Diurnal Variation of Atmospheric Aerosol Particles in the Phyllostachys heterocycla Forest in Spring

Taking the Phyllostachys heterocycla forest in Qishan National Forest Park of Fuzhou for example, this study observed the diurnal variation of atmospheric aerosol particles in the forest in the growing season.The results showed that:(1) The diurnal variation curves of the particle concentration of the forest and the forest edge had "two peaks and two troughs", but the peaks and troughs of the forest edge were advanced or delayed.The concentrations of the particles in the forest and at the forest edge had two peaks at 11:00–13:00 and 17:00–19:00 and two troughs at 7:00–9:00 and 15:00–17:00.(2) For the forest and the forest edge, the diurnal variation trends of the particles of different particle sizes were generally similar, except that the peaks and troughs of fine particles were slightly earlier or lagging than that of coarse particles.(3) The concentrations of the particles were positively correlated with temperature, humidity and light, and negatively correlated with wind speed, and the concentrations of the particles at the forest edge were significantly negatively correlated with wind speed.

Origin,evolution,and distribution of atmospheric aerosol particles in Asia

In recent years, Asia became the region with the highest increase in rate of urbanization and economic development in the world. According to recent estimates from the United Nations, the world population will increase 36% between 2000 and 2030, leading to a doubling of the number of urban dwellers in less developed regions, like Asia. Such rapid economic development has many associated environmental problems, including development of heavy aerosol pollution over Asia.

TOF–SIMS surface analysis of chemical components of size–fractioned urban aerosols in a typical heavy air pollution event in Beijing

Size–fractioned atmospheric aerosol particles were collected during a typical heavy air pollution event in Beijing. The organic and inorganic components on the surfaces of the samples were analyzed using time–of–flight secondary ion mass spectrometry（TOF–SIMS）.The variation characteristics of the surface chemical composition and influencing factors were studied, and the possible sources of these chemical compositions were identified through principal component analysis. The results showed that inorganic components such as crustal elements and sulfate, and organic components such as aliphatic hydrocarbons and oxygen–containing organic groups were present. Some surface components, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and fluorides may exert adverse effects on human health. The species and relative percentages of the chemical components varied with particle size, diurnal and pollution progress. During a heavy pollution event, the species and relative percentages of secondary components such as oxygen–containing organic groups and sulfurous compounds increased, indicating that particles aged during this event. The surface chemical composition of the aerosol particles was affected mainly by emissions from coal combustion and motor vehicles. In addition, air pollution, meteorological factors, and air mass transport also exerted a significant effect on the surface chemical composition of aerosol particles.

Origin of high particle number concentrations reaching the St. Louis, Midwest Supersite

Ultrafine particles are associated with adverse health effects. Total Particle Number Concentration（TNC） of fine particles were measured during 2002 at the St. Louis — Midwest supersite. The time series showed overall low level with frequent large peaks. The time series was analyzed alongside criteria pollutant measurements and meteorological observations. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify further contributing factors and to determine the association of different pollutants with TNC levels. This showed the strong contribution of sulfur dioxide（SO2） and nitrogen oxides（NO x） to high TNC levels. The analysis also suggested that increased dispersion resulting from faster winds and higher mixing heights led to higher TNC levels. Overall, the results show that there were intense particle nucleation events in a SO2 rich plume reaching the site which contributed around 29% of TNC. A further 40% was associated with primary emissions from mobile sources. By separating the remaining TNC by time of day and clear sky conditions,we suggest that most likely 8% of TNC are due to regional nucleation events and 23% are associated with the general urban background.