image: Relative contributions of major sources to annual emissions of (A) PM>10, (B) PM2.5–10, (C) PM2.5, (D) BC, and (E) OC from 1960 to 2019. In addition to these listed explicitly, all other sources are summed up as others.
Credit: ©Science China Press
The health implications of particulate matter (PM) depend largely on its size and composition. Fine particles like PM2.5 (aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 μm) pose severe health risks, penetrating deep into the lungs and even entering the bloodstream. Over the last six decades, China has undergone a remarkable transformation in PM emissions driven by rapid industrialization and subsequent mitigation efforts.
A team led by Prof. Shu Tao from Peking University and Southern University of Science and Technology has quantified historical trends in emissions of different PM size fractions—PM2.5, PM2.5–10, and PM>10—as well as black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC). Their research, recently published in National Science Review, highlights both progress and challenges in China's fight against air pollution.
The study finds that total PM emissions follow an environmental Kuznets curve, peaking around 1995 when China’s GDP per capita was $1,023. However, finer PM fractions and carbonaceous components have increased as a result of shifts in industrial energy usage, advancements in dust-removal technologies, and the transition from solid fuels to cleaner energy in residential sectors.
"The fractions of fine PM like PM2.5 and its carbonaceous components are increasing," said Prof. Tao, "indicating the need for targeted control measures that go beyond simply reducing total emissions."
The research also delves into the evolution of PM compositions in major sectors, from residential biomass combustion to industrial coal usage. The results suggest that, while current mitigation strategies have successfully curtailed coarse PM emissions, the rising dominance of finer, more hazardous particles poses new challenges.
This comprehensive analysis provides a vital framework for improving air quality policies in rapidly industrializing nations. As the study demonstrates, a multi-faceted approach that integrates technological innovation, industrial restructuring, and sustainable energy transitions is essential for achieving cleaner skies.
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See the article:
Trends in the sizes and carbonaceous fractions of primary emitted particulate matter in China from 1960 to 2019
https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwaf003
Journal
National Science Review