Seasonal concentration distribution of PM1.0 and PM2.5 and a risk assessment of bound trace metals in Harbin, China: Effect of the species distribution of heavy metals and heat supply

Abstract

To clarify the potential carcinogenic/noncarcinogenic risk posed by particulate matter (PM) in Harbin, a city in China with the typical heat supply, the concentrations of PM1.0 and PM2.5 were analyzed from Nov. 2014 to Nov. 2015, and the compositions of heavy metals and water-soluble ions (WSIs) were determined. The continuous heat supply from October to April led to serious air pollution in Harbin, thus leading to a significant increase in particle numbers (especially for PM1.0). Specifically, coal combustion under heat supply conditions led to significant emissions of PM1.0 and PM2.5, especially heavy metals and secondary atmospheric pollutants, including SO42−, NO3−, and NH4+. Natural occurrences such as dust storms in April and May, as well as straw combustion in October, also contributed to the increase in WSIs and heavy metals. The exposure risk assessment results demonstrated that Zn was the main contributor to the average daily dose through ingestion and inhalation, ADDIng and ADDinh, respectively, among the 8 heavy metals, accounting for 51.7–52.5% of the ADDIng values and 52.5% of the ADDinh values. The contribution of Zn was followed by those of Pb, Cr, Cu and Mn, while those of Ni, Cd, and Co were quite low (<2.2%).