Research on the Physicochemical Properties of Fine Particulate Matter in Changchun, Northeast China

Abstract Objective: Air particulate matter concentrations in Changchun City, Jilin Province, may change around the autumn heating day. The aim of this study was to provide data references for environmental protection, detection and regulation in Changchun. Methods: Atmospheric particulate matter samples were collected using an airborne particulate matter sampler on the roof top of the Civil Engineering Teaching Hall on the campus of Jilin University of Construction; free settling dust of Atmospheric particulate matter was collected using metal trays. Atmospheric particulate matter concentrations were analysed by manual detection methods (weight method), carbonaceous fractions by total organic carbon analyser, and atmospheric fallout material composition and crystal structure by XRD diffractometer. The physicochemical properties of fine particulate matter around the autumn heating day in Changchun were investigated. Conclusions: (1) The daily average concentrations of various types of atmospheric particulate matter PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 generally increased after the start of the heating period. However, air quality is influenced by a combination of meteorological factors, of which emissions of air pollutants from urban heat generating plants during the heating period is only one aspect. So there is a situation where the average daily concentration of atmospheric particulate matter is lower after heating than before. (2) Analysis of the atmospheric its particulate matter PM2.5 samples collected around the heating day showed that the daily average concentrations of organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) of atmospheric its particulate matter PM2.5 increased significantly after the heating day. (3) There was no significant difference in the main components of atmospheric dust fall before and after the heating day in Changchun, with the main components being crystalline SiO2 and a small Number of impurities.