Study on Improving the Air Quality with Emission Enhanced Control Measures in Beijing during a National Parade Event

Abstract

Research on the enhanced control and emission-reduction measures to improve air quality during major events could provide data theory and scientific support for air-quality improvement during non-activities. Based on the air-quality data published by the China Environmental Monitoring Station and the meteorological elements and weather conditions released by the China Meteorological Administration, this paper explored the characteristics of air-quality evolution in Beijing from 5 August to 18 September 2015 and the weather situation during the Military Parade. The results showed that: (1) Emission-reduction measures implemented for air quality by Beijing and its surrounding area were induced, and we explored the contribution of these measures to pollutants or AQI in the locality. (2) During the 2015 Military Parade, Beijing was in the front or lower part of the high-pressure system. Due to the strong effect of North or Northeast winds, the weather situation was conducive to the diffusion of pollutants. When before or after the implementation, once the atmospheric diffusion was poor, the pollutants would accumulate gradually. Thus, it can be seen that the weather situation had a great impact on air quality. (3) During the implementation, PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and other pollutants decreased significantly, of which the concentration of PM10 decreased the most, from 109 μg·m−3 down to 34 μg·m−3, and the concentration of PM2.5 decreased by 72.73%. According to the changes between before and during the implementation or during and after the implementation, the concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 increased when the implementation of the emission-reduction measures had been finished, indicating that the enhanced control measures made a great contribution to the emission reduction in particles. (4) In addition, the annual average of AQI in the three years is 87.49, and the average value of a normal year was the average value of 2013 and 2014. The average value of the normal year during the military parade is 64.63, which was 70.40% lower than the average value of AQI during the military parade. The goal of reaching the secondary standard of GB-3095-2012 was achieved, and there was still a long way to go from the primary standard. In a few words, in order to achieve the goal of better air quality throughout the year, all parties still needed to coordinate control and make joint efforts.