Temporal-Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Inhalable Particulate Matter and the Impacts of Meteorological Factors in Northern Cities of China

ABSTRACT

Inhalable particulate matter seriously affects ambient air quality. To analyze temporal-spatial distribution characteristics of PM10 pollution and the impacts of meteorological factors in China since 2000, using statistical methods and GIS, monitoring data of PM10 during 2000-2013 in China were analyzed. It was found that annual mean of PM10 in northern cities of China basically presented declining tendency since 2000. PM10 concentration in northern cities of China had obvious seasonal change characteristics, and monthly average PM10 concentration which was higher during November-December and January-April and had double-peak characteristics. PM10 pollution in northern cities of China was eased largely, and heavily polluted area significantly reduced. The overall tendency changed from the concentrated contiguous distribution into sporadic zonal and punctiform distribution. Meteorological factors had important impacts on PM10 in northern cities of China. PM10 concentration and wind velocity presented negative correlation when wind velocity <6 m/s and positive correlation when wind velocity ≥6 m/s. Relative humidity was an important factor affecting inhalable particulate matter pollution in northern cities of China in winter, and high-humidity air was easy to cause heavier particulate matter pollution. Temperature and atmospheric pressure had no obvious impact on inhalable particulate matter pollution in northern cities of China.

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