Observational evidence of the regional transported black carbon in high layer over Beijing

The mass concentration, size distribution and mixing state of refractory black carbon (rBC) particles, together with other pollutants and meteorological variables, were observed at a station with a height of 528 m above ground to understand source of rBC particles over Beijing. Here we present observational evidences that regional transported rBC is an important source of rBC in high layer over Beijing. In our observations, the mass concentration of rBC increased from 1.0 & mu;g m- 3 to 4.6 & mu;g m- 3 during period with strong regional transport of pollutants, but decreased to 1.8 & mu;g m- 3 when regional transport weakened. Such trend was different with local emitted NOx, but consistent with regional transported SO2. Further analyses indicated that the transported rBC particles were highly aged; the ratio of thickly coated rBC in total rBC (fBC) increased from 52.4% to 71.3% during period with strong regional transport, and then decreased slightly to 66.9% when regional transport weakened, likely caused by supplement of freshly emitted local BC particles. The aged rBC particles own enhanced light absorbing capacity, which may exert more important role in weakening atmospheric diffusion capacity and aggravating surface haze pollution, and hence should be concerned in future pollution mitigation.

Automated summary

Through observations, it was found that regionally transported refractory black carbon (rBC) is an important source of rBC in the upper atmosphere over Beijing. During periods of strong regional transport, the mass concentration of rBC increased from 1.0 µg/m³ to 4.6 µg/m³, but decreased to 1.8 µg/m³ when regional transport weakened. Further analysis revealed that the transported rBC particles were highly aged, with enhanced light absorbing capacity, which may contribute to weakening atmospheric diffusion and aggravating surface haze pollution.