Size distribution and concentration of aerosol particles in Yinchuan area, China

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe size distribution and concentration of atmospheric aerosol particles are important parameters that characterize the physical and optical properties of aerosols. Understanding the spectral distribution of atmospheric particles is fundamental for studying particulate pollution. Based on observational data acquired by an aerodynamic particle sizer APS-3321 and a laser dust meter LD-5 from September 2017 to July 2018, the temporal evolution of particle size distribution and concentration of aerosols were studied at the North Minzu University in Yinchuan (38°29’52"N 106°06’28"E), China. By cluster analysis of particle surface area distribution in different weathers, seven clusters were obtained and discussed. The experimental results showed that the particle number and mass concentrations were different in the four seasons of the year. Compared with the unimodal distribution of the particle number concentration and the doublet mass concentration distribution in sunny weather conditions, there were great differences in the particle spectrum distribution in haze, snowfall, and dusty weather conditions. The particle surface area distributions of the seven clusters were clearly different from each other and influenced by meteorological conditions. Additionally, the PM2.5 value has a relationship with the meteorological elements. The research is helpful to reveal the formation mechanism and source of aerosols in Yinchuan, China.