Simultaneous Measurements of Chemical Compositions of Fine Particles during Winter Haze Period in Urban Sites in China and Korea

Abstract

We performed simultaneous measurements of chemical compositions of fine particles in Beijing, China and Gwangju, Korea to better understand their sources during winter haze period. We identified PM2.5 events in Beijing, possibly caused by a combination of multiple primary combustion sources (biomass burning, coal burning, and vehicle emissions) and secondary aerosol formation under stagnant conditions and/or dust sources under high wind speeds. During the PM2.5 events in Gwangju, the contribution of biomass burning and secondary formation of nitrate and organics to the fine particles content significantly increased under stagnant conditions. We commonly observed the increases of nitrogen-containing organic compounds and biomass burning inorganic (K+) and organic (levoglucosan) markers, suggesting the importance of biomass burning sources during the winter haze events (except dust event cases) at both sites. Pb isotope ratios indicated that the fraction of Pb originated from possibly industry and coal combustion sources increased during the PM2.5 events in Gwangju, relative to nonevent days.