Distribution characteristics and policy-related improvements of PM2.5 and its components in six Chinese cities

This study presents the distribution characteristics and possible sources of fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and its components, as well as policy-related pollution reduction in the Chinese cities of Jinan, Shijiazhuang (SJZ), Chengdu, Wuxi, Wuhan, and Harbin (HRB). PM₂.₅ samples were collected using mid-volume samplers during the autumn of 2017 in all six cities. The samples were analyzed to determine the ambient PM₂.₅ compositions, including the concentrations of water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs), carbonaceous aerosols, and elements concentrations. The chemical ratios of organic carbon to elemental carbon and nitrate to sulfate as well as the enrichment factors of elements were calculated to establish the possible sources of PM₂.₅ in all six cities. The highest PM₂.₅ concentration was 152 μg/m³ in SJZ, while the lowest concentration was 47 μg/m³ in HRB. During the sampling period in these six cities, the PM₂.₅ concentrations exceeded the World Health Organization recommended daily average air quality guidelines by 2.4–6.1 times, and WSIIs, carbonaceous aerosols, and elements accounted for 31.8%–61.6%, 9.8%–35.1%, and 0.9%–2.5% of the PM₂.₅, respectively. In 2013, the Chinese government formulated the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (APPCAP) for controlling air pollution, and effective measures have been implemented since then. Compared with previous studies conducted during 2009–2013 before the implementation of the APPCAP, the concentrations of PM₂.₅ and most of its components decreased to varying degrees, and large changes in the chemical ratios of PM₂.₅ components were observed. These results indicate that PM₂.₅ sources vary among these six cities and that China has improved the ambient air quality in these cities through the implementation of air pollution control policies. The APPCAP have achieved considerable results in continuously reducing pollution concentrations, although the air pollution concentrations observed in this study remain high compared with those of other countries.