Deposition of water-soluble inorganic ions in PM2.5 in a typical forestry system in Beijing, China

Abstract

Background: Rapid economic development in China has resulted in an increase in severe air pollution in city groups such as the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Metropolitan Region. PM2.5 (fine particles with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of 2.5 μm or less) is one of the most important pollutants. The deposition process is an important way of removing particles from the air. To evaluate the effect of an urban forest on atmospheric particle removal, a concentration gradient method was used to measure the deposition velocities of water-soluble inorganics in PM2.5 in two national forest parks in Beijing, China. The following eight water-soluble inorganic ions in PM2.5 were investigated: sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate. Methods: Samples were taken from two sites in Beijing from the 7th to the 15th May, 2013. The concentrations of water-soluble inorganic ions were analyzed with ion chromatography. We used the concentration gradient technique to estimate the deposition flux and velocity. To determine the relationships between leaf traits and particle accumulation, typical leaf samples from each selected species were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Results: The total deposition flux and total deposition velocity during the daytime were higher than those at night. Sulfate showed the biggest deposition flux and velocity at both study sites, whereas the other ions showed different trends at each site. Result from higher proportion of coniferous to broadleaved trees, the total deposition flux of the eight ions measured in Jiufeng National Forest Park was greater than that in Olympic Forest Park. Conclusions: The deposition velocity was affected by meteorological conditions such as wind speed, temperature, and humidity. The deposition velocity was also influenced by tree species. The surface of plants is an important factor influencing particle deposition. The results of this study may help in assessing the effects of forestry systems on particle removal and provide evidence for urban air pollution control and afforestation of urban areas.