Highly time-resolved measurements of elements in PM2.5 in Changzhou, China: Temporal variation, source identification and health risks

Abstract

The temporal variation, sources, and health risks of elemental composition in fine particles (PM2.5) were explored using online measurements of 19 elements with a time resolution of 1 h at an urban location in Changzhou, China, from December 10, 2020 to March 31, 2021. The mass concentration of PM2.5 was 50.1 ± 32.6 μg m−3, with a range of 3–218 μg m−3. The total concentration of 19 elements (2568 ± 1839 ng m−3) accounted for 5.1 % of PM2.5 mass concentration. S, Cl, Si, and Fe were the dominant elementary species, accounting for 90 % of total element mass concentrations during the whole campaign. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was applied to identify the major emission sources of elements in PM2.5. Seven factors, named secondary sulfate mixed with coal combustion, Cl-rich, traffic, iron and steel industry, soil dust, fireworks, and shipping, were identified. The major sources for elements were iron and steel industry, followed by soil dust and secondary sulfate mixed with coal combustion, explaining 32.0 %, 23.5 % and 16.7 % of the total source contribution, respectively. The total hazard index (HI) of elements was 3.01 for children and 1.18 for adults, much greater than the admissible level (HI = 1). The total carcinogenic risk (CR) in Changzhou was estimated to be 5.87 × 10−5, which was above the acceptable CR level (1 × 10−6). Among the calculated metal elements, Cr, Co and As have higher carcinogenic risk, and Co was found to trigger the highest noncarcinogenic risk to Children. Our results indicate that industrial emission is the dominant CR contributor, emphasizing the necessity for stringent regulation of industry sources. Overall, our study provides useful information for policymakers to reduce emissions and health risks from elements in the Yangtze River Delta region.