Unveiling the spatial and sectoral characteristics of a high-resolution emission inventory of air pollutants in Shaanxi during 2017-2020

Abstract

Abstract With the implementation of the ultra-low emission policy in China, the pollutant emission factors (EFs) of industrial enterprises have changed greatly. The emission inventory prepared using the proposed EF has a high degree of uncertainty and is difficult to achieve a high temporal resolution. In 2017, based on the continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS), detailed emission data of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) were obtained from industrial enterprises in Shaanxi Province. These data are used to prepare hourly emission inventories and to design the latest EF for typical industries. The emissions of SO2, NOx and PM usually reach the ultra-low emission limit. The total emissions of SO2, NOx and PM are 1826 tons, 3771 tons and 412tons respectively. The emissions of SO2, NOx and PM show similar monthly changes, reaching peak values in winter and summer. SO2, NOx and PM emissions show similar monthly changes. Weekend night emissions are higher than working days. EFs based on CEMS are one or two orders of magnitude lower than EF. The new emission inventory and updated EF enable us to better understand the uncertainty caused by the over estimation of EF after the implementation of the temporary ultra-low emission technology.