ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Size Distribution of Atmospheric Particulates
and Pb Concentrations in TSP During
the Cold-Weather Heating Period
Yuyan Liu1, Cheng Liu1, Yaxing Shen1, Fangfang Tian1, Haofeng Liu2, Fengshan Shi1
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1Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Changji University,
Changji, Xinjiang 831100, China
2Changji Environmental Monitoring Station,
Xinjiang Changji 831100, China
Submission date: 2015-10-20
Final revision date: 2015-12-05
Acceptance date: 2015-12-05
Publication date: 2016-01-25
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2016;25(1):205-212
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ABSTRACT
We collected and analyzed atmospheric particulates in Changji, China, in order to investigate size distribution
of atmospheric particulates and Pb concentrations in TSP during cold-weather heating periods. The
results indicated that during such periods, contamination increased as particle size decreased. As compared
with the non-heating period, the concentrations of atmospheric particulates were relatively higher during
the heating period. The concentrations of TSP, PM10, PM5, and PM2.5 had two peaks during this time. Coal
combustion and meteorological variables – especially temperature – could be the main contributing factors.
The size distribution of atmospheric particulates had certain regularity. The ratio of atmospheric particulates
with size under 2.5 μm in TSP first increased and then decreased during the heating period. Atmospheric
particulates with size between 2.5 to 5, 5 to 10, and 10 to 100 μm in TSP had the same change trend of first
decreasing and then increasing. The change in the Pb trend was contrary to the temperature during the heating
period, which may be caused by the fact that as temperature decreased, the intensity of coal combustion
for heating increased, which emitted a lot of Pb. Conducting this study plays a significant role in prevention
and control of atmospheric pollution and ecological environmental protection.