Factors affecting recent PM2.5 concentrations in China and South Korea from 2016 to 2020

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163524
• Publication Date: 2023-04-18T00:27:00Z
• Authors: Yesol Cha; Chang-Keun Song; Kwon-ho Jeon; Seung-Muk Yi
• Keywords: Chemical Transport Model; Emission inventory

This study used observational data and a chemical transport model to investigate the contributions of several factors recent change in air quality China South Korea from 2016 2020. We focused on analysis, which could reflect annual trend emission reduction adjust existing amounts apply it into model. The observation showed that particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations during winter 2020 decreased by -23.4 % (-14.68 μg/m3) - 19.5 (-5.73 respectively, compared with 2016. Meteorological changes, national plan for long-term target, unexpected events (i.e., Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) newly introduced special countermeasures 2020) are considered major may affect quality. impact different meteorological conditions PM2.5 was assessed conducting simulations fixing amounts; results indicated changes +7.6 (+4.77 + 9.7 (+2.87 Korea, Due pre-defined control policies implemented both countries, concentration significantly 2016-2020 (-26.0 %; -16.32 (-9.1 -2.69 μg/m3). COVID-19 outbreak caused decrease another -5.0 (-3.13 In season policy, 2020, pandemic have contributed -19.5 (-5.92 concentrations.