Characterization of haze pollution in Zibo, China: Temporal series, secondary species formation, and PMx distribution

An online field observation was conducted in Zibo, China from September 1, 2018 to February 28, 2019, covering autumn and winter. Within the investigation period, the mean mass concentrations of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 were 49.3, 86.1, and 136.5 mu gm-3, respectively. OA (organic aerosol) was the most dominant species in PM2.5 (39.7 %), followed by NO3-(26.3 %) and SO42-(17.0 %), indicating the importance of secondary species on PM2.5. Increase of particles were always accompanied increasing relative humidity (RH), slow wind, and increasing precursors, contributing the secondary transition. SO42-was more susceptible to RH, indicating the dominant role of heterogeneous processes in its secondary formation. As RH increased, its strengthening effect on SO42-increased as well. Photochemistry was the main contributor to the secondary formation of NO3-. The morning and evening rush hours determined the peak of absolute NO3-throughout the day. By classifying particles into three bins, we found that smaller particles were the biggest contributors (larger PM1/PM2.5) of slight pollution (35 < PM2.5<115 mu gm-3). When severe haze occurred, PM2.5 contributed more than particles of other sizes (PM1 or PM10). Secondary species contributed more to particles within 2.5 mu m but less to larger particles. PM1/PM2.5 was high from 9:00 to 15:00, indicating the strong effect of photochemistry on smaller particles. In comparison, larger particles favored more humid conditions. NO3-preferentially existed in larger particles because the hygroscopicity of preexisting species (SO42-and NO3-) promoted partitioning. SO42-appeared a stable diurnal variation, replying its stable contribution to particles of different sizes.

Automated summary

The study in Zibo, China during autumn and winter found that secondary aerosols had a significant impact on PM2.5, closely related to relative humidity, slow winds, and precursor materials. Photochemistry played a major role in the secondary formation of NO3-, with peak levels occurring during morning and evening rush hours. Additionally, smaller particles were found to contribute more to slight pollution, while PM2.5 played a larger role during severe haze events.