Temporal variation of 210Pb concentration in the urban aerosols of Shanghai, China

Abstract

This study monitored 210Pb levels of the atmospheric aerosol in Shanghai from January 2016 to February 2017. 210Pb levels were found to be low in non-haze weather events (1.46 ± 0.76 mBq/m3, n = 8) and high in moderate pollution weather events (2.34 ± 1.43 mBq/m3, n = 12). Similar to those of other East Asian regions, monthly averaged 210Pb concentration showed a U-shaped distribution pattern, indicating that the East Asian monsoon has an impact on atmospheric 210Pb. Particulate matters (PM) had a significant positive correlation with 210Pb, indicating that there might occur an intensified 210Pb scavenging processes. The linear correlation analysis revealed a clear link between 210Pb and some gaseous pollutants, strong positive correlation between CO and 210Pb (210Pb/CO, R = 0.63, P < 0.01), and weak correlation between 210Pb and O3 (R = − 0.35), NO2 (R = 0.42), and SO2 (R = 0.34). This phenomenon demonstrated that in haze weather, not only the general air pollutants concentrations have increased, but also the 210Pb concentration. Radiation dosimetry of daily inhalation of 210Pb through exposure to outdoor air is estimated to be relatively minor; children intake remains higher.