Variations of PM10 concentrations in Wuhan, China

Concentrations of PM10 (particulate matter as a key urban air pollutant) were obtained from nine monitor stations within the city of Wuhan for analysis after an intensive observational data collection period that commenced in January 2006 and concluded in December 2008. According to our data, PM10 pollution intensified and reached a high alert level of air pollution during the month of November each year. It remained at a high alert level until the following April where it again decreased to a low alert level during the summer months. During the winter and spring months, the occurrence rate (in percent)of PM10 was five to eight times higher (high alert level) than measurements detected during the summer months. The effects of intrinsic factors (pollution sources) and remote preconditions (dust storm propagation and formation of secondary aerosol) on severe PM10 concentrations in Wuhan are first analyzed. After which, suggestions to reduce PM10 pollutants are provided.