PM2.5-bound Inorganic and Nonpolar Organic Compounds in Chuncheon, Korea

Abstract

In this study, major chemical components of PM2.5 including nitrate, sulfate, organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC) were measured in Chuncheon, South Korea in May–June, 2021. Average PM2.5 concentration was 16.4±9.7 µg m−3, and OC was the largest contributor of PM2.5 mass concentration. High concentration episodes (HCEs), defined when PM2.5 concentration exceeded 30 µg m−3, were caused by Asian dust, secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA) formation, and primary OC emission. NH4+ was determined to be a limiting factor for SIA formation based on neutralization ratio. There was statistically significant correlation between n-alkanes and PM2.5, and odd alkanes including C27, C29, and C31, which are generally emitted from biogenic sources, were abundant species, suggesting the importance of natural sources over fossil fuel combustion. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations were significantly lower than those measured at the same sampling site in 2014–2015. Based on the diagnostic ratios of PAHs, vehicular emission, rather than solid fuel emission, were significant for PAHs. Detailed characterization of chemical composition of PM2.5 reported in this study can be of great help in establishing an appropriate abatement policy to reduce PM2.5 concentrations.