Abstract
ABSTRACTIn this study, a unit-based approach was used to establish an integrated emission inventory of primary PM2.5 from fossil fuel (coal, oil, and natural gas) power plants in China. The inventory was of high spatial and temporal resolution, and composed of detailed chemical speciation. In 2014, the total emissions were estimated to be approximately 669.53 kt. The emissions of primary PM2.5 from coal-fired power plants (CFPs) were 668.56 kt, making CFPs the largest contributor. The emissions of primary PM2.5 from oil-fired power plants (OFPs) and natural gas-fired power plants (GFPs) were approximately 17.41 t and 945.60 t, respectively. Spatial distribution features demonstrated that the emissions in the eastern and central provinces of China were much higher than those in the west, except for provinces involved in the “west-to-east power transmission” project. For CFPs, crustal elements and water-soluble inorganic ions were the primary species of PM2.5. By contrast, for OFPs and GFPs, carbonaceous components were the predominant species of PM2.5. Moreover, this study conducted a scenario analysis of changes in PM2.5 emissions resulting from technical advancement, penetration, and substitution of CFPs by GFPs for the target years.
Highlights
Particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters less than or equal to 2.5 mm (PM2.5) is a serious concern, because it can lead to significant deterioration of visibility and adverse health risks (Meng et al, 2013; Yang et al, 2013; Pui et al, 2014; Kioumourtzoglou et al, 2015)
The Chinese government is under considerable pressure to control haze pollution, and PM2.5 concentrations have been added to the latest version of air quality standards (GB3095-2012), which came into effect nationwide in January 2016
In this study, a unit-based approach was adopted to evaluate the atmospheric emissions of primary PM2.5 from fossil fuel power plants in China for the year of 2014
Summary
Particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters less than or equal to 2.5 mm (PM2.5) is a serious concern, because it can lead to significant deterioration of visibility and adverse health risks (Meng et al, 2013; Yang et al, 2013; Pui et al, 2014; Kioumourtzoglou et al, 2015). The regional combined pollution characterized by PM2.5 in Asia is of increasing concern, in China (Hu et al, 2015). High PM2.5 concentrations are associated with severe haze events, which have occurred in most regions in Central and Eastern China since the beginning of 2013. The Chinese government is under considerable pressure to control haze pollution, and PM2.5 concentrations have been added to the latest version of air quality standards (GB3095-2012), which came into effect nationwide in January 2016. Frequent haze in China can be mainly attributed to the heavy reliance on coal to fuel power generation and industrial processes (Cao et al, 2011; Hu and Jiang, 2013; Wang and Zheng, 2013). Air quality legislation, including the establishment of rigorous guidelines and legally binding limit values, has been increasingly implemented to reduce emissions from thermal power plants
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