Abstract
China faces unprecedented air pollution today. In this study, a database (SO2, NO2, CO, O3, PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm), and PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm) was developed from recordings in 188 cities across China in 2014 and 2015 to explore the spatial-temporal characteristics, relationships among atmospheric contaminations, and variations in these contaminants. Across China, the results indicated that the average monthly concentrations of air pollutants were higher from November to February than in other months. Further, the spatial patterns of air pollutants showed that the most polluted areas were located in Shandong, Henan, and Shanxi provinces, and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. In addition, the average daily concentrations of air pollutants were also higher in spring and winter, and significant relationships between the principal air pollutants (negative for O3 and positive for the others) were found. Finally, the results of a generalized additive model (GAM) indicated that the concentrations of PM10 and O3 fluctuate dynamically; there was a consistent increase in CO and NO2, and PM2.5 and SO2 showed a sharply decreasing trend. To minimize air pollution, open biomass burning should be prohibited, the energy efficiency of coal should be improved, and the full use of clean fuels (nuclear, wind, and solar energy) for municipal heating should be encouraged from November to February. Consequently, an optimized program of urban development should be highlighted.
Highlights
Haze is an atmospheric effect that has become a serious global issue [1,2], as it affects species diversity, global climate, and human health [3], social, and economic [4]
Some studies have focused on the long-range transport mechanism of haze, which is controlled by meteorological conditions [13,14]; affluent moisture, warm advection in the lower troposphere, and stable atmospheric stratification favor the concentration of haze [15]
The objectives of this study were to: (1) analyze the dynamic and spatiotemporal distribution of the principal air pollutants for 2014 and 2015, respectively; (2) reveal the dynamics and the relationships between the principal air pollutants in the most polluted cities, respectively; and (3) identify the principal variable trends in air pollutants over major Chinese cities based on a generalized additive model (GAM)
Summary
Haze is an atmospheric effect that has become a serious global issue [1,2], as it affects species diversity, global climate, and human health [3], social, and economic [4]. The chemical aspects of haze have been studied— its physical and chemical properties, including the elements Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Mn, gaseous pollutants (O3 , NOx , SO2 , COx ), and inorganic aerosols Secondary inorganic and organic aerosols should not be neglected [12]. Other studies have investigated the side effects of haze, including reduced visibility [16], adverse effects on health [17], and so on
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