Correlation Study between Components of Suspended Particulate Matter

Continuous measurements of the number concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and PM₁₀ (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 mum) mass concentration of the highly polluted urban environment aerosols were performed in Beijing 2006, including the simultaneous measurements of NO₂, SO₂ and black carbon (BC) concentration. The high number concentrations of SPM were observed in the morning (7-9 a.m.) and in the evening (after 10 p.m.). The number concentration correlates with the NO₂, SO₂ and black carbon (BC) concentration, which indicates that one main parts of aerosol particles for the monitored site in Beijing may be vehicular emission, but also domestic heating use of fossil fuels in winter cannot be neglected. On the other hand, all the instruments used in the present study are based on different measurement principles, the consistent measured results allow the proper evaluation of the current level of air pollution.