Reductions of PM2.5 in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomerations during the 2008 Olympic Games

Abstract

The Atmospheric Environmental Monitoring Network successfully undertook the task of monitoring the atmospheric quality of Beijing and its surrounding area during the 2008 Olympics. The results of this monitoring show that high concentrations of PM2.5 pollution exhibited a regional pattern during the monitoring period (1 June–30 October 2008). The PM2.5 mass concentrations were 53 μg m−3, 66 μg m−3, and 82 μg m−3 at the background site, in Beijing, and in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomerations, respectively. The PM2.5 levels were lowest during the 2008 Olympic Games (8-24 August): 35 μg m−3 at the background site, 42 μg m−3 in Beijing and 57 μg m−3 in the region. These levels represent decreases of 49%, 48%, and 56%, respectively, compared to the prophase mean concentration before the Olympic Games. Emission control measures contributed 62%–82% of the declines observed in Beijing, and meteorological conditions represented 18%–38%. The concentration of fine particles met the goals set for a “Green Olympics.”