Publications

Wang, CL; Jiang, H; Pan, DL; Lu, XH; Wang, YX; Zhang, SQ; Xu, JH (2016). A key study on spatial source distribution of PM2.5 based on the airflow trajectory model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REMOTE SENSING, 37(24), 5864-5883.

Abstract
Most methods and technologies on particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 mu m (PM2.5) source apportionment are carried out from the microscopic view with a focus on its chemistry composition. This research is an attempt to analyse the influence of airflow motion on the emission, transport, diffusion, and dissipation of PM2.5 particles, and explore spatial source distribution at the macro view in the Pearl River Delta (PRD). Spatial source distribution can be achieved through combining the temporal and spatial distribution of satellite-based PM concentration with the Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model. This research first retrieves high-resolution ground-level PM2.5 concentrations based on the latest Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aerosol product (MOD04/MYD04, 3 km, C006), using an improved semi-empirical model. Then an approach based on the HYSPLIT model is proposed to identify spatial source distribution and it is applied to a typical incident as an example. Further analysis is applied to all typical incidents that occurred in 2013 in the PRD. Verification results of satellite-based PM2.5 show this method has an improved precision (r = 0.76, N = 701, RMSE = 18.49 mu g m(-3)) over a model, which only conducts humidity correction and vertical correction (r = 0.67, N = 701, RMSE = 20.24 mu g m(-3)). An analysis of the incident that occurred between 5 March 2013 and 10 March 2013 shows that the high PM2.5 concentrations in this incident came from local sources. Local circulation extended the polluted range and clear air blowing from the southern sea was the key external reason for a reduction from the high concentration. Further statistical results of all of the typical events occurring in 2013 demonstrate that the main cause of high concentrations of PM2.5 particles is primarily from local sources and regional transport. There was no obvious extra-regional source. This is different from other heavily haze-polluted areas (Jing-Jin-Tang district (JJT), Yangtze River Delta (YRD)) in China. The result of our study could play an important role in the future work about regional joint governance.

DOI:
10.1080/01431161.2016.1251628

ISSN:
0143-1161