Feature Analysis of the Atmospheric Particulate Pollutants (PM_(10) and PM_(2.5)) in Wenzhou City

[ Objective] The research aimed to analyze characteristics of the atmospheric particulate pollutants （ PMlo and PM2.s） in Wenzhou City. [Method] We analyzed interannual change rule of the dust haze in Wenzhou during 1978 -2008. Moreover, we respectively set monitoring points in urban district, industrial park and beauty spot of Wenzhou in summer and winter of 2010. Element, ion and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon com- positions and morphology of the particulate matter were analyzed. [ Result] Dust haze in Wenzhou City mainly appeared in winter and spring, which was related to local meteorological condition. In summer and winter, both PMlo and PM2.s concentrations presented the characteristic of industrial park 〉 commercial area 〉 beauty spot. Chain-like particle aggregates and ultrafine particles were main composition of the atmospheric particulate matter in Wenzhou. Contribution rate of the spherical particle amount was smaller than metropolis, which was related to local industry and traffic. Fe element had the most content in particulate matter. Mass concentration was mainly composed of 6 elements, such as Na, Si, S, K, Ca and Fe. Total concentration of the six elements occupied 70% -80% of the 16 elements. SO^- and NH4＊ in particulate matter were higher. They were mainly from human activity. Main compositions of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon were naphthalene, anthracene, benzo （b） fluoranthene, indeno （1,2, 3-cd） pyrene and benzo （g, h, i） perylene, which was related to abrupt increase of the motor vehicle. [ Condusion] The research provided scientific basis and technology support for controlling atmospheric particulate matter pollution in Wenzhou City by government and related department.

Impacts of Aerosol−Radiation Interactions on the Wintertime Particulate Pollution under Different Synoptic Patterns in the Guanzhong Basin,China

The effects of aerosol-radiation interactions(ARI)are not only important for regional and global climate,but they can also drive particulate matter(PM)pollution.In this study,the ARI contribution to the near-surface fine PM(PM_(2.5))concentrations in the Guanzhong Basin(GZB)is evaluated under four unfavorable synoptic patterns,including“northlow”,“transition”,“southeast-trough”,and“inland-high”,based on WRF-Chem model simulations of a persistent heavy PM pollution episode in January 2019.Simulations show that ARI consistently decreases both solar radiation reaching down to the surface(SWDOWN)and surface temperature(TSFC),which then reduces wind speed,induces sinking motion,and influences cloud formation in the GZB.However,large differences under the four synoptic patterns still exist.The average reductions of SWDOWN and daytime TSFC in the GZB range from 15.2%and 1.04°C in the case of the“transition”pattern to 26.7%and 1.69°C in the case of the“north-low”pattern,respectively.Furthermore,ARI suppresses the development of the planetary boundary layer(PBL),with the decrease of PBL height(PBLH)varying from 18.7%in the case of the“transition”pattern to 32.0%in the case of the“north-low”pattern.The increase of daytime near-surface PM_(2.5)in the GZB due to ARI is 12.0%,8.1%,9.5%,and 9.7%under the four synoptic patterns,respectively.Ensemble analyses also reveal that when near-surface PM_(2.5)concentrations are low,ARI tends to lower PM_(2.5)concentrations with decreased PBLH,which is caused by enhanced divergence or a transition from divergence to convergence in an area.ARI contributes 15%-25%toward the near-surface PM_(2.5)concentrations during the severe PM pollution period under the four synoptic patterns.

Dispersion Modeling of Particulate Matter in Different Size Ranges Releasing from a Biosolids Applied Agricultural Field Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

This paper proposes a methodology using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-FLUENT to simulate the dispersion of particulate matter releasing from a biosolid applied agricultural field and predict the particulate concentrations for different ranges of particle sizes. The discrete phase model (Lagrangian-Eulerian approach) was used in combination with each of the four turbulence models: Standard kε (kε), Realizable kε (Rkε), Standard kω (kω), and Shear-stress transport k-ω (SST) to predict particulate matter size concentrations for distances downwind of the agricultural field. In this modeling approach, particulates were simulated as discrete phase and air as continuous phase. The predicted particulate matter concentrations were compared statistically with their corresponding field study observations to evaluate the performance of turbulence models. The statistical analysis concluded that among four turbulence models, the discrete phase model when used with Rkε performed the best in predicting particulate matter concentrations for low (u < 2 m/s) and medium (2 < u < 5 m/s) wind speeds. For high (u > 5 m/s) wind speeds, Rkε, kω, and SST showed similar performances. The discrete phase model using Rkε performed very well and modeled the best concentrations for the particle sizes (μm): 0.23, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.65, 0.8, 1, 1.6, 2, 3, 4, and 5. For particle sizes: 7.5 and 10, the performances of Rkε, kε, kω, and SST were similar.

Levels of Fine Particle Concentrations in Schools and Postexercise Pulmonary Function Disorders in Schoolchildren in Brazzaville

Context: Fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10) can accumulate in classrooms and in schoolyards located near urban roads. PM2.5 and PM10 can initiate, develop and exacerbate exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB). This study aimed to assess the concentration levels of PM2.5 and PM10 in schools and to determine the rate of sensitivity to EIB among schoolchildren. Methods: A total of 128 students (67 girls and 61 boys) with an average age of 11 participated in this study. An ISAAC II questionnaire on respiratory symptoms was administered. PM2.5 and PM10 were measured. A 6-minute stress test was performed. Spirometry was performed. The ratio (I/O) of the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 recorded inside (I) the classrooms to those obtained outside (O) the classrooms was equal to 1 (I/O = 1). Results: The concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 recorded inside the classrooms and those obtained outside the classrooms were higher than the values recommended by the WHO. 29 students out of 128 were diagnosed as sensitive to EIB [EIB (+)], i.e., a rate of sensitivity to EIB of 22.66%. A drop in postexercise PEF of 17.396% was observed among EIB (+) students. Conclusion: Schoolchildren in schools located near highways are exposed to high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. Exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 played an important role in the initiation and exacerbation of exercise-induced bronchospasm in schoolchildren from schools located near highways. Effective programs for improving air quality in schools must be put in place to reduce the effects of particulate pollution on the respiratory health of school children.

Spatial and temporal variation of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants in 26 cities in China

O3 and PM2.5 were introduced into the newly revised air quality standard system in February 2012, representing a milestone in the history of air pollution control, and China＇s urban air quality will be evaluated using six factors （SO2, NO2, O3, CO, PM2.5 and PM10） from the beginning of 2013. To achieve the new air quality standard, it is extremely important to have a primary understanding of the current pollution status in various cities. The spatial and temporal variations of the air pollutants were investigated in 26 pilot cities in China from August 2011 to February 2012, just before the new standard was executed. Hourly averaged SO2, NO2 and PMlo were observed in 26 cities, and the pollutants O3, CO and PM2.5 were measured in 15 of the 26 cities. The concentrations of SO2 and CO were much higher in the cities in north China than those in the south. As for O3 and NO2, however, there was no significant difference between northern and southern cities. Fine particles were found to account for a large proportion of airborne particles, with the ratio of PM2.5 to PMI0 ranging from 55% to 77%. The concentrations of PM2.5 （57.5 μg/m3） and PMlo （91.2 μg/m3） were much higher than the values （PM2.5：11.2μg/m3; PMI0：35.6 μg/m3） recommended by the World Health Organization. The attainment of the new urban air quality standard in the investigated cities is decreased by 20% in comparison with the older standard without considering O3, CO and PM2.5, suggesting a great challenge in urban air quality improvement, and more efforts will to be taken to control air pollution in China.

Concentrations,sources,and influential factors of water-soluble ions of atmospheric particles in Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes,a world heritage site in China

Atmospheric particle pollution is one of the major factors leading to degradation of ancient wall paintings,particularly heritage sites in arid and semi-arid regions.However,current systematic research on the changes,sources,and influential factors of atmospheric particulate matter and its water-soluble ion concentrations is not sufficient.Thus,the major water-soluble ion concentrations,sources,and influential factors of atmospheric particles PM_(2.5) and PM_(10)(particulate matter with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter≤2.5 and 10.0μm,respectively,in ambient air)were collected from Cave 16 and its ambient exterior environment in the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes,China,between April 2015 and March 2016.Results showed that the concentrations of PM_(2.5) and PM_(10) inside and outside the cave were the highest in March 2016 and the lowest in December 2015.The higher particle concentration from March to May was related to the frequent occurrence of sand and dust events,and the lower particle concentration from June to September was associated with good diffusion conditions,increased precipitation,and an established cave shelterbelt.The concentration of particulate matter inside the cave was affected by the concentration of particles in the air outside the cave.Ca2+,NH+4,Na+,Cl-,and SO2-4were the main components of the total ions of PM_(2.5) and PM_(10) both inside and outside the cave.The total ions inside the cave were frequently affected by the disturbance of tourists'activities during the peak tourist season from May to August.Under the influence of dust,the total concentrations of Cl-,SO2-4,Na+,NH+4,and Ca2+in particles of different sizes inside and outside the cave increased,and the concentrations of Cl-,SO2-4,Na+,and Ca2+decreased during precipitation period.Backward air mass trajectory analysis suggested that the pollutants were mainly from Xinjiang,China.The pollutant sources of air particulates are straw burning,secondary pollution sources,soil dust,dry spring rivers,and tourist activities.

Effects of Coordinate Rotation on Turbulent Flux Measurements during Wintertime Haze Pollution in Beijing, China

Eddy-covariance observations from the Beijing 325-m meteorological tower are used to evaluate the effects of coordinate rotation on the turbulent exchange of momentum and scalars during wintertime haze pollution(January-February 2013). Two techniques are used in the present evaluation; namely, the natural wind coordinate(NWC) and the planar fit coordinate(PFC), with the latter being applied by means of two methods for linear regression(i.e., overall and sector-wise). The different techniques show a general agreement in both turbulent fluxes and transport efficiencies, especially evident at the lower, 140-m level above the ground(compared to the higher, 280-m level), perhaps implying that the selection of a technique for coordinate rotation(NWC or PFC) is less of a concern for a sufficiently low level, despite the complexities of urban terrain. Additionally, sector-wise regression is a recommended approach for practical application of the PFC in a complex urban environment subjected to particulate pollution, because this method is found to produce a better correlation between the mean vertical velocity at the 140- and 280-m heights.

A Clean Technology for Future Prospective: Emission Modeling of Gas Based Power Plant

The aim of present research is to study the dispersion of air pollutants using the air quality model, AERMOD and to predict the impact of pollutants (PM10, NO2 and CO) at the receptor level released from Gas Based Power Plant (GBPP). The net-concentrations including monitored data plus predicted values of PM10, NO2 and CO would be increased from base value 75 to 77.61 μg/m3 with an increase of 3.48%, 22 to 26.66 μg/m3 with an increase of 21.18% and 428 to 538.37 μg/m3 with an increase of 25.79% respectively. The study of hill effect showed that it had profound impact upon the dispersion of pollutants and the ratio (with hill and without hill) of each pollutant was 3.89 for PM10 (24 hr), 2.40 for NO2 (24 hr) and 13.98 for CO (1 hr). The natural gas based plant not only decreases the pollution level but also reduces the hospital treatment cost and protects the public health. The modeling results suggest that the GBPP could be a clean technology as replacement of coal power plants located in the city which pollute the environment considerably in spite of control measures installed.

Potential particulate pollution derived from UV-induced degradation of odorous dimethyl sulfide

UV-induced degradation of odorous dimethyl sulfide （DMS） was carried out in a static White cell chamber with UV irradiation. The combination of in situ Fourier transform infrared （FT-IR） spectrometer, gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer （GC-MS）, wide-range particle spectrometer （WPS） technique, filter sampling and ion chromatographic （IC） analysis was used to monitor the gaseous and potential particulate products. During 240 min of UV irradiation, the degradation efficiency of DMS attained 20.9%, and partially oxidized sulfur-containing gaseous products, such as sulfur dioxide （SO2）, carbonyl sulfide （OCS）, dimethyl sulfoxide （DMSO）, dimethyl sulfone （DMSO2） and dimethyl disulfide （DMDS） were identified by in situ FT-IR and GC-MS analysis, respectively. Accompanying with the oxidation of DMS, suspended particles were directly detected to be formed by WPS techniques. These particles were measured mainly in the size range of accumulation mode, and increased their count median diameter throughout the whole removal process. IC analysis of the filter samples revealed that methanesulfonic acid （MSA）, sulfuric acid （H2SO4） and other unidentified chemicals accounted for the major non-refractory compositions of these particles. Based on products analysis and possible intermediates formed, the degradation pathways of DMS were proposed as the combination of the O（1D）- and the OH- initiated oxidation mechanisms. A plausible formation mechanism of the suspended particles was also analyzed. It is concluded that UV-induced degradation of odorous DMS is potentially a source of particulate pollutants in the atmosphere.

Particulate matter pollution in Kunshan High-Tech zone： Source apportionment with trace elements, plume evolution and its monitoring

Particulate matter （PM} in the Kunshan High-Tech zone is studied during a three-month campaign. PM and trace elements are measured by the online pollution monitoring, forecast-warning and source term retrieval system AS3. Hourly measured concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and 16 trace elements in the PM2.5 section （Ca, Pb, Cu, C1, V, Cr, Fe, Ti, Mn, Ni, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Sr, Ba） are focused. Source apportionment of trace elements by Positive Matrix Factorization modeling indicates that there are five major sources, including dust, industrial processing, traffic, combustion, and sea salt with contribution rate of 23.68%, 21.66%, 14.30%, 22.03%, and 6.89%, respectively. Prediction ofptume dispersion from concrete plant and traffic emissions shows that PM20 pollution of concrete plant is three orders of magnitude more than that of the traffic. The influence range can extend to more than 3 km in 1 hr. Because the footprint of the industrial plumes is constantly moving according to the local meteorological conditions, the fixed monitoring sites scattered in a few hundred meters haven＇t captured the heaviest pollution plume at the local scale of a few km2. As a more intensive monitoring network is not operationally possible, the use of online modeling gives accurate and quantitative information of plume location, which increases the spatial pollution monitoring capacity and improves the understanding of measurement data. These results indicate that the development of the AS3 system, which combines monitoring equipment and air pollution modeling systems, is beneficial to the real-time pollution monitoring in the industrial zone.

Impact of meteorological conditions on a nine-day particulate matter pollution event observed in December 2013,Shanghai,China

A severe particulate matter pollution event occurred in Shanghai from 1 to 9 December 2013. The mean hourly mass concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were 211.9 and 249.0 μg/m3, respectively. Reanalysis data, in situ, and remote-sensing measurements were used to examine the impacts of meteorological conditions on this event. It was found that the synoptic pattern of weak pressure, the reduced planetary boundary layer height, and the passage of two cold fronts were key factors causing the event. Four stages were identified during this event based on the evolution of its PM2.5 levels and weather conditions. The highest concentration of PM2.5 （602 μg/m3） was observed in stage 3. High PM2.5 concentrations were closely associated with a low local ventilation index, with an average of 505 m2/s, as well as with the influx of pollutants from upstream, transported by the cold fronts.

Influences of Meteorological Conditions on Interannual Variations of Particulate Matter Pollution during Winter in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Area

To investigate the interannual variations of particulate matter （PM） pollution in winter, this paper examines the pollution characteristics of PM with aerodynamic diameters of less than 2.5 and 10 μm （i.e., PM2.5 and PM10）, and their relationship to meteorological conditions over the Beijing municipality, Tianjin municipality, and Hebei Province--an area called Jing-Jin-Ji （JJJ, hereinafter）-in December 2013-16. The meteorological conditions during this period are also analyzed. The regional average concentrations of PM2.5 （PM10） over the JJJ area during this period were 148.6 （236.4）, 100.1 （166.4）, 140.5 （204.5）, and 141.7 （203.1） μg m^-3, respectively. The high occurrence frequencies of cold air outbreaks, a strong Siberian high, high wind speeds and boundary layer height, and low temperature and relative humidity, were direct meteorological causes of the low PM concentration in December 2014. A combined analysis of PM pollution and meteorological conditions implied that control measures have resulted in an effective improvement in air quality. Using the same emissions inventory in December 2013-16, a modeling analysis showed emissions of PM2.5 to decrease by 12.7%, 8.6%, and 8.3% in December 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively, each compared with the previous year, over the JJJ area.

Photochemical properties and source of pollutants during continuous pollution episodes in Beijing, October, 2011

Beijing suffered from serious air pollution in October, 2011 with the occurrence of three continuous episodes. Here we analyze the pollution status of particulate matter, the relationship between the gaseous pollutants, physical and chemical properties of single particles, and the profile of water-soluble ions in PM2.5 during the three episodes. Regional and photochemically aged air masses, which were characterized as having high values of O3 and SO2, were hypothesized to have played a dominant role in the first episode. After mixing local air masses with freshly-emitted primary pollutants, the concentration of NOx continued to increase and the size of SO42-, NO3- and NH4＋ in the particle population continued to become smaller. The amount of elemental carbon-rich and organic carbonrich particles in the scaled single particles （0.2-2 μm） and water-soluble K＋ in PM2.s also increased in the episodes. All the available information suggests that the biomass or fuel burning sources in or around Beijing may have had a huge impact on the last two episodes.

Performance evaluation on the pollution control against wet weather overflow based on on-site coagulation/flocculation in terminal drainage pipes

The pollution caused by wet weather overflow in urban drainage systems is a main factor causing blackening an odorization of urban rivers.The conventional overflow treatment based on coagulation/flocculation in terminal drainage systems requires relatively large space and long retention time demand that makes it not applicable in crowded urban drainage systems or under heavy rains.On-site coagulation/flocculation in terminal drainage pipes was proposed in this study which was aimed to transfer the coagulation/flocculation process to the inside of pipes at the terminal drainage system to save space and reduce the retention time of the coagulation/flocculation process.The optimized dose of chemicals was studied first which was 80 mg/L of coagulant and 0.8 mg/L of flocculant.Settling for only 5 min can remove most of the pollutants at 406.5 m of transmission distance.In addition,the relation of wet weather overflow rate and concentration of pollution load on the on-site coagulation/flocculation process was investigated,which indicated that high removal of pollutant was gained at a large range of flow velocity and pollutant concentration.Finally,the study confirmed electric neutralization,bridging,and net capture as the major mechanisms in this process,and further optimization was proposed.The proposed process can reduce much turbidity,chemical oxygen demand,and total phosphorous,but hardly remove soluble ammonia and organics.This work provides scientific guidance to address wet weather overflow in terminal drainage pipes.

Chemical characterization of fine and ultrafine PM, direct and indirect genotoxicity of PM and their organic extracts on pulmonary cells

Particulate matter in ambient air constitutes a complex mixture of fine and ultrafine particles composed of various chemical compounds including metals, ions, and organics. A multidisciplinary approach was developed by studying physico-chemical characteristics and mechanisms involved in the toxicity of particulate atmospheric pollution. PM0.3-2.s and PM2.5 including ultrafine particles were sampled in Dunkerque, a French industrialized seaside city. PM samples were characterized from a chemical and toxicological point of view. Physico-chemical characterization evidenced that PM2.5 comes from several sources： natural ones, such as soil resuspension and marine sea-salt emissions, as well as anthropogenic ones, such as shipping traffic, road traffic, and industrial activities. Human BEAS-2B tung cells were exposed to PM0.3-2.5, or to the Extractable Organic Matter （EOM） of PM0.3-2.5 and PM2.s. These exposures induced several mechanisms of action implied in the genotoxicity, such as oxidative DNA adducts and DNA Damage Response. The toxicity of PM-EOM was higher for the sample including the ultrafine fraction （PM2.5） containing also higher concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These results evidenced the major role of organic compounds in the toxicity of PM.

Online monitoring of water-soluble ionic composition of PM_(10)during early summer over Lanzhou City

Lanzhou is one of the most aerosol-polluted cities in China. In this study, an online analyzer for Monitoring for AeRosols and GAses was deployed to measure major water-soluble inorganic ions in PM10 at 1-hour time resolution, and 923 samples were obtained from Apr 1 to May 24, 2011. During the field campaign, air pollution days were encountered with Air Quality Index more than 100 and daily average concentration of PM10 exceeding 150 itg/m3. Based on the variation of water-soluble ions and results of Positive Matrix Factorization 3.0 model execution, the air pollution days were classified as crustal species- or secondary aerosol-induced, and the different formation mechanisms of these two air pollution types were studied. During the crustal species pollution days, the content of Ca2＋ increased and was about 2.3 times higher than the average on clear days, and the air parcel back trajectory was used to analyze the sources of crustal species. Data on sulfate, trace gases and meteorological factors were used to reveal the formation mechanism of secondary aerosol pollution. The sulfur oxidation ratio （SOR） was derived from the 923 samples, and the SOR had high positive correlation with relative humidity in early summer in Lanzhou.

Nitrogenous and carbonaceous aerosols in PM_(2.5) and TSP during pre-monsoon:Characteristics and sources in the highly polluted mountain valley

This study reports for the first time a comprehensive analysis of nitrogenous and carbona-ceous aerosols in simultaneously collected PM_(2.5) and TSP during pre-monsoon(March-May 2018)from a highly polluted urban Kathmandu Valley(KV)of the Himalayan foothills.The mean mass concentration of PM_(2.5)(129.8 μg/m^(3))was only-25%of TSP mass(558.7 μg/m^(3))indicating the dominance of coarser mode aerosols.However,the mean concentration as well as fractional contributions of water-soluble total nitrogen(WSTN)and carbonaceous species reveal their predominance in find-mode aerosols.The mean mass concentration of WSTN was 17.43±4.70 μg/m^(3)(14%)in PM_(2.5) and 24.64±8.07 μg/m^(3)(5%)in TSP.Moreover,the fractional contribution of total carbonaceous aerosols(TCA)is much higher in PM_(2.5)(~34%)than that in TSP(~20%).The relatively low OC/EC ratio in PM_(2.5)(3.03±1.47)and TSP(4.64±1.73)suggests fossil fuel combustion as the major sources of carbonaceous aerosols with contributions from secondary organic aerosols.Five-day air mass back trajectories sim-ulated with the HYSPLIT model,together with MODIS fire counts indicate the influence of local emissions as well as transported pollutants from the Indo-Gangetic Plain region to the south of the Himalayan foothills.Principal component analysis(PCA)also suggests a mixed contribution from other local anthropogenic,biomass burning,and crustal sources.Our re-sults highlight that it is necessary to control local emissions as well as regional transport while designing mitigation measures to reduce the KV's air pollution.

Variation of PM_(2.5) concentration in Hangzhou,China

This observational study investigates the variation of PM2.5 concentration and its ratio against PM10 concentration under different weather systems and pollution types. The study was conducted in Hangzhou on east China＇s Yangtze River Delta using data collected at seven ambient air quality monitoring stations around the metropolitan area between 2006 and 2008 and using weather information in the same period. Nine predominant weather systems affecting the city were classified through careful analysis of the 11- year surface and upper air weather charts from 1996 to 2006. Each observational day was then assigned to one of the nine weather systems. It was found that the PM2.5 concentration varied greatly for different weather systems, with the highest PM2.5 concentration associated with the post-cold-frontal system at 0.091 mg/m^3 and the lowest PM2.5 concentration with the easterlies system at 0.038 mg/m^3, although the PM2.5/PM10 ratio remained consistently above 0.5 for all systems. The post-cold-frontal system typically occurs in autumn and winter while the easterlies system is more a summer phenomenon. Among all types of pollution, the highest PM2.5 concentration of 0.117 mg/m^3 coincided with the large-scale continuous pollution events, suggesting that this type of pollution was more conducive to the formation of secondary particulate matters. The ratio of PM2.5/PM10 was above 0.5 in non-pollution days and all pollution types but one under the influence of dust storms when the ratio decreased to 0.3 or less. The outcomes of this study could be used to develop a rudimental predictive model of PM2.5 concentration based on weather system and pollution type.

Large inter annual variation in air quality during the annual festival ‘Diwali' in an Indian megacity

A network of air quality and weather monitoring stations was established under the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research（SAFAR） project in Delhi. We report observations of ozone（O_3）, nitrogen oxides（NO_x）, carbon monoxide（CO） and particulate matter（PM_2.5and PM_（10）） before, during and after the Diwali in two consecutive years, i.e., November 2010 and October 2011. The Diwali days are characterised by large firework displays throughout India. The observations show that the background concentrations of particulate matter are between 5 and 10 times the permissible limits in Europe and the United States. During the Diwali-2010, the highest observed PM_（10） and PM_2.5mass concentration is as high as2070 μg/m^3 and 1620 μg/m3, respectively（24 hr mean）, which was about 20 and 27 times to National Ambient Air Quality Standards（NAAQS）. For Diwali-2011, the increase in PM_（10） and PM_2.5mass concentrations was much less with their peaks of 600 and of 390 μg/m^3 respectively, as compared to the background concentrations. Contrary to previous reports,firework display was not found to strongly influence the NO_x, and O_3 mixing ratios, with the increase within the observed variability in the background. CO mixing ratios showed an increase. We show that the large difference in 2010 and 2011 pollutant concentrations is controlled by weather parameters.