/651

With Changchun’s economic development, atmospheric particulate pollution has become a significant challenge in Changchun. The spatiotemporal patterns of particulate matter emissions are an inherent characteristic for particulate matter emissions. By using hourly PM (particulate matter) mass concentration measured at 10 atmospheric automatic monitoring stations and meteorological parameters, the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) and its relationship with meteorological parameters of Changchun have been analyzed. Pollution pathways and source distribution were investigated using HYSPLIT (Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory) model and cluster analysis. Results indicated that the quarterly average PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ mass concentrations in Changchun were higher in the first quarter and the fourth quarter. PM concentrations observed in all seasons generally exhibited two peaks, at 07:00−10:00 and 21:00−23:00, with the exception of PM₁₀ in spring. PM pollution was concentrated mainly in the central, northern, and western areas of Changchun in most seasons, mainly due to anthropogenic activities and soil dust transported outside the region. PM concentrations were negatively correlated with relative humidity and temperature. PM_2.5 concentrations were negatively correlated with wind speed, while PM₁₀ concentrations were positively correlated with wind speed. The results of backward trajectory clustered showed that the northwest airflow had the greatest impact on PM of Changchun, except summer.