Impact of Chinese air pollutants on a record-breaking PMs episode in the Republic of Korea for 11–15 January 2019. (15th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oh, Hye-Ryun; Ho, Chang-Hoi; Koo, Youn-Seo; Baek, Kwan-Gu; Yun, Hui-Young; Hur, Sun-Kyong; Choi, Dae-Ryun; Jhun, Jong-Ghap; Shim, Jae-Seol
• Is Part Of: Atmospheric environment. Volume 223(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02-15
• Subjects: Transboundary air pollutant -- PMs -- Source contribution -- CAMx-PSAT; Air -- Pollution -- Periodicals; Air -- Pollution -- Meteorological aspects -- Periodicals; 551.51
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117262
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-2310

Abstract

Abstract: A record-breaking episode of highly concentrated particulate matter (PM) with diameters ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5 ) and ≤10 μm (PM10 ) occurred in the Republic of Korea during the period January 11–15, 2019: the hourly PM2.5 (PM10 ) in Seoul was 188 μg m −3 (262 μg m −3 ) on January 14. At the Baengnyeong and Socheongcho stations, located in the Yellow Sea between China and Korea, the hourly PM2.5 concentration reached up to 155 μg m −3 and 119.8 μg m −3, respectively, 16−19-h prior to this episode. This and the fact that the maximum PM10 concentration at Baengnyeong was 199 μg m −3 indicated a westerly transport of air pollutants. Satellite observations and 72-h back trajectory analysis clearly indicate that air pollutants from China flowed into Korea via the westerlies. According to contribution analysis using particulate matter source apportionment technology in the Comprehensive Air-quality Model with extension, air pollutants originating from northeastern China including Hebei and Shandong provinces were largely linked to the present record-breaking high concentration event in Seoul. This study will elucidate the mechanism of transboundary transport of air pollutants and help East Asian countries cooperate on air quality management. Highlights: The process responsible for the occurrence of a high PM case in Seoul during the period January 11–15, 2019 was examined. During the episode the hourly maximum PM concentration in Seoul showed a time lag from that of Baengnyeong and Socheongcho. Air pollutants originating from northeastern China were linked to the present record-breaking high concentration event.