Analysis of Chemical Components of Fine Particulate Matter Observed at Fukuoka, Japan, in Spring 2020 and Their Transport Paths

Abstract

Focusing on the components of fine particulate matter, i.e., PM2.5, we have analyzed the factors that led to the high concentrations of each chemical component in PM2.5 during our observations in Fukuoka, Japan in spring 2020. The backward trajectory showed that air masses reached Fukuoka via the Yellow Sea and the southern part of South Korea when PM2.5 and each chemical component were high in concentrations. On the other hand, diurnal variations in ozone were also observed, suggesting that both transboundary and local air pollution are involved. Air masses reached the southern part of the Kyushu region when only sulfate concentrations were high. A volcano eruption led the high sulfate concentration. When only polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations were high, air masses often reached the northern part of Kyushu, indicating that there may be a specific local source for PAHs.